In this trek through Purity of Heart, I have read dozens of things I would love to write about, but one aspect really stands out right now. Turn off the noise!
"But he that in truth becomes at one with himself, he is in the silence. And this is indeed like a changing of raiment: to strip oneself of all that is as full of noise as it is empty, in order to be hidden in the silence, to become open. This silence is the simple festivity of the holy act of confession. For at dancing and festive occasions worldly judgment holds that the more musicians, the better. But when we are thinking of divine things, the deeper the stillness the better (47-48)."
As I read this book, I live in a culture surrounded by noise. Next door I can hear my neighbor's radio as I write. Distraction constantly persists everywhere I am; even as I pray, my mind wanders. It wanders into frivolity: what will I do later? what will I do at work? what time is it? My mind is constantly seemingly enslaved to the temporal. Yet, in the stillness the eternal reigns.
However, this stillness is not a forced emotion. It involves a collected preperation - a collected mind. "Nor is he like the poet who wishes to seek out loneliness and its mood (50)." In preperation for this stillness, just turn off the noise. It does not mean to merely be in a quiet place (though personally I find that essential), it carries the idea of ridding mental distraction and contemplating the seriousness of sin. This preparation for confession has altered the way I have my daily devotions; it has altered the way I pray; it has altered the way I view myself. Coming to God in stillness horrifies me quite honestly. I realize sin after sin as I ask God to reveal them in my life. At the same time though, it astounds me. I am astounded that as I bring each of these sins before God, he forgives me. That is an elementary sunday school truth, but the reality of it is truly amazing.
In this stillness, I learn more of myself. I learn more of my weakness and failures in light of the presence of a Holy God. I also learn however that I am freed from those failures. I am counted as righteous. I am a saint. "The all-knowing One does not get to know something about the maker of the confession, rather the maker of confession gets to know about himself (50-51)." Perhaps, another fascinating discussion on the nature of prayer and confession, but right now I cite it as an example of the benefit of intimacy with God. I have realized that intimacy with the Father leads to a greater intimacy with myself and knowing the true terror of my apalling sin which leads to true repentance and confession.
I hope that you guys are also benefitting from this book. I hope to hear some of your thoughts about what you find interesting or what you have been learning. I hope the pre-existentialism is not rubbing off on you too much though, we're still a community you know. We can share our thoughts.
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2 comments:
Well, I certainly haven't gotten that far unfortunately. But I am through the introduction and am curious on this point. How do you suppose we can bring a ballast between the solitary individual self (which S.K. is encouraging) and the community of the church? I have been doing a lot of thinking on the church in the last several months.
So how can we, as Christian thinkers, take the good from what S.K. explains of the importance of the individual, and not follow our culture which has effectively ignored community for the past century. Conversely, how do maintain a Biblical respect for the individual (especially as concerns salvation) without washing it away in the soft emerging exultation of community?
Surely, we need much discernment on these issues. It is not one or the other, but the Scripture is our guide appraising each. Unfortunately, I think S.K. started a movement that exulted the individual and forgot about the church - yet he was critiquing a society that had neglected the individual.
I do believe that Kierkegaard in a sense initiated an individualistic movement in culture, but I don't believe that was his intention. He was reacting the generalization of Christianity by Hegel; and as a general principle, it always seemes to be ones' successors that take an idea to the next level (Jaspers, Heidegger, etc...).
However, it is clear in the New Testament the vital role the Church plays in the lives of believers. Believers find encouragement, instruction, fellowship, and accountability among the redeemed members of the body of Christ.
Just think though if there were a community of individuals who truly did will the Good. Imagine a church filled with people who came to know themselves in proportion to God and to know the appaling nature of their personal sin. I'm pretty sure I would be glad to pastor that flock.
Although the church should ultimately be a reflection of Christ, it also bears the mark of the individuals who comprise it. I think in that regard, Kierkegaard's work can be incredibly value to the Church. As future pastors, we will be able to teach these Biblical truths about the individual to cultivate better Christian individuals - husbands, wifes, fathers, mothers, and kids.
I've just been tossing some ideas around. I have to admit, I haven't yet fully thought through them, but I would appreciate your continued insight.
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