Part 2: "Divine Providence"
Chapter 6: "The System Behind Divine Providence"
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We've come upon a profound truism in our discussion of G-d's interactions
with us. We've actually dealt with variations of it before, but the truism is
still and all brought home to us here in this instance because we see how it
touches upon our very beings and lives.
The principle is that G-d never interacts with us at "full capacity" -- but
only to the degree that we can bear it. For otherwise we'd be undone. After
all, who could sustain G-d Almighty's outright presence and not buckle? Whose
all-too-human heart could bear His scrutiny?
That's why G-d doesn't make decisions about us in particular and the world at
large based on His own knowledge -- His apprehension of the utter, utter
truth of things. It explains why He allows the various celestial "committee"
and "board" members to have their say and to influence His determinations.
Because though the transcendent forces and angels are indeed celestial,
they're still and all not G-d Himself. So their view of the world is colored
by their being somewhat closer to us in their essence than they are to G-d
himself. Hence, they can "represent" us more empathically -- less bluntly and
frankly.
Hence, no decision is made until all the angels' opinions are brought to the
table and each one has his say based on what he knows and perceives -- rather
than based on G-d's knowledge of the absolute truth. Despite the fact that
G-d is well aware of everything -- as it is, as it was, and as it will be in
the end. His having instituted this system is itself a consequence of His
great love for us.
It's vital to understand, though, that the parallels between this process of
coming to decisions and our own are only true when it comes to the "nuts and
bolts" of it, if you will. The actual mode of operation is very different and
out our of our experience, hence inexplicable.
This series is dedicated to the memory of Yitzchak Hehrsh ben Daniel,
and Sarah Rivka bas Yaakov Dovid.
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