Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Both-And

If we maintain the open-mindedness of children, we challenge fixed ideas and established structures, including our own. We listen to people in other denominations and religions. We don't find demons in those with whom we disagree. We don't cozy up to people who mouth our jargon. If we are open, we rarely resort to either-or: either creation or evolution, liberty or law, sacred or secular, Beethoven or Madonna. We focus on both-and, fully aware that God's truth cannot be imprisoned in a small definition.

Brennan ManningThe Ragamuffin Gospel

1 comment:

Dom Crowl said...

I read in a book by Eric Ludy the idea of staying 'canon-minded' rather than open minded, as in based on biblical truth. I think this enables us to first stay true to the gospel above all else and not be swayed back and forth by different ideas. God's truth is in the bible. There's nothing wrong with coming into opposition with someone about what you believe. I feel that, these days, the idea of staying open-minded, is bringing more of the world into the gospel rather than putting the gospel out into the world.