To an Unknown God

Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” – Acts 17:22-23 (NRSV) 

I wouldn’t call it a revival. 

But when it comes to the place of faith in society, I have noticed a shift. I see it in younger adults—not raised with any particular faith—walking through the heavy wooden doors of our sanctuary. Most say some version of this: “There must be something more.” 

I see it in the quiet acknowledgment that altars of career advancement and self-actualization cannot fill the void in our spirits. I meet people who have chased the dopamine-hits of social media or of partisanship all the way to a dead end where they are left still feeling: “There must be something more.” 

As Paul was walking through Athens, amidst all the altars to Zeus and Poseidon he saw an altar dedicated “to an unknown God.” In this cultural hub, at the pinnacle of human achievement and wisdom, the Athenians sensed: “There still must be more.” 

Here’s the challenge. There is a long line of manipulators and cynics, hateful and power-hungry, lining up to impose meaning onto our curiosity and uncertainty. Too often, these missionaries of meaning flatten wonder and mystery under the crushing weight of tired old misogyny, racism, and fear.  

But we dare to proclaim a more promising shape to the mystery. A God whose grace is not bound by borders. A God who expands our definition of neighbor. A God who provokes justice, mercy and love. A God whose mystery finds clarity in the shape of Christ.  

When I remember that God, I long to proclaim to every searching heart walking through our doors: “You are right. There is more!” 

Prayer
God, open our hearts to the spiritual hunger around us. Give us the courage to share what we have known. Amen.

About the Author
John Allen is the Senior Minister of First Parish Church UCC in Brunswick, Maine.