The Divine Chorus Director: A Better Model for Understanding the Relationship between God and Humanity

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 7 June 2024 The Relationship Between God and Humanity Is Inherently Unpredictable Due to The Inherent Freedom of Individuals. Just as Actors in A Play Bring Their Own Interpretations and Contributions to The Performance, Human Beings Possess Their Own Aesthetic Sensibilities and Freedoms That Shape Their Actions and Decisions ------- Art has long been used as a metaphor to explore and understand the nature of the divine. However, when contemplating God’s relationship with human beings, it is important to consider the complexities of interaction and the dynamic nature of creation. In this regard, the symbol of a chorus director or a director of a theatrical performance offers a more compelling model for understanding God’s role compared to that of a painter or a poet. This is what Daniel Dombrowski one of the leading process thinkers in the world today argues in his book on Process Mysticism. By recognizing the inherent freedom and aesthetic sensibilities of human beings, we can delve into the profound concept of unity-in-diversity and the transformative nature of mystical experiences. The Chorus Director: Orchestrating Human Drama In a theatrical performance, the chorus director plays a pivotal role in guiding the actors, shaping the narrative, and coordinating the overall artistic vision. Similarly, when we view God as a chorus director, we acknowledge that God interacts with human beings who possess their own agency, aesthetic sensibilities, and freedoms. Unlike a painter or a poet who creates in isolation, God’s creative process involves working with free beings, each with their unique perspectives and choices. The relationship between God and humanity is inherently unpredictable due to the inherent freedom of individuals. Just as actors in a play bring their own interpretations and contributions to the performance, human beings possess their own aesthetic sensibilities and freedoms that shape their actions and decisions. This unpredictability adds depth and richness to the human drama, as it allows for the exploration of various possibilities and outcomes. Mystical Experience: Unity-in-Diversity Mystical experiences often involve a profound sense of unity or connection with the divine. However, this unity does not negate or obliterate the individuality of the mystic. Rather, it involves the joint assertion of unity and the preservation of personal identity. Here, the dipolar aesthetic principle of unity-in-diversity comes into play. The mystical journey is one of transformation and transfiguration. The mystic is not lost but undergoes a profound change, where the individual’s self is enhanced and elevated through the union with the divine. This transformative process allows for the harmonization of personal identity with the larger cosmic reality, creating a tapestry woven with diverse threads. Embracing the Divine Paradox The concept of God as a chorus director allows us to embrace the divine paradox inherent in the human experience. It acknowledges the coexistence of unity and diversity, recognizing that both are essential aspects of the creative process. Just as a chorus director guides and brings together a diverse group of voices to create a harmonious performance, God orchestrates the individual lives and choices of human beings to create a greater whole. This understanding encourages us to embrace the diversity and individuality of all beings, recognizing that each contributes to the grand symphony of life. It invites us to appreciate the unique perspectives and choices of others while acknowledging our interconnectedness. In contemplating the relationship between God and humanity, it is essential to move beyond simplistic metaphors and embrace a more nuanced understanding. Viewing God as a chorus director or a director of a theatrical performance offers a powerful model that takes into account the complex interplay between freedom, aesthetics, and unity-in-diversity. By recognising the individual agency and aesthetic sensibilities of human beings, we can appreciate the unpredictable nature of the human drama. Furthermore, understanding mystical experiences as a fusion of unity and personal identity allows us to appreciate the transformative power of divine connection. As we navigate the complexities of existence, let us embrace the role of both artist and actor, recognizing our own agency and creative potential. In doing so, we can participate in the grand symphony of life, guided by the supreme artist, the chorus director who weaves our individual stories into a tapestry of unity-in-diversity. ------- Please checkout Dr. Adis Duderija’s personal website and his recent ebook on critical-progressive Islam: https://dradisduderija.com/product-category/ebooks/ ---- 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 Honora in Islam and Interfaith Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/divine-chorus-relationship-god-humanity/d/132465 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