Inspired by Charles Eisenstein's book, Sacred Economics, I have been contemplating how we might view the idea of God in the image of money or perhaps money in the image of God. To bring some structure to my wondering, I've been grappling with the relationship between the material (that which we can see, touch and perceive in the physical realm) and the abstract (that which is constructed in the realm of the mind or psyche). And often, when I encounter two entities that can be seen as separate, but exist within one universe, I ask "what is it that joins them together?" And so my thoughts and reading has led me to the rather sinister narrative that money has become the unseen force that animates everything. Lets delve into these philosophical ideas, examine the role of money, and invoke the concept of holy trinities to provoke deeper reflection.
The Philosophical Divide: Plato vs. Aristotle
Plato and Aristotle offered contrasting views on the material and the abstract. Plato posited that the world of forms or ideas — an abstract realm of perfect, immutable concepts — constitutes true reality. In his view, the material world we perceive with our senses is merely an imperfect reflection of these higher forms. For instance, the concept of "beauty" exists perfectly in the realm of forms, while any beautiful object in the material world is but an imperfect copy.
Aristotle, Plato's student, challenged this perspective. He argued that abstract concepts derive from our sensory experiences of concrete things. For Aristotle, the material world holds primacy, with abstract ideas emerging through our interactions with it. The essence of a thing, its "form," is intrinsic to the object itself, not existing in a separate, higher realm.
Beyond Dualism: An Integrated Perspective
While Plato and Aristotle's perspectives offer valuable insights, modern thought often leans towards a more integrated view. This perspective suggests that the material and abstract are not separate entities but intertwined aspects of a unified reality. Our sensory experiences and mental constructs are deeply connected, each shaping and informing the other. This view aligns with non-dualistic philosophies found in many spiritual traditions, which emphasize the interconnectedness of all things. Rather than seeing the material and abstract as distinct, we might consider them as different expressions of a single, holistic reality.
Money: The Bridge Between Worlds
Money provides a fascinating lens through which to explore the interplay between the material and the abstract. As physical currency or digital entries, money has a concrete presence. Yet, its value and significance are abstract constructs, agreed upon by society. Money's power lies in its ability to transform abstract value into tangible goods and services, bridging the gap between the conceptual and the physical.
In many ways, money acts as a modern secular deity, omnipresent and omnipotent, shaping our lives and societies. It embodies both material and abstract dimensions, illustrating their deep interconnectedness. This dual nature of money prompts us to reflect on what we elevate to positions of ultimate significance in our lives.
The Holy Trinities: A Metaphorical Framework
The concept of holy trinities offers a rich metaphorical framework to explore these ideas further. Consider the trinity of mind, body, and soul:
Mind (Abstract): Represents ideas, thoughts, and mental constructs.
Body (Material): Embodies physical reality and sensory experiences.
Soul (Integration): Symbolizes the unity and interaction between mind and body, suggesting a holistic perspective where both realms are inseparable.
Similarly, the Christian trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can be seen in this light:
Father (Creator/Abstract): Can be seen as the source of ideas, the origin of the conceptual realm.
Son (Manifestation/Material): Represents the tangible manifestation of the abstract, the incarnation of ideas into physical form.
Holy Spirit (Connection): Embodies the dynamic, transformative force that links and sustains the relationship between the abstract and the material.
I've been recently exploring the use of motifs (e.g. archetypical characters or powers) and symbols (e.g. triangles, light) to support and inspire storying telling in groups. I intend to play with the above to frameworks in this context. Perhaps I will have more to share.
Further Wonder and Reflection
As we navigate the complexities of these philosophical ideas, we are invited to wonder: Is the separation between material and abstract an illusion? How does our modern reliance on money shape our understanding of reality? Can we find a balance that honours the interplay between sensory experiences and mental constructs?
By contemplating these questions, we can deepen our appreciation for the multifaceted nature of reality. We can recognize the value of both material and abstract dimensions in our lives and seek to harmonize them in our understanding and actions.
In the end, the journey through these ideas is not about finding definitive answers but about invoking a sense of wonder and curiosity. It is about opening ourselves to the richness of existence and exploring the profound connections that shape our world.
So, let us continue to ponder and reflect, embracing the mystery and beauty of the intertwined nature of reality. In doing so, we may discover new insights and inspirations that enrich our lives and deepen our understanding of the world.
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