Lately, since I have a little more time than I used to have since I retired from everything except breathing, I have been thinking about the connection between theory and practice. The top photo above is obviously a picture of Albert Einstein, a guy who used to walk around Princeton. At first glance, he did not look like a person in the photograph that you should take seriously. I have never been able to find the meaning behind the photo, but it always made me smile. Of more importance is the second graphic - on the link between theory and practice.
When I was going for my doctorate and studying organizations, one of the points that was constantly emphasized was the connection between theory and practice. Einstein's quote dealt with the relationship - reminding us that theory and practice must be connected. Good theory informs good practice = good practice informs good theory. I was fascinated by this insights - grounded in science, but also a way to tie together different parts of human behavior.
Every person has opinions - lots of them. Everyone has ideas about what should be done, must be done, not be done, or never even considered. Amazingly, this also applies to life within the church. If you want to know how much a person truly understands the mission of Jesus, is what they say grounded in Jesus - grounded in Christ. It is a pretty simple thing to look for - and simple to recognize when you're trying to figure out truth.
Over the past few months, as we move through these horrible times, I encounter many people with strong opinions. I see many families where they have to establish "neutral" zones at meals, at holidays, etc. I have heard from many who are worried and determined about Thanksgiving gatherings, ironically not because of the pandemic, but because of the inability to have civil discussions anymore on deeply held issues. When I hear people talking about what the Church should do = I ask myself this question - no matter how brilliant this person seems to be - do they mention the connection they have with Christ? This cannot simply be assumed. Christianity is not meant to be a secret word where we just do things and don't mention the name of Christ. It is real - and fundamental to our lives.
Theory and practice are connected - they affect each other. If Christ is not found as the basis of our approach, then we are really missing something fundamental. I'm no longer overwhelmed by the eloquence of some. I am overwhelmed with joy at those whose lives and behaviors show clearly the importance of Christ in their lives.
These lines might seem a little esoteric, sorry about that. But I think they strike at the heart of something really fundamental and needed in the Church today.
If you find you have to establish "time-outs" for Thanksgiving gatherings, do it. But do not delay doing it until guests arrive. It will be too late. I'll pray for peace in your homes, wisdom in your discussions, and the presence of Jesus in everything you do. We need the right words with the right behavior. We need the theory (our focus on Christ) and the practice (seeing and acting as if each person in our group is meant to be an image of Jesus). Just a hunch.