When we face a paradox the default tendency is to take sides, to choose one against the other as the only option to move forward. But is it? Have we tried to embrace both and see where that leads us or we just ruled it out form the outset as impossible. Those that chose the path of the later have always had doors open to them to realities never imagined; their experience is richer and live fuller lives.
N.T Wright is just one such notable example. I hope more and more can take his example and chart new territory wherever we are and in whatever life puts in front of us.
Blake, it’s great to hear that you’re willing to take this challenge.
blake
· 1 year ago
florin - thanks for stopping by and for the words of encouragement. you are spot on i think. it takes some imagination and the creative willingness to refuse the limitations of the boundaries we impose on ourselves. that's tough to do at times, but encountering persons like wright -- and yourself -- is nothing if not inspiring. thanks again!
Florin Paladie
· 1 year ago
“That’s tough to do at times” … resonates with me too. I read great opportunity into the word “tough” and that’s what motivates me not to give in, not to give up but keep pressing on.
Jonathan Stegall
· 1 year ago
Hey Blake. I resonate with this and struggle with it daily, though it is a bit different for me. I sit between the design world and the church world, having <del>expensive</del> great degrees in both fields, and trying to figure out how to do both. I've also heard that it can't be done, and sometimes think it can't be done. But I think it must be done.
On another note, my wife also has this struggle, as she is in seminary at Emory and is often trying to discern whether she should continue toward a PhD and teaching, or move in other directions toward justice work or intentional community, or any number of other things. She also has to figure out how this paradox works. So thank you for bringing this up.
blake
· 1 year ago
jonathan - thanks for weighing in. it is good to know that we are not alone in these endeavors. i think it will be important in the very near future -- and really, even right now -- for persons like yourself to find the point of convergence between those two worlds. really important.
Florin Paladie
· 1 year ago
After I talked with my wiser half about this, I would add this. It boils down to what our passions are. Passions are God guides to help us navigate through life. If we are faced with seemingly conflicting passions we should not choose between them but figure how we can pursue them all. This does not necessarily mean pursuing them at the same time with the same intensity. It might work that way, it might not. But one way or the other IT WILL WORK.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is a per case basis kind of process; hence the struggle/tension.
One of my passions is Art. When I decided to go to Seminary I chose for one at the expense of the other. That was an unfortunate choice. It’s been a while since I’ve been involved in arts. Right now it is a dormant passion as a result.
blake
· 1 year ago
"This does not necessarily mean pursuing them at the same time with the same intensity."
that is key, i think. you're right -- we never simply "give up" a passion. rather, it seems that we oscillate between one, or two, or several. that's pretty exciting when you think about it. and less boring for sure!
Picture Frames
· 1 year ago
I really enjoyed your post. I will have to come back again to read some more of them.
All Comments
N.T Wright is just one such notable example. I hope more and more can take his example and chart new territory wherever we are and in whatever life puts in front of us.
Blake, it’s great to hear that you’re willing to take this challenge.
On another note, my wife also has this struggle, as she is in seminary at Emory and is often trying to discern whether she should continue toward a PhD and teaching, or move in other directions toward justice work or intentional community, or any number of other things. She also has to figure out how this paradox works. So thank you for bringing this up.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is a per case basis kind of process; hence the struggle/tension.
One of my passions is Art. When I decided to go to Seminary I chose for one at the expense of the other. That was an unfortunate choice. It’s been a while since I’ve been involved in arts. Right now it is a dormant passion as a result.
that is key, i think. you're right -- we never simply "give up" a passion. rather, it seems that we oscillate between one, or two, or several. that's pretty exciting when you think about it. and less boring for sure!