iTales

Fractals, by definition, are geometric patterns with non-integar dimensions. The essential feature of a fractal is the existence of a similar structure at all length scales. A fractal object has the property that a small part resembles a larger part, which in turn resembles the whole object.

What this allows is an intimate glimpse of the Creator through the creation. How do we do this? For one, through the Word (obviously). Jesus’ parables are a prime example of fractal reflection��seeing� the invisible through that which we relate. Two, nature provides plenty of lessons. On one hand, one can contemplate the underpinnings of a galaxy (something intangible to most of us) by examing something of fractal nature that’s tangible�such as a hurricane or a whirlpool. On the other hand�philosophically�an example I use is one day while weeding a flower bed, I got to thinking that “weeding� is very much like what we all must do everyday to combat sin.

Like a weed, sin invades. It HAS to be plucked constantly and vigilently, otherwise the weeds quickly overrun, choke the garden plants and make it very burdensome to clean a fully invaded garden. It’s difficult to discern the good from the bad when seedlings of good plants and weed upshoots are both starting simultaneously. Sometimes weeds disguise themselves like the good plant, that is similarly looking weeds thrive. Often weeds will grow right through the structure of a plant, making it difficult to uproot the weed without doing damage to the good plant. These are all characteristics of sin.

Fractals of life�one that transverses the realms of cosmology, geology, chemistry, biology, physics and philosophy, and mathematics�can also be viewed through a classic relative value that goes by the names of the Golden Number, the Golden Ratio, the Golden Section, the Divine Section, The Divine Proportion or the Golden Mean. This value can be arrived through the Fibonnaci Sequence and is evident in a wide array of creative ventures by both man and God.

I have an essay regarding this that I did for a Logics class project a few years ago to provide empirical evidence of God. It gives more detail to the concepts I just presented:
http://www.cyberalley.com/FracLife.html

My question to this group and to thread this blog: Is it wrong to seek knowledge and appreciation of our Maker through the work of his hands�in realms outside scripture. Does God reveal himself outside his Word?

Ever wonder “what if?” What if I would have turned right instead of left? What if had I listened to “the little voice?” What if Hansel & Gretel had not eaten from the candy house? Life is full of choicesâ€â€?small and large, insignificant and soul-saving. Storytelling can be tooâ€â€?full of choices. So can movies.

I’ve been developing this concept for eight years now, a gift dropped in my lapâ€â€?from listening and obliging “the little voice.”

Several years ago, in a hurry with deadlines to meet and work overflowing, and after loading my two daughters (6 and 8 at the time) into my Ford Ranger in a Walmart-like store (Meijers) parking lot, I was just going to leave my shopping cart right there next to my truck�in the middle of the parking lot. About to climb into the Ranger cab, that little voice quietly suggested I put the cart where it belongs. Now I could have ignore the voice and what would really have been my sin? Leaving a cart in the parking lot? With dozens of others? Big deal! Hey I was in a hurry! I had things to do. I was getting to be big time. But I oblidged the little voice and pushed the cart back to the building.

No sooner did I let go of the cart I heard what sounded like a car backfiring. A glance in the general direction revealed no moving vehicles, but I did spy a policeman halfway across the parking lot, gun draw, quickly and cautiously moving across the lot. I scan across and see a young man firing a rifle toward the main road. My instinct was to jump in the truck and get my kids out of there. Quick. No telling what was going on: a hold up, a gang fight?

Come to find out on the news, some guyâ€â€?at the perceived end of his ropeâ€â€?had lured the cops with a false accident report. When I seen him firing, he was blowing a cop’s head off, then put the gun to himself.

Now, had I NOT obeyed that little voice, I would have been driving past this incident as it happened! Would he have shot us? Probably not. He had lured the cops. But! How would it have effected my six and eight year old daughters seeing someone’s head blown off? Or me? How would I have taken that?

My sin wouldn’t have been leaving a cart in the parking lot. It would have been disobeying God. My own actions would have wrought my punishment. Tragically. A small, simple, unthinkable sin could have wrought huge consequences! Saving my children from witnessing this act is the obvious reward. Not so obvious is the fact that this caused me to contemplate about “what if.” Synthesizing “what if” with the interactivity I was doing with websites and CDs, I was literally given interactive storytellingâ€â€?as a gift.

The question I’d like to throw out for discussion is: Does anyone share a similar storyâ€â€?where the Little Voice spoke, and you did or did not listen? What happened then? Did you contemplate the alternative scenario? Given a second chance, would you have turned right instead of left?

Thanks folks,
John Gnotek
www.CyberAlley.com/iTales/