Once More: Of God, Faith And Ice Cream

Merry Christmas to all!

As we celebrate those events that have come to influence our culture, our lives and the lives of all mankind,  it is especially appropriate to consider our faith, family and our place in the cosmos.

One of the great arguments against religion is centered around the matter of faith. It is argued that faith has two faces. One face is passive, the other is dogmatic- that is, at times, faith requires blind obedience.

If faith were so easily explained, religion would reside in a museum, a curiosity of the pre modern man.

Of course, faith is much more than either a passive acceptance or fuel for a Godly Jihad or Crusade.

More than anything, faith highlights the onus we each have to determine our destiny. Faith is what imbues us with the dignity that is uniquely human- and it is in that humanity that we assert ourselves as partners with God.

Now, we are nor declaring partnership in the literal sense- that we are equal to God, but rather, we are partners in that it is incumbent upon ourselves to fulfill our destinies as best we can. We are partners with God, because unlike any other creature, our efforts and intentions not only change our own destiny, but we can impact the destiny of those around us.

For some, faith is the strict reliance on God and God alone. Man plays no part in his own destiny. In reality of course, the opposite is true. Man’s destiny is determined by his involvement in taking responsibility for his own life. We partner with God on the sacred stage of life. It is our own participation in that determines the quality of our performance. For the few short moments that is our lifetime, we are in the limelight. Faith is the script that places as much responsibility upon ourselves and fellow man, as it does on God.

In interacting with God and our fellow man, we can change the world we live in. Therein is the nature of our partnership.

Of course, we need to refine the definition of partnership. Our partnership with God is not all encompassing. We are not partners with God in all Godly affairs. We are partners with him only in those things that effect our lives and our destinies. We understand that we are not God’s equal- we are but a partner with Him in our own lives. God does not answer to us. In the end, we still answer to him. Why? Because God does not need us a partner- we need Him as a partner.

That is not to say that within the framework of the partnership, we have no influence. We certainly do- so much so that we can even change the terms of the agreement. For example, after the Great Flood, God promises Noah that He will never again destroy the earth. Abraham strikes a bargain with God, who agrees not to destroy the Sodom and Gomorra if he can a few righteous men. Moses argues with God on numerous occasions, on behalf of his people and himself.

Just as we need to appreciate God as our Deity, He appreciates our nature as human beings. We can reason, argue, debate and sometimes, we cannot come up with an answer. That is who we are- and God allows for and accepts that, as we argue for own destiny. Our partnership with God is not supposed to be passive. We are meant to participate in our faith, as partners, and not just sit back and allow that faith to change our very nature as humans beings.

There is always an imbalance, of course- there has to be. As noted, we are partners, not equal partners. A parent loves an infant or child and hovers and protects that infant or child. That is a simple love. In more complex relationships, there are whole other set of ground rules.

In mature relationships, we can come closer in defining our relationship with God. In a healthy relationship, we understand there is a balance between closeness and space. Nurturing love accounts for both those dynamics. As close as a couple might wish to be, there is an understanding that each need the space of individuality as well as the closeness of the oneness.

So it is with our relationship with God. We- and He- need the closeness and space. We need to do for ourselves and those around us that which betters us, together. That is in effect, the partnership we have with God. We too, must contribute so that our own destiny and the destiny of those around us, benefits us all.

God gives us the opportunity of making a difference in our own lives, in a very micro and personal way. We are presented with choices everyday, that can make a profound difference in our own lives and the lives around us.

Here’s an example. A father wanted to find special ways to bond with his daughter. Fathers think about that sort of thing. Anyway, what this father did once a month was to have an ‘ice cream emergency.’ What the father did was wake his daughter up at 11 or 12 O’clock at night and insist she hurriedly come to the kitchen- there was an emergency. The ice cream had to be eaten before it melted! Needless to say, there was laughter and good times- and good memories. That went on for years.

Well, that little girl is a teenager now- and she talks about the ‘ice cream emergency!’ as if it were yesterday. To this day, whenever that girl and her father are together, she insists on having an ice cream emergency!’ It is a bond they share. She insists that she will do the same for her kids and that father has been asked more than once by her friends if the ‘ice cream emergency!’ might accommodate a few strangers. That silly ritual it seems, struck a chord with more than a few people.

The simplicity of the ‘ice cream emergency!’ does not diminish the significance. It brings together father and daughter with the common understanding that sometimes, the smallest of things can make a big difference in someone’s life. Over time, the daughter will no doubt understand what that really means.

So it is with faith. Sometimes, a little bit goes a long way. God is not looking for our partnerships to result in earth shattering changes. Maybe it is enough that our partnership yields enough so that our own participation results in a our making this world a better place, for ourselves, our kids and if we’re lucky enough, their kids too.

God wants us to participate in our destiny and the destinies of those around us. If we choose to have faith that can make a difference, we have held up our part of the bargain. We are created in His image, after all. We have the potential within us, to exceed ourselves and capabilities and to make a real difference.

This post was originally published August 2, 2005.