Where is geometry? Driving through Pittsburgh this afternoon, I saw all sorts of rectangles jutting into the sky, the triangular U.S. Steel Tower, the arched Fort Pitt Bridge. We see shapes everywhere we look.
But what about a geometric line—one that extends forever in opposite directions—where can you find that? And what about a point? Technically, a point has no thickness, so how can we see it? And who can perfectly measure the circumference of a circle? That is, without having to resort to something other than a number—the symbol π?
Geometry is the study of things with no beginning and no end, the study of things invisible yet knowable, the study of things ideal and perfect. Where do we find such things?
In the mind of God.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord?”
—Romans 11:33-34
How unsearchable is the end of a geometric line? And how inscrutable is the airtight logic of a geometric proof? And who but God can chase the number 3.141592653… all the way to its end? When we allow our minds to wander into the field of geometry, we are entering the imagination of our Maker.
Geometry is a world filled with ideals and infinities and perfections unseen in this present age. It encourages us to imagine a world where things never fall short, where everything reaches its intended goal. It is a taste of the New Jerusalem.
In Revelation 21, John watches as an angel measures that heavenly city with a golden ruler—an angel doing geometry. The city is a perfect cube: “Its length and width and height are equal” (Rev 21:16). Triple-perfection. A city holy, holy, holy just like her Lord.
Where is geometry? It is the mathematics of a New Creation. It is a measuring of a world yet to come.
Speaking of Pi . . .
Imagine for a moment you are out for a walk in your neighborhood. As you stroll, you come upon a magical door. Hesitating, you gather the courage to unlock the bolt and slowly draw it open. Immediately you’re hit with the scent of fresh blueberries and warm pastry. Staring back at you are boxes of fresh-baked pies adorned with an inviting lattice. A friendly sign inside encourages you to take one home, leave a donation if you like. There are neighborhood newspapers and cookbooks stashed inside. You look to the left and right. You rub your eyes: Can this be real? Or is it your imagination?
This is the magical experience of The Hutch Pies & Goodies, and it is very real. On Thursdays and Saturdays, you can walk up to The Hutch at 83 Lemoyne Ave in Washington, PA, and find cookies, pies, homemade pop tarts, bread, biscotti, and other goodies. Everything is available for suggested cash donations, and you just walk up, help yourself, and walk away.
Have you visited The Hutch yet? Our baking “schedoodle” is always in the monthly Hutch Post PDF shared on this Substack on the first Wednesday of the month, but you can find up-to-date pictures and notifications on our Facebook page. See you soon!
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