(Yes, that is the plural of Paradox, I looked it up)
Paradox: “truth standing on her head to get attention”
–G. K. Chesterton
Maybe conundrum would be a better word. You choose.
I’ve been a collector of some oddities for years. Below is a sampling. This particular set is slightly theology oriented. Keep in mind, I’m not a theologian. I believe God operates in paradox all the time. In many ways, “paradox” is another name for God! So, with that minor introduction, here are a few things that I find interesting, or even perplexing! I hope no one perceives any irreverence in this. Certainly not my intent!
- God wants communication/connection/relationship, yet is invisible/silent!
- Lose your life to find it
- Die to live
- First will be last, and vice versa
- Servant vs. leader
- Understanding vs. childlike faith
- Free will vs. predestination
- Our “call” to be sinless; original sin; the plan for salvation before the formation of the world
- God is not the author of sin; Satan’s fall from heaven (sin even in heaven?); Satan’s placement on earth of all places!
- Desire/Pleasure (lust) vs. Obedience
- Humility vs. God’s glory
- Male sexuality vs. purity/fidelity? (or female attractiveness vs. fidelity)
- Man is made in the image of God, yet not to be like God (especially in glory)
- God is spirit, we are physical
- Spiritual warfare — we’re told of it, to be prepared, but it’s invisible to us!
- Faith vs. curiosity?? (less of a paradox, perhaps)
- Spiritual warfare vs. the Peace of God
- God’s “love for all” vs. the billions apparently destined for Hell.? (created for this very purpose according to Proverbs?!)
- Complete surrender (to Christ) to have victory.? (must fail to succeed?)
- God’s testing vs. Satan’s tempting (God does not tempt)
- God is truth vs. use of lies [espec in old testament]
- God’s sovereignty vs. our ability to sin
- Prayer vs. God’s sovereignty.? Is prayer like fuel?? Does it change God?
- Sovereignty vs. fatalism (why try?)
- Omni-present and invisible
- God’s wisdom vs. man’s foolishness
- Trinity – a single spirit vs. Christ praying to the Father.
- Power is revealed through vulnerability and risk
- Greatness is shown in humility
- Wealth is revealed through giving away
- Love is revealed through Sacrifice
- Victory comes through surrender
- God as father, yet few (none?) examples of good fathers in the Bible
- David, man after God’s heart, and Solomon, wisest who ever lived.? Both miserable failures at family, both enticed by sex
- Selfish Wants lead to dissatisfaction, even death!
- Want of heaven is usually weaker than want to immediate gratification
What would you add?