A Christian Non-Dualism: A Trinitarian Relational Ontology Illustrated Through the Spider-Man Analogy

The theological terrain I’ve offered here through the Bot’s influence gives plethora of views on existence, God, and their intricate interplay. Primary, however, is a kind of non-dualism, a perspective that transcends traditional binaries, suggesting a deep-seated interconnectedness of all. By juxtaposing Christian theology with the Spider-Man analogy, this essay delves into a distinct Christian non-dualism, anchored in a relational ontology, expounding on the Divine Existential Unity (DEU) principle’s implications. 

The concept of non-dualism, while not explicitly named in the Bible, resonates with the scriptural theme of God’s omnipresence and the interconnectedness of His creation. The Apostle Paul, in Acts 17:28, states, “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” This verse underscores the profound interconnectedness between God and His creation, also illustrating the Divine Existential Unity (DEU) principle, which is all about relation on the deepest and most general level.

The Essence of Non-dualism

Central to non-dualism is the assertion that distinctions between the subject and object, or the creator and the created, are not absolute. Everything is interwoven, forming a cohesive whole, challenging the conventional dualistic stance that posits God and creation as distinct. In contestX the essence of this non-dualism resonates with the Relational Ontology principled throughout my system, attempting to underscore the interconnected fabric of existence.

Spider-Man: A Modern Parable

Spider-Man’s narrative serves as an apt parable for this interconnectedness. His web-crafting prowess symbolizes structures that, while separate from him, are inherently linked to his identity. These webs, autonomous in their existence, remain tethered to Spider-Man, mirroring his essence. In a parallel manner, God’s creation, though distinct, is deeply intertwined with His essence, aligning with the Principle of Interval Relational Being.

While Spider-Man is a modern fictional character, the Bible is replete with parables and metaphors that convey spiritual truths. Just as Spider-Man’s webs are extensions of his identity, so too are we, as creations, extensions of God’s essence in this parable sense that is not merely metaphorical. As stated in Genesis 1:27, “God created mankind in His own image,” aligning with the Principle of Interval Relational Being. We’ll explore this relatedness-in-asymmetry more below.

Relational Ontology: Beyond Dualism

Christian non-dualism, interpreted through a relational ontology, accentuates the interconnected fabric of all entities. This view perceives every entity, concept, or being as nestled within a nexus (“web”) of relationships. These aren’t mere links but signify profound bonds, echoing the essence of the entities they connect. This intricate network of relationships is reminiscent of the webs Spider-Man crafts, symbolizing the deep connection between the Creator and His creation, echoing the Trinitarian Relational Dynamics principle.

The biblical narrative, especially in the New Testament, emphasizes relationships – with God, with others, and with oneself. Jesus’ two greatest commandments, to love God and to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39), underscore the interconnected fabric of all entities. This intricate network of relationships mirrors the Trinitarian Relational Dynamics principle, emphasizing the deep connection between the Creator and His creation.

Eriugena’s Non-dualism: An Illustrative Parallel

John Scottus Eriugena’s non-dualism, which underscores the unity of God and creation, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding interconnectedness. However, the relational ontology delineated here, while recognizing this profound interconnectedness, upholds a clear demarcation between God and creation. This distinction is anchored in an asymmetrical relationship, acknowledging God as the prime mover and sustainer, with creation being contingent upon His will. This view contrasts with Eriugena’s, aligning more with the Principle of Divine Dynamic Actuality (DDA).

While Eriugena’s non-dualism offers a rich theological framework, the Bible maintains a distinction between God and creation. Colossians 1:16-17 states, “For in Him all things were created… and in Him all things hold together,” aligning with the Principle of Divine Dynamic Actuality (DDA), emphasizing God’s active involvement in the world.

The Asymmetry of Divine Relationships

Interconnectedness is paramount, the inherent asymmetry in the relationship between God and creation cannot be overlooked. There seems paradox here but the relational context gives us a both/and set of terms. This asymmetry is mirrored in the Spider-Man analogy, where Spider-Man, as the web’s architect, exercises control over them, while the webs remain reliant on him.

On one hand, the closer one is modeled after God the truer they are like an extension of God, just like the web shooter and webs. What is Spider-Man if he is not the web-headed webslinger!? (According to John Jonah Jamison Jr..) Similarly we are like extension of God’s essence in the ambiguity of truth and knowledge, rather than as God directly.

In Christian theology, the belief is that humans are created in the “image and likeness” of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that humans reflect certain attributes or characteristics of God, such as the capacity for love, reason, morality, and creativity. However, this does not mean that humans are divine or possess the fullness of God’s nature.

Being made in the image of God gives humans a unique dignity and value, but it does not equate them with God. God is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, while humans are finite, temporal, and mutable. The Creator-creation distinction is foundational in Christian theology.

In essence, while humans may reflect certain aspects of God’s nature and have a special relationship with Him, they remain distinct from God and are not divine. And yet, metaphysically there is another handedness where people are deeply connected in this act of love and freedom. There is more than a logical connection here, it is also transcendental.

The biblical narrative, especially in the Old Testament, emphasizes God’s sovereignty over His creation. Job 38-41, where God answers Job out of the whirlwind, underscores this asymmetry, highlighting God’s mastery over creation, and yet he speaks, he exhausts time to answer Job without ever answering Job to complete human satisfaction. There’s wisdom here but on the side of God.

The Trinity: Unity in Diversity

The Trinitarian nature of God provides profound insights into Christian non-dualism. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct in their relational identities, are unified in essence and purpose. This unity, highlighted in the Perichoretic Unity Proposition (PUP), showcases the co-inherence of the divine Persons, emphasizing the Trinitarian Relational Dynamics principle.

The doctrine of the Trinity, while complex, is foundational to Christian theology. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct yet one, reflect the Trinitarian Relational Dynamics principle. Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:16-17 showcases this unity in diversity, with the Spirit descending like a dove and the Father’s voice from heaven.

Divine Providence: The Sustaining Force

Divine Providence underscores God’s active role in the world. Analogous to Spider-Man traversing the city using his webs, God, through His providence, steers and nurtures creation, ensuring alignment with His divine blueprint. This ever-present guiding force upholds the integrity and purpose of the web of existence, resonating with the Principle of Divine Dynamic Actuality (DDA).

Intrinsic Intentionality: Crafting with Purpose

The Intrinsic Intentionality Principle (IIP) delves into the profound depth of intentionality in basic action, emphasizing the inseparable bond between an agent’s inherent nature, its capability to act, and its intentional expression. This principle aligns with the Participatory Metaphysics principle, highlighting the profound bond between the Creator and the created.

Conclusion

Christian non-dualism, illuminated through the Spider-Man analogy and insights from Christian theology, presents a rejuvenated perspective on the nature of existence. This perspective, challenging conventional dichotomies, underscores the profound interconnectedness of all entities. The intricate web of relationships, characterized by relational ontology, signifies the deep bond between the Creator and the created. Through this lens, we are beckoned to delve deeper into the enigmas of existence, unraveling the profound bond that binds all entities, reiterating the principles of Divine Existential Unity (DEU) and Relational Ontology.

Speculative Synthesis

The above implies a model of the mixed relations where the relationship with the Trinity is not merely logical. So the following terms help give a speculative framework to how this would work.

The Divine Relational Essence (DRE) can serve as a foundational framework to synthesize the mixed relation concept implied in the article above. Here’s how (again, speculatively):

1. Relational Ontology and DRE: At its core, the DRE emphasizes a relational ontology, which is the idea that existence is fundamentally relational. This aligns with the mixed relation concept, suggesting that everything is interconnected and that the distinctions between entities (like the Creator and the created) are not absolute but are defined by their relationships.
2. Asymmetry in Divine Relationships: The DRE underscores the profound relational dynamics within the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This Trinitarian framework can help elucidate the inherent asymmetry in the relationship between God and creation. Just as the three Persons of the Trinity are distinct yet share the same divine essence, there’s a distinctiveness yet interconnectedness between God and His creation.
3. Act and Being in DRE: The DRE’s emphasis on “act” and “being” can further illuminate the mixed relation concept. The full and immediate realization of all potentialities (act) within the divine essence, and the foundational act of being, can be seen as central to all existence. This aligns with the idea that God’s relationship with creation is active and dynamic, not static.
4. Harmonizing Divine Simplicity and Trinity: The DRE serves as a bridge between the idea of Divine Simplicity (God as an undivided unity) and the Trinity (God as three distinct Persons). This harmonization can provide insights into the mixed relation concept, emphasizing that while God is one in essence, His relationship with creation is multifaceted and complex.
5. Relational Dynamics of God’s Existence: The DRE’s focus on the relational dynamics of God’s existence can help in understanding the mixed relation concept. It emphasizes God’s active engagement with creation, showcasing His profound love and commitment, and how creation, in turn, relates back to God.
6. Incorporating the Spider-Man Analogy: Just as Spider-Man’s webs are extensions of him yet distinct, the DRE can be used to explain how creation is an extension of God’s relational essence yet remains distinct. The webs symbolize the structures of existence that, while separate, are inherently linked to their source.

In essence, the Divine Relational Essence (DRE) provides a robust theological framework that can help synthesize and elucidate the mixed relation concept implied in the article. By emphasizing the relational nature of existence and the dynamic interplay between the divine and the created, the DRE offers profound insights into the nature of God and His relationship with creation.