Understanding God: Approaching the Unknowable and Knowable

What is God like? This profound question has captivated theologians, philosophers, and seekers of truth for centuries. As I reflect on my journey—a path interwoven with science, faith, and personal revelations—the challenge of grasping the essence of God has become a cornerstone of my spiritual exploration. To truly understand God, let us approach the unknowable and the knowable through a lens informed by faith, science, and metaphor.

Science has given us three domains of size: the microscopic (quantum mechanics), the macroscopic (our tangible world), and the mega-universe (vast distances measured in light-years). Remarkably, scientists tell us that normal language is insufficient to describe the microscopic or mega-worlds—we need the specialized language of mathematics. From this, we can derive a valuable insight: if the very fabric of reality requires a unique mode of expression, how much more so does the Creator of this vast cosmos?

Similarly, in theology, we must adopt what C.S. Lewis might describe as a “technical language” for speaking about God. This often involves the use of metaphor, symbolism, art, and parables—tools Jesus Himself employed when He taught, as seen in “The Role of Jesus in History”. Let’s delve deeper into this duality of understanding God by examining His knowable and unknowable aspects.

The Knowable God: Language and Metaphor

The knowable aspects of God—His love, kindness, generosity, and sovereignty—are articulated in scripture through metaphors and descriptors. Consider how Jesus taught parables that were relatable to everyday life yet pointed to profound truths. In many ways, these metaphors serve as “runways,” enabling our finite minds to take off toward the infinite essence of God.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8 NIV).

Our human understanding may grasp God as loving and merciful, but even these descriptors fall short of containing His essence. Just as mathematics helps us approach the complexity of quantum mechanics, metaphors and parables help us approach the facets of God’s relational nature. In this sense, God’s attributes are not final answers but pointers to a greater reality.

The Unknowable God: Beyond Form and Comprehension

When contemplating God’s unknowable essence, often referred to as the “Godhead,” language and descriptions fail us. The Godhead represents a realm beyond our formed perceptions, one that requires abstract thinking and spiritual intuition. As the video discussed, religious traditions across the world recognize this inner essence as the esoteric—like the kernel inside a walnut, hidden and profound.

Negative theology, which describes God by what He is not, offers one way to approach the unknowable. For example, we might say, “God is not finite, not limited, not confined by time.” This aligns with Psalm 145:3: “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” By eliminating all constraints, we begin to perceive the paradoxical nature of an infinite, unknowable God.

Abstract metaphors can be a struggle for many, myself included. C.S. Lewis provides a lighthearted yet striking reflection on this challenge in his attempt to imagine God without form as a child: “The closest I could come was a sea of gray tapioca.” For Lewis, and for many of us, the gap between physical reality and spiritual abstraction is a tension worth wrestling with because it sharpens our understanding of divine transcendence.

Bridging the Knowable and Unknowable

To fully appreciate God, we must embrace both His knowable and unknowable aspects. Just as science and theology work together to deepen our understanding of existence, our language and metaphors about God must coexist with silent intuition. The path to understanding lies in balancing these two perspectives, moving from thoughtful descriptions to vision-like experiences that transcend words. Reflecting on philosophical insights like those of Plato, we grasp that truth is often “beyond words”—something transmitted like light from a leaping flame.

Practical Steps for Approaching God

Here are a few ways we can explore both the knowable and unknowable aspects of God:

• Meditation on Scripture: Reflect on verses like John 1:5, which compares Jesus to light that shines in the darkness. Scripture serves as a launchpad for deeper contemplation.
• Prayer and Silence: Beyond words, silent prayer allows us to sit in God’s presence, helping us intuit His unknowable essence.
• Art and Metaphor: Consider creative expressions that point toward the divine, such as paintings or music inspired by spiritual themes.
• Community Reflection: Join discussions where others share their interpretations and experiences of God, offering fresh perspectives.

Esoteric and Exoteric: A Framework Across Faiths

Interestingly, the tension between the knowable and unknowable is not exclusive to Christianity. Many faiths divide divine understanding into the exoteric (outer aspects) and esoteric (inner essence). For Christians, this dynamic is beautifully mirrored in the teachings of Jesus, who spoke in parables to reveal divine truths while allowing the mysterious depth of God’s nature to remain intact. For more exploration along these lines, read my discussion on free will and divine justice, where we grapple with similar tensions in theology.

Conclusion: A Vision of God Beyond Thought

As I continue to journey through faith and reason, I’ve learned that metaphor and abstraction are not limitations in approaching God—they are invitations. Jesus Himself modeled this approach by teaching in parables, reshaping our understanding through story and symbol. God’s knowable characteristics point us toward His love and justice, while His unknowable essence invites us into awe and communion.

Let us, therefore, embrace both the tangible and the transcendent aspects of God, allowing our faith to be sculpted by the tension between knowledge and mystery. For, as the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.”

Focus Keyphrase: Understanding God