|
Today, I ask two questions. First, what is energy? Second, how does energy pertain to the spiritual Journey? God? Creation? You? Initially, I refer to a quote, utilizing the Greek Orthodox concept of “divine energies”:
[The] divine energies, agents of new creation, are essentially immanent divine Spirit [i.e., the Holy Spirit] working the change within the universe and particularly within the human person, the human body. From the beginning, these energies are present at the root of all created things, all human persons [i.e. the Spirit-manifesting in the world is the in-depth-ness of every creature]. (Bruno Barnhart, Second Simplicity)
What is energy? “Energy” derives from the Late Latin energia, which comes from the Greek energeia, meaning activity, operation. Energeia is from energos, meaning active, effective, which is from en in + ergon work (Merriam-Webster Unabridged). Energy is inherent power, force, vigor, and strength. Aristotle, therefore, held to a theory of entelecheia, from which we get the word entelechy: the full realization of form-giving cause or energeia as contrasted with mere potential existence; the form that actuates this realization (Ibid.) So, energia is, according to Aristotle, the effectual expression of a force that gives rise to a consequence, a form. God, in the Christian sense, is the Cause, or Causing One.
I share some Scripture passages with the word energia and related words. These words are: energeia, energema, energeo. You may want to substitute the different words for "energy" with a form of the word energy; as in, "powerful working" with "powerful energies of God" ....(Colossians 2.12, ESV).
9For in him [Christ] the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God [energeia, AV, the operation of God], who raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2, ESV, emphasis added)
4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6and there are varieties of activities [energema, AV, diversities of operations], but it is the same God who empowers [energeo, AV, worketh] them all in everyone. (I Corinthians 12, ESV, emphasis added)
19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power [dunamis, from which derives “dynamite”] toward us who believe, according to the working [energeia] of his great might 20that he worked in [energeo] Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,… (Ephesians 1, ESV, emphasis added)
13for it is God who works in [energeo] you, both to will and to work [energeo] for his good pleasure.. (Philippians 2, ESV, emphasis added)
16from whom [Christ] the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working [energeia] by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4.16, NKJV)
The above passages and others indicate a profound truth, which fits much of physics theory. God is Energizing, therefore, God is Energy, from Whom all energy or energizing derives. Even as the same energy that is God and whereby God works, the Church effectively works (Ephesians 4.16). God contains, indeed, all energy, for all must derive from God, as the Original and Manifesting Potency, or Potential. God is the Universalizing Entelecheia. God is Original Cause, Originating Cause, the Formless Forming Form. This fits the traditional designation of God as the “All-Powerful” or “Almighty.” God is the “Alenergy” or “All-Energy.”
Therefore, consequent to this truth is that all manifested-manifesting potential, the consequences of causes, have their Source in God. God not only created, God creates. God is the One in Whom “we live, and move, and have our being…” (Acts 17.28, AV). God is the Life Force spawning all life forms as expressions of the Operative Potential before, in, and after every manifestating of energy. God is the Force Field creating the chaos in time that makes ever-evolving and always novel formations possible. The Universe is the Dance of Spirit, and so are you!
Physics speaks to us of energy; Spirit manifests to us the Energy behind and within and through all energy. Good science and good religion complement each other. There is no contradiction in Truth.
Spiritual Exercise
1. How might an understanding of God as Energy, or First Cause, enhance your understanding of God and the operative principles of the spiritual Life?
2. Reflect on Ephesians 4.16. What does it say about the Source of the spiritual work and devotion of each Christian and a church?
3. What is the consequence of a church working through the energy Who is God, according to Ephesians 4.16?
4. What in the above writing encourages you? Confuses you?
5. Some persons are uncomfortable referring to God as Energy, thinking it sounds "New Age." What is another way of referring to God to imply what the above writing shares?
6. How might accepting God as Energy, ever-creating Energizing, enhance your spiritual Journey?
7. How might accepting God as Energy, ever-creating, transform your prayer? Worship? Witness? Mission? Relationships?
Prayer
God, I know that my works of love are only the overflow of your Love coursing through me and that such Love is the strength to do all things in Christ. Unite me more closely to you that my love for others will be more deeply and compassionately given. So infuse my being with your Presence that I will become for others and all the Presence of Christ, even as I receive the gift of the Presence of Christ through others, also. Amen.
Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union, can be ordered through major bookdealers.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
|
