Much is made these days of preserving the "mystery of God." Some in the Evangelical community caution against too much knowledge fearing it will reduce Christianity to a collection of propositions and intellectual arguments.
This is ironic because mystery is most evident when you know more about something, not less. Who understands the mysteries of the cosmos most, an attorney or an astronomer? Who is more likely to stand in awe at the complexities of a living cell, a baker or a biologist? In the same way, the theologian not the neophyte is most likely to be overwhelmed by God’s mystery.
Mystery and ignorance are two different things. After you have dispelled as much ignorance as possible, there is still plenty of mystery to bow in awe before God.
Yes!
Posted by: Derek Cardwell | October 29, 2007 at 06:51 AM
“Some in the Evangelical community caution against too much knowledge…”
This can kill ‘Evangelism’
I guess when someone says: “You just rely on faith and mystery ….I have to have reasons for what I believe.”
We have to reply “I guess you’re right. It was nice talking to you.”
I can’t imagine Christ cautioning us from wisdom about Him.
Posted by: Kevin W | October 29, 2007 at 07:28 AM
It Makes about as much sense as a husband wanting to know as little about his wife as possible. Just enough so that he can get the good feelings he wants.
Posted by: | October 29, 2007 at 07:34 AM
Thanks Greg, that is so accurate. I have found this to be true in my life and study.
I think not only do you have a more profound understanding of the mystery of something once you have studied it, you also have a greater appreciation of its mystery!
Posted by: Thomas Whited | October 29, 2007 at 08:04 AM
Greg,
great observation as usual. I don't find a lot of mystery in the world when it comes to "what" happened, I find mystery in "why". God did this, or God did that, isn't mysterious at all, but His motives or inner workings are what boggle my mind.
Posted by: doug t | October 29, 2007 at 08:55 AM
I think a good example of a healthy form of 'mystery' is in the writings of John Calvin. If you actually read the man himself, you find that he probes the scriptures diligently, and seeks to truly know and understand the ways of God. However, he very frequently acknowledges that man's understanding can only go so far, and man must then stand in awe and adoration of God's mystery. This is do to the feeble nature of our mind, not because God does't make sense or is illogical in any way. This discovery completely reversed my uninformed preconceptions about Calvin, as a man who worked out a dry and abstract theoretical system concerning God. His passion for the truth, and humility before the mystery of God is nothing of the sort.
Calvin even suggests that it's best to call a student of the scriptures a Master of Learned Ignorance. What a difference from receiving a Master of Divinity!
Posted by: Tyler | October 29, 2007 at 11:45 AM
I think one problem is not with how much we know, but how we respond to what we know. You will Christianity to nothing more than a series of propositions to be assented to if those propositions don't drive you to a deeper sense of love, wonder, and worship of the being those propositions describe.
Posted by: Damon Titus | October 30, 2007 at 05:59 AM