A line is not fully distinct from a point. It is more than a point but still includes all that is a point. A point has neither height nor width. A line has width.
A square is not fully distinct from a line but it is nevertheless more than a line. A square exists in a two dimensional reality made up of an infinite numbers of both lines and points oriented by height and width. A two dimensional figure like a square is more than a line but is not altogether different from what a line is for there could be no squares without lines.
A cube is not fully distinct from a square but is nevertheless more than a square. A cube exists in a three dimensional reality oriented by width, height, and also by breadth. A three dimensional figure like a cube is more than a square but is not altogether distinct from what a square is for there could be no cubes without squares. No squares without lines. No Lines without points.
As reality becomes more dimensionally complex the higher orders of reality are greater than the lower realities while still encompassing all that the lower realities include.
What if spiritual reality is simply the next step up in this order? What if heavenly reality encompasses width, height, and breadth while adding another dimension that we cannot possibly conceive of with senses designed to perceive solely within a world of three dimensions? What if the difficulty in conceiving of this spiritual reality can be compared to a circle being unable to conceive of a sphere for a sphere requires breadth and a circle knows of no such reality? (Read the book Flatland by Edwin Abbott for more on this concept)
This thought process, if remotely close to the truth, completely does away with the material/spiritual duality. That which is spiritual is more concrete reality than the material for it includes all that the material is and more in the same way that a cube is more concrete that a square. It has more substance.
This view of things acknowledges that the material can still be at its root spiritual. It is just that the spiritual aspects of the material must be perceived through another way of knowing. Sensory input analyzed by intellect will never perceive it.
9 Comments
I’ve read the book Flatland (among many other sci fi books) and also studied some quantum mechanics. String theory is very popular right now and at it’s most fundamental level the theory states that reality actually exists in 10 dimensions. (Some same more dimensions but lets stick with 10 for now.) So if humans exists in 4 of those dimensions (height, width, depth and time) then God would be working on 6 more levels then us.
When considering string theory, I like to think that Jesus used those other levels to do what He did while he lived in our 4 dimensions and that He grants us access to them if He will live in His kingdom.
Insignificant points of significance. A penny, though insignificant,, when totaled with the thousands, significant, still recognized as a penny, now recognized as wealth.
Thanks Alan! How in the world am I to sleep tonight?! One of my top strengths is connectedness and now I’ve got to try and reconcile my reality with all this new juicy thinking… Hmmm, guess I’ll just rest in the Father’s lap and enjoy what His Spirit reveals to me all in good timing.
)
reminds me of
2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, Lord, I pray You, open his eyes that he may see. And the Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
you are so right about thinking out of the box. life is not as it always seems to be..i don’t know if its correct but i would like you to read my view point on happiness..its also different..:)
http://www.obliviousconclusions.co.cc
though I see the line of thinking, and without doubt i believe the spiritual is above (in form, -or maybe lack of “form” as we understand it- and clarity, in understanding) I do not believe it is as simple as geometry; That, like this reality which was created and designed specifically for us, we can build a better understanding as if we were playing with building blocks. Our understanding is limited to this reality, “by design”, we have very little insight into the spiritual, and rightly so. I mean no disrespect, (i read your theory twice because it is very alluring) But it seems to me you are trying to open a door that was intentionally locked from our understanding, and it begs the mind to reach for understanding, but with understanding comes the tendency take the previous challenge for granted. As with any point in which we try to figure out what God left unanswered, you really have to ask yourself why!!
First I would recommend CS lewis’s “Mere Christianity”, Next Ravi Zacharias’s “Cry of the Heart”, Then, Read Deut. 29:29. and Lastly the Book of Job, Starting wth where God began to question Job. My friend, ignorance is truly bliss, especially when the answers we seek can be so destructive in the limited understading we are capable of in this existence. It is enough for me, to try and master the simple things, loving my neighbor and growing in my faith.
Gods love to you and all who read this.
Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve enjoyed those books very much.
I hope if you read my post carefully you will see that I’m not suggesting this model is accurate or comprehensive. Rather, I’m using the differences we CAN understand between 2 dimensional reality and 3 dimensional reality to suggest what the characteristics of some of the differences between 3 dimensional reality spiritual reality might be. It’s more of a metaphor than anything else, though it might be more than that. Who knows? We circles might find hints that help us understand spheres but it is difficult to visualize because we can only think in 2 dimensions.
Ignorance is not truly bliss. I disagree with you there. Loving God with all your mind surely includes probing into mystery, aware that mystery will never be exausted, and knowing that it is in the place of mystery where worship is possible. The fact that His mysteries are unsearchable does not imply a prohibition on searching, but rather an invitation to an eternity of searching.
of course I do, disagree
but by the grace of God we are allowed too, we are just not allowed to be disagreeable 
. as for loving God lending permission to explore facets he intentionally left clouded. Well I see what men do when they “think” they understand something. (like children they move on to the next challenge) whether their assesment be right or wrong, its at the limit fo their understanding, so its acceptable. This is why i caution anyone searching into the mysteries of God. You unintentionally open a door for our enemy to misdirect, mislead or misrepresent. and lucifer is the very best at what he does. I am not saying your wrong to seek. but to share your position without scriptural backing, without confermation of the Holy Spirit, is dangerous. Mayber not to you, but what about the individual searching without your or my understanding? all Im saying brother is that some speculation should only be shared with like minded brothers and sisters, who will not be easily misled. (yes i know its someone overreactive, but i choose to err on the side of caution whenever possible)
Gods grace and peace to you, brother
May I use the first part of this with my architecture class this fall? Your explanation going from points to lines to squares (2 dim) to cubes (3 dim) is great. I will cite this source.