Devin McGinnis: Finding Transcendence Through Coffee

When Maslow created his hierarchy of needs and put self-actualization at the top, what he meant was coffee.  The plants from the genus Coffea couldn't be described as anything less than a gift from God.  Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora are two plants that produce a near infinite variety of coffee.  The subtle qualities and complexities are only parts of what make this fruit a re-presentation of what is ultimately beautiful.  The creator, God, made Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora and so therefore these plants hold a reflection of the creator.  One can smell and taste the subtle dynamic qualities of the coffee that are the reflections of the greatness of God.  Just like God's mercies are new every morning, so is the coffee.  Because coffee reflects qualities of our creator it acts as a general revelation.  This general revelation is not enough to save us from our depravity but it is enough to condemn us.  It shows us the existence of our creator but this knowledge alone does not save us.  This knowledge of God, brought on by the general revelation of coffee, should influence us to seek out what will ultimately save us and allow us to find transcendence.  It is only through Christ that we can find transcendence and be saved.  The general revelation of coffee leads us the specific revelation of the Word, which leads us to Christ, which allows us to glorify Him for all of eternity. Amen.