The God of Absolutes vs. The God of Reality: A Reflection on Suchocki’s Insight

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 23 July 2025 "God constructed through absolutes is hardly more than an invention of the human mind, whereas the God at the edges of the self confronts us in the midst of our reality." M. E. Suchocki In contemporary theology and philosophy, few statements resonate as deeply as the assertion that “God constructed through absolutes is hardly more than an invention of the human mind, whereas the God at the edges of the self confronts us in the midst of our reality.” This thought-provoking quote from process theologian and philosopher Marjory E. Suchockiinvites us to reflect on the nature of divinity and, more importantly, the implications of our understanding of God in relation to our lived experiences. The Construct of Absolutes At the heart of Suchocki’s assertion lies a critique of the notion of God as an absolute being—an omniscient, omnipotent entity defined by dogmatic principles and rigid doctrines. This image of God often emerges from religious traditions that emphasise certainty, clarity, and unwavering truth. It presents a God who is a distant ruler, a cosmic architect who has crafted a universe governed by fixed laws and immutable truths. However, Suchocki’s perspective challenges this static portrayal. The God of absolutes, stripped of the nuances of human experience, becomes a construct, a mental framework created to impose order on the chaos of existence. This construct serves specific purposes: it provides comfort in times of uncertainty, establishes moral guidelines, and promotes community cohesion. Yet, it also risks oversimplifying the divine and reducing the complexity of faith to a set of unyielding principles. The God at the Edges In contrast to the God of absolutes, Suchocki introduces the idea of a God who exists at the edges of the self. This God is not confined to abstract definitions or theological systems; rather, it is found in the messiness of human life. It is in the moments of doubt, suffering, joy, and love that we encounter this divine presence. This God challenges us to confront our vulnerabilities and uncertainties. It invites us to explore the depths of our existence, recognizing that faith is not about unwavering certainty but about navigating the complexities of life. In this view, God becomes a companion on our journey, walking with us through our struggles and triumphs, rather than a distant observer dictating our paths. The Intersection of Faith and Experience The God at the edges of the self encourages a dynamic relationship between faith and experience. It emphasises that spirituality is not merely a set of beliefs but a lived experience that unfolds in real-time. This perspective aligns with the growing recognition among theologians and philosophers that faith must be contextualised within the realities of our lives. Embracing Suchocki’s insight also means recognising the value of doubt and uncertainty in our spiritual journeys. The God of absolutes often demands certainty and unwavering faith, creating a binary between belief and disbelief. This perspective can lead to spiritual paralysis, where individuals feel compelled to conform to rigid doctrines, fearing the consequences of questioning or exploring alternative views. However, the God at the edges of the self invites doubt as a legitimate part of faith. It acknowledges that uncertainty can be a catalyst for deeper understanding and growth. In grappling with questions and doubts, we open ourselves to a more profound engagement with the divine. This God encourages exploration and dialogue, fostering a faith that is alive, evolving, and deeply personal. Moreover, Suchocki’s concept of the God at the edges of the self highlights the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. The God of absolutes often exists within the confines of individual belief systems, leading to divisions and exclusion. In contrast, the God who confronts us in our reality compels us to engage with others, to listen to diverse experiences, and to recognise the interconnectedness of humanity. Through these interactions, we can discover a richer and more nuancedunderstanding of God that transcends individual constructs and embraces the complexity of human existence. Mary E. Suchocki’s insight into the nature of God serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of absolute constructs. As we navigate the complexities of our lives, we are invited to encounter a God who exists not in the confines of dogma but at the meeting point of our realities. This God challenges us to embrace our doubts, engage with our communities, and find meaning in the messiness of existence. Ultimately, the God at the edges of the self offers a profound opportunity for transformation. It asks us to reconsider our assumptions, to explore our spirituality with openness and curiosity, and to recognise that the divine is not a distant concept but a living presence woven into the fabric of our lives. In doing so, we can cultivate a faith that is not only intellectually robust but also deeply rooted in our shared humanity. ------ Checkout Dr. Adis Duderija’s personal website at: https://dradisduderija.com/ A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (co-edited) - Shame, Modesty, and Honour in Islam and Interfaith Engagement beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/god-absolutes-reality-suchocki-insight/d/136261 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism