Greetings and thank you for your question. If you do a quick internet search on "sacred geometry," you'll find a ton of results. One of the first ones is the Wikipedia article on Sacred Geometry, which opens with this paragraph:
"Sacred geometry ascribes symbolic and sacred meanings to certain geometric shapes and certain geometric proportions. It is associated with the belief of a divine creator of the universal geometer. The geometry used in the design and construction of religious structures such as churches, temples, mosques, religious monuments, altars, and tabernacles has sometimes been considered sacred. The concept applies also to sacred spaces such as temenoi, sacred groves, village greens, pagodas and holy wells, Mandala Gardens and the creation of religious and spiritual art." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_geometry)
The article goes on to explain how "sacred geometry" is seen in Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. It plays a part in much of their architecture and worship practices.
Now, from a Christian worldview perspective, we need to separate the wheat from the chaff. We recognize that the entire cosmos is the handiwork of our great Creator God:
- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NKJV)
- The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 NKJV)
- Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (Romans 1:19-20 NKJV)
The universe which we observe and of which we are learning more and more each and every day is a beautiful testimony of God's glory and creativity. It shouldn't shock us that as we peer into the mysteries of the creation that we see the handiwork of God, including things such as "sacred geometry." To consider the wonders of geometry and attribute that to an infinite and eternal "Geometer" is not wrong; rather it's one of the purposes of creation, to evoke praise and worship from the creature to the Creator. The sin comes when we, as fallen human beings who are dead in trespasses and sin, see the wonders of creation and give glory to the creation or create and worship false gods in place of the One, True God. That's what the Apostle Paul goes on to condemn in Romans 1:21-25:
[21] Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Professing to be wise, they became fools, [23] and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. [24] Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, [25] who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:21-25 NKJV)
In our sin, we so hate God and refuse to glorify Him and give Him thanks that we attribute to things or false gods what ought to be reserved for God alone. This is why God "gives us over" to our sin. This is why the wrath of God is already being revealed from heaven to man. This is why all men stand guilty before a holy God. This is why God sent forth His only-begotten and well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ into the world, to be the propitiation and atoning sacrifice for the sins of His people that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.
I want to close with an awesome example of God's handiwork in creation that finds expression in mathematical expressions. A 12th century Italian mathematician named Fibonacci (Leonardo Bonacci) discovered a numerical sequence, which has been called a Fibonacci Sequence. It's a series of numbers, beginning with 0 and 1, in which the next number is the sum of the previous two. So it goes like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34...on to infinity. That's not the awesome thing. The awesome thing is when you take any two successive numbers (where the number is greater than 1) and divide them, you approach what is known as an "irrational number" called the golden ratio (represented mathematically by the Greek letter Phi). The golden ratio is basically 1.618 (it's an infinite decimal like Pi, which is why it's called "irrational"). You can see it in the Fibonacci Sequence. If you divide 2 by 1, you get 2. Dividing 3 by 2 gives you 1.5. Dividing 5 by 3 gives you 1.667. Dividing 8 by 5 gives you 1.6. Dividing 13 by 8 gives you 1.625. If you keep doing this on down the line of the Fibonacci Sequence, you'll approach Phi, or the golden ratio. What's so awesome about the golden ratio? It's a ratio that is seen all throughout creation. It's a ratio that is used in much of our art and architecture and advertising. Its a ratio that is seen in the human body. Measuring from your belly button to your head and from your belly button to your feet gives you two numbers that if you divide them results in the golden ratio (which is why someone with too long a torso or legs too long looks out of proportion). The reason being is it's a ratio that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and is seen as the perfect proportion. You can learn more about it from this video produced by Answers in Genesis.
The bottom line is this: If you want to talk about "sacred geometry," that's all well and good, as long as that "sacred geometry" leads you to worship our awesome Creator God.
I hope this helps.
~ Pastor Carl
