Knowing God in four directions

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"Four-directional thinking is quite widespread among Indigenous elders... The basic idea is that anything we encounter must be seen from a minimum of four directions in order for it to be perceived in anything close to its fullness. All beings—and the motions and forces of their lives—have many sides and levels. We must walk around the truth of what we encounter with humility and respect. The truth of life is pervasive and undeniable, but it can never be owned or captured by human intellect. It can be known in such a way that we would die for it. It can never be known enough that we can kill for it. This is the balance, beauty and harmony of life.

"Above all else, the truth of God requires a special measure of humility and reverence. God cannot be surrounded by the words or intellect of human beings. A perception of God’s presence finds us. This is what it means to know God. It is an intimate knowing, but it is not an encounter with the essence of God. God is not known from one direction. Using a four-directional approach, we can discern four ways that God approaches us in promises offered in mercy and love. Held together, they give light to each other and show the good way of living. Experienced together, they heal us."

Read Abp Mark Macdonald's article at anglicanjournal.com, here.