The Paradoxical Harmony of Divine Presence

In the intricate kaleidoscope of the divine presence, not only are radiant facets of light evident, but also unexplored shadows that reveal deep dimensions of existence. Introducing this concept allows us to understand that the true perfection of God is not confined merely to goodness and purity but also includes moments of emptiness, darkness, and even suffering. It is precisely through the collision of light with absence or void that a complete understanding of the divine plan is born.

At the heart of this interpretation lies the idea that suffering and the sensation of emptiness during life’s trials are not a rupture from the heavenly source, but rather an inseparable part of it. This perspective shows that the duality of existence—presence and absence, light and darkness—embodies a profound metaphysical harmony. The “reverse side of God,” therefore, becomes a reflection of patience and the resolution of evil, acting as bridges between different levels of reality. Here, every aspect, even those that initially seem negative, is hidden within the design of a higher harmony and helps one move closer to a fuller revelation of the world’s essence.

In conclusion, it can be confidently stated that a true understanding of the divine is impossible without recognizing the wisdom embedded in the symbiosis of polarities. Observing how light and darkness are inextricably interwoven, we begin to see that suffering is not merely pain but the hidden contours of a grand design that, by uniting all opposites, bestows a complete sense of higher truth.

How can the concept of the “reverse side of God” be interpreted and what unexplored aspects might it conceal?

The concept of the “reverse side of God” can be interpreted as a hint towards the unexplored, hidden aspects of the divine that do not reduce solely to the traditionally understood light, perfection, and goodness. It also encompasses darkness, void, or absence, which manifest in suffering and permitted imperfection. This is not a narrow opposition of good against evil but rather a reflection of a profound metaphysical duality, within which both the explicit and the hidden manifestations of the divine plan exist.

Thus, according to one theory, “Barnell’s theory states that human suffering can only be fully understood through an acknowledgment of the metaphysical connection between all beings. In this sense, the reverse side of any divine presence is the very absence or void felt in moments of suffering. ...” (source: link ). Here, the idea is that the sensation of emptiness or absence experienced during suffering may be seen as an inevitable contour of divine presence—a part of a broader design in which light and darkness, presence and absence, form a unified whole.

Furthermore, within the conceptualization of the Kingdom of God, one author notes:
“Thus, we see that darkness, light, and the ultimate harmony of all opposites are features of the final Kingdom, where the reverse side of God, like a shadow behind the light, is part of the full revelation.” (source: link , page: 10). This emphasizes that it is precisely through incorporating both luminous and dark elements into the overall design that a complete understanding of divine reality is achieved.

It is also worth mentioning that in one context discussing the divine plan, it is stated that patience and the resolution of evil are essential elements of universal truth:
“Thus, we see the reverse side of the divine plan – patience and the resolution of evil as part of universal truth.” (source: link , page: 30). This suggests that the unexplored side of the divine may include aspects that at first appear negative or devoid of direct divine goodness—yet ultimately, they contribute to a deeper comprehension and the attainment of harmony in the world.

In this way, the concept of the “reverse side of God” points to the complexity and multifaceted nature of divine essence, where unexplored aspects—such as absence, darkness, patience, and allowed suffering—are not in contradiction with absolute light and goodness but serve as additional, profound dimensions of the complete revelation of the divine. These aspects emerge in the unity of opposites, providing a full understanding of a higher harmony.

Supporting citation(s):
"Barnell’s theory states that human suffering can only be fully understood through an acknowledgment of the metaphysical connection between all beings. In this sense, the reverse side of any divine presence is the very absence or void felt in moments of suffering. ..." (source: link )
"Thus, we see that darkness, light, and the ultimate harmony of all opposites are features of the final Kingdom, where the reverse side of God, like a shadow behind the light, is part of the full revelation." (source: link , page: 10)
"Thus, we see the reverse side of the divine plan – patience and the resolution of evil as part of universal truth." (source: link , page: 30)