I did it again. I do it all the time. I can't help myself. I started another book while I am still reading two others. This one came from the library, though. That's code for "I can't mark up the pages with a pen." That's killing me! N.T. Wright recently published "Simply Jesus" and I started reading it this morning while sitting at the Solid Gold McDonalds drinking a $1 coffee.
I love reading Tom Wright. I find that he often challenges my Weltanschauung (worldview). I realize that some folks have been taught to flee from anything that causes them to question, but I find myself attracted to that very thing. I find that great writers who challenge my views ultimately make me stronger. One of my professors used to say "All truth is God's truth" and I agree completely. It does not matter where one finds that truth, true truth is a gift from God. To declare that something is not true merely because we do not like where it comes from is to commit the "genetic fallacy."
When we allow our beliefs to be challenged we are really in the process of building a stronger foundation. Perhaps we will find that our belief system needs a bit of adjustment - this is good! And strengthens our understanding and our faith. Perhaps we will find that our belief system is correct - this is good too! Now we have faced an argument, found our understanding to be valid and have strengthened our understanding and our faith! We have in both cases also increased our ability to dialogue with others regarding matters of truth and faith ("always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But
do this with gentleness and respect" (I Peter 3:15))
All that is to say that I came across the most marvelous quote in Tom Wright's book today. Without its surrounding context, it might be a bit opaque at first, but with a bit of reflection, I'm guessing you will correctly ascertain its meaning.
"It's a dialogue of the deaf."
-N. T. Wright
The dialogue of the deaf. It takes place around us every day. Perhaps you or I were even one of the involved parties this very day. At work, at home, at church - anywhere that people meet this dialogue occurs on a daily basis. But think deep here. I'm not just describing tonight's conversation with the 7 year old gymnast who wasn't listening to her dad. I am talking about that polysyllabic profundity in the first paragraph. The Weltanschauung. Think it over. Then tell me what you think.
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