The Renaissance Meeting #18: An Analysis of Themes and Discussions
Introduction
The Renaissance Meeting #18 delved into profound philosophical and theological questions about human existence, divine creation, and the nature of reality. Participants, including Thomas Abshier, Charlie Gutierrez, Leonard Hofheins, Armond Boulware, Susan Gutierrez, Isak Gutierrez, and Lucie Gutierrez, engaged in a wide-ranging dialogue that connected personal experiences with metaphysical concepts and scriptural interpretations. This essay examines the key themes, arguments, and logical frameworks presented during this intellectually rich conversation.
The Question of Human Value and Divine Perspective
The discussion began with Charlie Gutierrez sharing a powerful personal reflection on racism and discrimination, recounting his experiences as a person of color in the Mormon church during the 1950s and 60s. His narrative highlighted the fundamental question that would become central to the meeting: How does God see humans, and how should humans see each other?
Charlie emphasized that God “doesn’t look on our beauty, our color, our strength, our talent. He looks on our heart.” This biblical principle from the story of Samuel choosing David (1 Samuel 16:7) served as a foundation for examining how humans create systems of stratification that devalue others – whether through racism, caste systems, economic status, or other means of comparison.
Armond Boulware added philosophical depth by introducing the concept that “comparison is the thief of joy,” suggesting that when we compare ourselves to others, we operate from an animalistic rather than divine perspective. He contrasted the scarcity mindset of comparison with God’s abundance principle, where there is “no lack and no shortage of anything.” In this view, discrimination and devaluation of others stems from operating at a “fleshly level” rather than transcending to divine understanding.
The Metaphysics of Existence: Thomas Abshier’s Conscious Point Physics
A significant portion of the meeting explored Dr. Thomas Abshier’s developing theory of “Conscious Point Physics” (CPP), which offers a unique metaphysical framework for understanding reality. Dr. Abshier described a worldview where:
- The universe consists of “conscious points” that are aspects of God’s mind
- These points interact through “quantum group entities” to form increasingly complex structures
- All of creation exists within God’s mind or consciousness
This perspective challenges the traditional separation between Creator and creation, suggesting instead that everything exists within God’s consciousness while maintaining distinct identities and agency. Dr. Abshier used the metaphor from the film “Men in Black” – the universe contained within a small jewel worn by a cat named Orion – to illustrate how our entire reality might exist as a projection within God’s mind.
Leonard Hofheins presented a contrasting view, emphasizing a clear distinction between Creator and creation: “God is not the creation… He stands aside. He sees it. He’s created it.” Leonard argued that conflating God with creation risks idolatry, while acknowledging that God is present within creation through the Holy Spirit.
The Question of Divine Indwelling vs. External Relationship
The group wrestled with seemingly contradictory scriptural concepts:
- “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) – suggesting we exist within God
- The idea that sin separates us from God’s presence – suggesting an external relationship
- “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27) – suggesting God dwells within us
Dr. Abshier proposed that these apparent contradictions require “frame shifting” – different perspectives that are all simultaneously true but viewed from different vantage points. He suggested that while ontologically all creation exists within God’s mind (the “Isaac world” or “Orion’s locket”), relationally we experience separation when our choices contradict God’s nature.
Susan Gutierrez noted that she had discovered numerous scriptural passages supporting the “mind of God” perspective that Dr. Abshier was developing, suggesting biblical support for this metaphysical framework.
The Nature of Human Agency and Divine Relationship
A recurring theme was the centrality of choice in human existence. Leonard referenced “The Matrix,” where Neo’s power came from his choice – “because I choose to.” Armond described his personal practice of evaluating every decision by asking, “Does this get me closer to or further away from doing what God put me here to do?”
The group agreed that despite the various metaphysical frameworks discussed, human agency remains central to our relationship with God. As Thomas summarized, Jesus chose perfectly to align with God’s will, while humans often fail but can be restored through Christ’s sacrifice and our choice to accept it.
The Question of Multiple Existences
Leonard introduced a controversial Mormon concept of “multiple mortal probations” – the idea that souls might experience multiple physical lives across different divine creations. He distinguished this from Eastern reincarnation, describing it instead as progression through multiple universes or creations. Susan countered with Hebrews 9:27: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” suggesting a biblical challenge to this concept.
This theological tension remained unresolved but highlighted the group’s willingness to explore unconventional ideas while testing them against scriptural authority.
Conclusion: Unity in Diversity of Thought
The meeting demonstrated how seemingly disparate philosophical and theological perspectives can coexist in respectful dialogue. Participants moved fluidly between personal experiences of discrimination, metaphysical theories about the nature of reality, scriptural exegesis, and practical questions of ethical living.
The conversation concluded with Susan’s prayer, which embodied the group’s shared commitment: “We thank you for being with us. We thank you for being in us. We ask you to please continue to bless us as we seek after truth. We want to know your truth.”
Throughout the discussion, participants maintained a remarkable balance between intellectual exploration and spiritual reverence, demonstrating that profound theological and philosophical questions can be discussed with both academic rigor and personal humility. The meeting embodied the Renaissance ideal of integrating faith, reason, and human experience in the pursuit of understanding.