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Thinking about folding

I think it must be incredibly satisfying to know through and through of the rightness of one's position. I seem to be reading a lot of news articles lately that involve discussionsdebates between one fixed and certain perspective and another. It's not just the pro-life/pro-choice debate from the years in which I grew up. It's what's going on in the Anglican Communion at the moment, with each side convinced it's right. It's the atheist, liberal, secular "brights" debating with conservative, literalist, fundamentalist Christians. It's what's going on between people who think that the Episcopal Church must change radically to bring in new people and those who think that the important thing is for us to stick to our charism come what may.

I'm just feeling stuck between factions, in a sense. I'm not at all convinced that the right way forward is another perspective presented as certitude. I'm not really convinced that I have anything useful to add to any of these debates, and I've come to this observation: I'm not going to change any minds, but I am going to frustrate myself trying. I think I'll take some time off from this, focus on the work I have to do, and remember the ways in which I assist in reconciliation and peacemaking. Might post the odd thing about day to day life at seminary now and then, and then I might change my mind entirely. Drop me a comment or an email if you like. Chris, then the at-sign, then somethingunderstood.org.

Peace be with you.

Posted by Chris A on March 12, 2006 8:21 PM |

Comments

Hi Chris,

It seems you have found a way to come to some peace inside yourself. That seems to me to be a good resolution, and, ultimately the only resolution. I think you'll be able to move forward in new and creative ways now.

Love,
Mum

Posted by: merry | March 13, 2006 5:42 AM

Well, I'm just feeling worn down by the arguments. I've come to realize that it isn't me. I'm operating within a philosophical or religious sphere, yes, but I don't have to get involved in the bitter and acrimonious debates around it. It saps all my energy and doesn't actually *do* anything. Meanwhile I have 101 things to do that actually contribute to some observable good in the world. Best get back to that.

Posted by: Chris A | March 14, 2006 7:11 AM

I am convinced that certainty is the "sin against the Holy Spirit" that Jesus said would not be forgiven. Certainty leaves no room for God to take us places we did not think of, places where, like Peter, we did not wish to go.

Of course, whenever I say this someone has to ask, "Are you certain?" To which I respond, "No, but I believe."

Posted by: Marshall Scott | March 21, 2006 11:52 AM

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