God Is a Dream, A Hope, A Woman, An Ironist, A Father....

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 5 April 2025 "God is a dream, a hope, a woman, an ironist, a father, a city, a house of many rooms, a watchmaker who left his prize chronometer in the desert, someone who loves you—even, perhaps, against all evidence, a celestial being whose only interest is to make sure your football team, army, business, or marriage thrives, prospers and triumphs over all opposition." French philosopher Ernest Renan's quote beautifully captures the myriad interpretations and perceptions people have regarding god. Renan portrays god as a multifaceted concept, encompassing various forms and roles. He suggests that god can be seen as a dream, offering solace and inspiration; a hope, providing a source of optimism and motivation. Furthermore, Renan introduces the idea of god as a woman, highlighting the nurturing and compassionate qualities traditionally associated with motherhood. By describing god as an ironist, he implies a sense of divine humour and irony in the workings of the world. Renan then presents god as a father figure, representing guidance, protection, and authority. Additionally, he portrays god as a city, a metaphor for community and belonging. The concept of god as a house with many rooms signifies the inclusivity and diversity of religious beliefs. Furthermore, Renan visualizes god as a watchmaker who has placed an important timepiece in a barren desert, provoking contemplation on the existence and purpose of god amidst the vastness of the universe. Finally, he suggests that god is someone who loves unconditionally, even when evidence to the contrary presents itself. Renan concludes by proposing that god's sole interest is to ensure the success and triumph of various aspects of human life, ranging from sports teams to personal relationships. Ultimately, this quote reminds us of the intricate tapestry of beliefs and perceptions surrounding the concept of god, highlighting the wide-ranging and deeply personal interpretations individuals hold. A deeper analysis of this quote helps us understand the dynamics of faith. Here the point is not the existence or non-existence of god. It's the celebration of varied and myriad understandings and interpretations of god. Every religion and every scripture has its own perception of god. Even the Ahle-Kitab (followers of three Semitic faiths; Judaism, Christianity and Islam) will define god as per their respective faith and think that only their interpretation of god is correct. This sounds so puerile. Renan's idea of god has the Wisdom of Upanishads that contains, Neti Neti (not this, not that): The dynamic of negation and the process of moving towards a more comprehensive understanding through the resolution of contradiction. All the conflicts in the world are because of our audaciously definitive concept of god: The obstinate belief that god is like that only and others shall have to accept this. Once we let our concept of god become fluid and amorphous, the rigidity in our thinking will start waning and we'll become much more accommodative. Pristine Eastern or Oriental consciousness has this fluidity where even the negation of god is perfectly alright and not looked down upon. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/god-dream-hope-woman-ironist-father/d/135065 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