The Art of Gnosticism
Since its debut over two and a half years ago, The Palm Tree Garden has attracted a diverse group of Gnostics and seekers of truth from all walks of life. One thing that many of the regular contributors and members of The Palm Tree Garden have in common is creativity in arts and letters, whether in writing, designing, the fine arts, music, and more. Artistic creativity seems to run strong in Gnostics. Many Gnostics make their living as artisans. Why is this? Perhaps it is because the mystery of truth is veiled (else it would not be a mystery), and art and literature are a natural means of expressing a truth that cannot easily be explained in words. Gnosis is sometimes called the inexpressible truth. How can one describe the ultimate truth, which is infinite and beyond human comprehension? It is most difficult and best revealed in glimpses and communicated, not through the mind, but through the spirit. Art and literature both aspire to this kind of communication, and the best artists, while unable to communicate the entire truth as it reveals itself to them, nevertheless, when divinely inspired, can, at least, show rather than tell; can point to rather than hold up; and can let in a little light into the world, illuminating the truth which is always here and has always been here, if we could but only see it.
It has been my pleasure, and a great honour, to be associated with the fine creative minds who post at The Palm Tree Garden Forum. Theirs is a unique art, and most certainly a unique vision. From ordinary mundane instruments like paper and pen, canvas and paint, graphics and computers, you can catch a glimpse of a truth more powerful than any that comes from the world, but that comes rather through the hearts and minds and souls and spirits of those in whom the truth has found, in its eternal seeking for those who thirst for the truth, a window into the divine eternal realm of infinite goodness and light.