Story and Art as Houses of Faith and Discovery
If I want a particular kind of cup of coffee (double tall, non-fat, extra hot latte), I march up to the counter and announce clearly in declarative language that that is what I want. I am told in no uncertain terms the amount of coins it will cost me, and having complied with the terms, I scuttle down to the end of the counter where a double tall, non-fat, extra hot latte better be waiting.
We live in this kind of cost/benefit world, where goods and services are exchanged for agreed upon prices. Expectations are clear, and given we can find a way to earn the coins we need, we can expect to get what we pay for.
Notice that the rules of the game--on the surface--are the same for everyone. Pay a buck, get a candy bar.
Does spirituality work the same way? The exchanges of life with God? The exchanges of life with other humans?
Obviously not, you say. Well, okay, but consider this: isn't nearly every sermon you've ever heard pitched to everyone? As if the words coming from the pulpit are meant to hit everyone in exactly the same way, calling forth the same action, the same emotional response, the same obedient behavior?
This is not complaint as much as it is curious observation.
I have an ongoing conversation going with a particular friend about the relationship between "character" and "personality." One of the most interesting things about reading the Bible as I am (It was Jeremiah today) is to notice that there are many different kinds of personalities, but the actual commands of the Lord take no notice of the differences. In other words, we are all called to the same life of faith, all called to demonstrate love through obedience, all called to live the life described by Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, and the other New Testament people.
What I wonder is this: is it possible (or even likely) that those in leadership of churches (especially in more conservative settings) sometimes preach the commands in ways that tend to discourage diversity in the manner of varying personalities working out those commands in diverse ways? For those of you familiar with the Myers-Briggs type indicator, I wonder if church leaders often wish we could all be in one quadrant, because that particular quadrant has an easier time with godly character traits as those leaders understand them.
A command is a command is a commmand. (Do not commit adultery.) But a story, which was Jesus primary teaching tool, leaves room to roll around in, each listener attaching themselves to the story in various, personalized ways. Each listener is left to themselves to make sense of the tale, and work out how it will impact their life and behavior. It gives tremendous room for the varying personalities of human beings to gather around the truth with freedom.
The law fails to give freedom. Christ sets us free.
I'm not saying this well at all. But declarative statements may not be the best means by which to modify behavior. Stories and art can be invitations to consider, from our own perspective, how life before God is to be lived. A set of clear statements may bring a sort of psychological peace, a plain program to be worked out and checked off. But what if we are putting a lid on the creative power of God, which the Holy Spirit is wanting to unleash in the great diversity of His people?
Perhaps "working out our salvation in fear and trembling" is one way to say "You are free."
...how amazing is the Lord...
4:19:10 PM
