What is the realm of God's indirect dominion and how does God relate to us during this time?

Question

Sun Myung Moon · Accepted Answer

The Realm of Indirect Dominion and God's Relationality The concept of God's indirect dominion, a pivotal aspect of the Divine Principle, illuminates the intricate relationship between divine will and human freedom. It explains why God, though omnipotent, works through a process that necessitates human cooperation, particularly after the human Fall. This framework clarifies God's engagement with humanity during a period defined by humanity's incomplete growth and the lingering effects of sin. The Biblical Foundation Scripture consistently portrays a God who initiates and wills a perfect creation, yet also respects the free agency of His creation. From the beginning, God endowed humanity with responsibility and free will. God’s commandment to Adam and Eve, "In the day that you eat of that fruit, you will surely die," explicitly meant that the decision to obey or disobey was theirs, not God's. This highlights that human completion is not solely dependent upon God's power, as God uniquely gave human beings a portion of responsibility that even He Himself could not interfere with. This was to bestow upon humanity the right to stand in the position of creator, exercising dominion over creation, just as God exercises dominion over humanity. "For God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:27-28). Even after the Fall, God’s desire to gather His children is evident, yet not forced. Jesus lamented, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37). Here, God’s unilateral will to protect and gather is thwarted by humanity's unwillingness, demonstrating that divine intervention does not override human volition. Paul’s injunction in Philippians further exemplifies this duality: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13). This passage underscores a partnership, not a unilateral divine imposition. Divine Principle's Clarification The Divine Principle introduces the concept of God's indirect dominion, referred to as the realm of dominion over the results of the Principle. This period aligns with the three ordered stages of growth: formation, growth, and completion, that all created things, including humans, must pass through to reach maturity. During this process, things are meant to grow autonomously, in accordance with the Principle itself. God, as the ultimate supervisor, manages this growth indirectly through the Principle, relating only to the results of the growth. This is distinguished from the realm of direct dominion, which would have been established if humanity had perfectly fulfilled its portion of responsibility and attained maturity without falling, living in unity of heart with God. Human beings, however, were created uniquely to reach maturity not only through the independent force of the Principle but also by fulfilling their own portion of responsibility. Perfection is achieved only when human beings fulfill their responsibility in addition to God's. For example, while Christ's sacrifice comes by God's decision, whether to believe and reap its benefits is left to us. When humanity completes its portion of responsibility, we enter the realm of God's direct dominion, a state of living in unity with God as perfected individuals who exchange love and beauty, fulfilling the purpose of creation in perfect accordance with His will. This is the experience of "God with us." Understanding God's Relationality In the realm of indirect dominion, God relates to humanity as a loving Parent who provides instructions and guidance but allows His children to learn through experience and choice. He does not force love or obedience, for genuine love requires freedom. This is why God grieves over human sin (Genesis 6:6) and rejoices in human righteousness (Zephaniah 3:17). His relationship is dynamic and responsive to human actions. This framework explains why the Messiah was indispensable. Humanity, having fallen and being incapable of perfectly fulfilling its portion of responsibility, required a True Parent to restore the proper relationship with God and to establish the foundation for the realm of direct dominion. Jesus, as the "last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45), came to fulfill the human portion on behalf of all humanity, thereby opening the path to truly realize God's original ideal. "For as in Adam all die,

What is the realm of God's indirect dominion and how does God relate to us during this time?

The Biblical Foundation

Divine Principle's Clarification

Understanding God's Relationality

Living the Principle

Sources and further reading