Words are only a stand-in for representing something through language. The words themselves are not actually the something; the words are only an indication of it or a pointer to it. And yet we get caught up, attached and find our security in words. Why? Because there is a part of us that feels safe if we can assign a thing a word or some combination of words, and then say it means only this and nothing more. Words give us a sense of security and control - we benefit from their limits and restraints. Its unnerving to consider that our words are woefully inadequate for describing or identifying any spiritual reality. Our words spare us of that feeling of falling into some sort of boundless ambiguity. There is a way that we make words magic, and even god. We replace old words and descriptions with new words and descriptions and this is useful as long as we remember that the words we choose to indicate spiritual life are not actually spiritual life itself. We should not be too concerned about choosing words from some sort of accepted pool of words given us. It is best to speak your experience of the spiritual dimension as naturally as possible in your own words. In the end, this is the best you can do with words. I am aware of words today. As an author of four books and about to start my my fifth, I am often swimming in words. We read books of words, we post posters and quote the words of others on FB, we hang onto the words of our latest guru...words... words... words. But are we truly embracing the reality these words only inadequately refer to, or just being carried along by some kind of mental assent to the words themselves? Is the spiritual dimension real for you or just a concept spelled out in words, bounding around in your head? Is there a reality behind the words or are you simply living vicariously through your assent and attachment to the words? People argue and debate theology as if the concepts and words they have strung together actually accurately convey the infinitude and fullness of spiritual truth. In my view, theology is not a particularly productive or useful way for knowing God and spiritual truth. I went down that path and earned by scholarly credentials in theology, but became very aware of its limitations. Dont get too hung up on or attached to or settle for a spiritual reality that is mostly... words.
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 12:29:24 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015