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mailto:mohammed@theprophet.org

Definitions

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mailto:ramchal@heaven.com
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Dear Sir,

I have been attempting to follow as best as I can you definition of the un-knowability of G-d, the fundamental attributes of G-d, and the logic of creation. I have given some serious thought to what you are saying and believe I have come to a better understanding. Below is my summation. Please advise if this is indeed what you were trying to convey.

By definition, G-d is complete, boundless and un-limitable. It then follows that G-d lacks nothing. Beings which lack for nothing cannot be said to have needs as needs, by definition, directly imply a lack of something, an incompleteness. This incompleteness would then represent a bound. This presents the classic difficulty, explaining a purpose for the world. Why does a creator create, if the creator is already without any needs of its own? We posit that there is a desire on the part of good to be a ‘maytiv’, a bestower of good, upon the universe. But can we state that there is a 'desire' on the part of G-d, regardless of what it is for, without implying also a need? Which we have already defined as impossible by our definition?
I had difficulty understanding the answer offered, but believe I may have found a valid approach. Might it not be possible that there is indeed one limitation posed on an unlimited, boundless and complete being: the inability to become. All that this being can be, it already is. There is no striving, no overcoming, no transcendence. And so the purpose of man is to transcend his limited self and become something greater. In the process, he becomes a creator, imitating G-d, by bringing into existence that which cannot exist without him. If this is indeed what you were saying, many other elements of your writings become clearer. This helps explain the requirement of free will and choice, and the purpose of and ability to sin, as only the ability to fail provides the opportunity to transcend failure. The fundamental reason for the existence of the universe is mankind’s ability to strive, and perhaps, to succeed.

Yours,

A Student

Fan Mail

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mailto:L. E. Modesitt Jr.@recluse.com
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Dear Sir,

I just finished reading Flash. Wonderful job, as usual. Can't wait for more. Just one question: Why are you still writing Recluse novels? Stop wasting your time, man! The series is old and tired and your science fiction has always been better than your fantasy anyway. So please, I know you already write like 3 books a year and that I ought to be satisfied with that, but what good to me is a bad book in a series that should already be collecting Social Security? Let's just call it a series and move on?

Thanks again,

Your devoted fan

First Light

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