Today I was reminded of an interview I heard on the radio several months ago. A theologian on a pbs program was asked about his approach to sharing his faith with the world. I’m paraphrasing here, but what I got out of what he said was this: He chose to proclaim the excellence of his beliefs rather than their superiority.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot today. In fact, I was at a luncheon and the subject came up and a friend of mine asked this question: But what if the very reason for someone’s faith is to tell the world about its superiority? This came in the context of a discussion of Islam in a restaurant in the heart of Mormon country and the input of some academic scholars, fundraisers and a songwriter.
I loved this discussion. I was introduced to perspectives I’d never considered. I re-evaluated my position on a few things and listened intently to wiser heads than mine. It stretched my thinking and made my day. I think the best part of the discussion was that I’m still considering it and being enriched long after the “M2B:) moment” has passed.
I wonder if this stretching of my mind is sort of like yoga for the brain.
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It is! I truly think it is because I can relate. Well, sort of. My brain can only stretch so far but, at book club. I will read a book and have a strong opinion about it or certain characters, etc. and then someone else will pipe up and give a different view and I walk away going, “huh!” Not huh as in huh??? but huh as in….wow! I never thought of it that way. That is very interesting. I can see that side now too!
I love to listen to people who speak on the very edge of my ability to conceive. Hugh Nibley used to do that to me – I’d lag behind slightly, listening with my mouth open, taking notes on deposit slips since he took me so by surprise. I like it when new doors open. It feels like free-fall.