Paradoxology is the title of a book by Sr Miriam Therese Winter, the acclaimed Medical Missionary Sister, musician, scholar and author. In this book, she combines quantum theory with the theology of transformation, the spiritual evolution from Chaos, Consciousness and Connection.

The Spirituality of the Paradoxes is  embedded deeply in Divinity and there are so many examples of paradoxes and ironies in Scripture that it becomes a cornerstone for examining our pre-conceptions and the ever deepening contradictions of Christian morality against the secular values of this world. It forces us to acknowledge the mystery of the Word, and be confronted with the choices we make and its consequences.

Consider this:

‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Oh no, those who go in for fine clothes and live luxuriously are to be found at court! Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. he is the one of whom scripture says:

See, I am going to send my messenger before you;

he will prepare the way before you.

‘I tell you, of all the children born of women, there is no one greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is. (Luke 7:24-30)

(“The Neophyte” by Gustave Doré (1832-1883) hangs at the Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, and depicts a young Carthusian novice who has recently made his vows. His posture and expression suggest one of regret and spiritual alienation, a favourite theme of the artist.  Several versions of this work exists)