Knock Three Times

23. The Pattern of the Grand Design

                'THE INFORMATION YOU ARE about to hear, some may not take lightly; others may embrace, and some may even question their faith, and everything you think you may know about the origins of human existence.' a young Oracle sat before the map, sprawled out for all to see on the musty motel bed. She had spent countless hours, weeks, months—or even years, it was difficult to tell, deep within inner dreamscape, wandering through time and space. She remembered every spirit guide, the faces and unique personalities who had taken her throughout her bloodline, learning everything there was about her own species. First-hand experience was a must, as books could be misleading, and the grand purpose of an Oracle was to know all—to see all, beyond modern influence. To divulge this knowledge to another, however, would be tricky, as Ashley was about to discover, as truth remained as it ever had: in the eye of the beholder.

    'We begin with the basic concept of the Trinity.' she looked to Father Theron to clarify, as this was a topic regularly discussed in Catholicism. 'Father, if you would.'

    'The Holy Trinity,' the seasoned priest cleared his throat. 'Is the three individual parts of God, for those who aren't familiar: The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. In the Catholic faith, we mark ourselves with the sign of the Trinity before and after prayer, and of course, during times of despair and turmoil.'

    'Yes, that is the basic idea.' Ashley concurred with a thankful nod to the Priest. 'But if God is three, and there is only one God, according to scripture, the Bible therefore contradicts itself, does it not, Father Theron?'

    'No.' he objected with a stubborn tone. 'Well, maybe . . . I don't know.' Theron blushed. 'Christianity is a monotheist religion,' With the unyielding look in Ashley's eyes, he suddenly didn't seem so sure. 'You're saying Christians are unknowingly polytheists?'

    'Yes, and no.' she replied, her tone seeming much older and wiser than the young lady who sat before them. 'Like so many truths, it is our individual perspectives that will answer that specific question.'

    'There is no other god.' Father Jeremy said sternly, which made the Oracle smile only just.

    'Tell me, Father, what is the very first commandment?'

    '"I am the Lord thy God. That shall no other Gods but me."' he shrugged.

   'Meaning there are—in fact—other gods.' she chuckled as many faces turned curious. 'That's beyond the point, however. Obviously there is only one God of note, the Alpha and Omega, and only one worth praying to in the end. Just a little shift in perspective to warm us all up . . . get us thinking outside the box.' she rubbed her tiny hands together with a note of excitement.

    'Get to the point, Ashley.' said Malcolm. 'Like Jenson said, we haven't got all night.'

    'In every context within the Bible, when God the Father is mentioned, it's usually pertaining to aspects involving judgement, creation, divine law, discipline . . . fatherly duties. When the Holy Spirit is mentioned it is always to do with nurturing in one form or another. Nowhere in scripture will you read about the Holy Ghost in a paternal role, but strictly maternal, telling us one specific fact about the Trinity.'

    'You're saying the Holy Spirit is . . . female?' Jeremy raised a single eyebrow, not quite believing what he was hearing. 'Never in my studies have I heard such nonsense.'

    'Consider the source of your studies, Father Jeremy.' Ashley replied. 'You really believe Catholicism would gain any credit to a female entity? Women aren't even allowed to gain rank beyond nun in the Vatican, and considering that the roots of Catholic beliefs began with the Council of Nicea—'