One of my favorite authors is Paul Tournier, a Swiss Christian psychiatrist who was one of the first to bridge the gap between spiritual and emotional wholeness. In one of his books, he offers a significant insight for us to ponder on this July 4th:
It is the common experience of all, that humanity moves between two poles of simplicity and complexity. People who have the sort of mind that sees only one side to every question tend toward vigorous action. They succeed in everything they do because they do not stop to split hairs and have abounding confidence in their own abilities
On the other hand, those with subtle and cultivated minds tend to get lost in a maze of fine distinctions. They always see how complicated things really are, so that their powers of persuasion are nil. That is why the world is led by those who are least suited to raising its cultural and moral standards.
It is only very few who manage to combine both tendencies, and in my view a lively Christian faith is the best precondition for the accomplishment of this miracle, because its gives both profound understanding and simplicity of heart.
Tournier wrote this 50 years ago, in 1966. Yet his words ring true about our modern dilemma. Media and politics are driven by the successful sound bite or Tweet—simple answers to complex issues. On the other hand, those who may appreciate the complexities seem unable to communicate them. We seem caught between these two extremes.
If Tournier’s diagnosis is perhaps even more true 50 years later, is his prescription still true as well?
He suggests a “lively Christian faith” is the best foundation for the needed miracle of combining simplicity and complexity. This leads me to a verse often heard in July 4th sermons:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I’ve preached on this verse myself. Rarely does it come naturally to us to think it is our “wicked ways” that God has in view. Usually it’s someone else. Conservatives see the wicked ways of abortion, homosexuality, sexual promiscuity, drug use, etc. Liberals are sure the wicked ways are racism, oppressive banks and rigged economies, widening inequality, etc.
On this July 4th, I hope to spend a few moments praying and humbling myself and seeking God’s face so that I might:
- Let go of the subtle pride that implies, “if everyone were just like me, America would be far better off.”
- Refuse to live disconnected or aloof from the massive human brokenness around me in America, especially if I am so socially and economically well-insulated that I can ignore the suffering around me.
- Recognize that I have only part of the answer to our nation’s many ills, and that someone else has a different piece of the answer that fits together with my piece.
Paul Tournier says those with a “lively Christian faith” can be role models living in the tension between simplicity and complexity. Here are three small suggestions where to begin. Even these small steps do not come easily, at least to me. But begin we must.
Best wishes for a safe 4th, and may God bless America through you.
Thank you for this blog post Rich! May we of faith seek after both thoughtful and simple ways to be part of the healing of this land. What an inspiring thought you have shared.
Nothing is ever simple.
Love from Lane and Susan