Can I Ask This Question? // Moriah Nelson
I think my biggest question after reading the assigned portion of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion is: is it truly wrong to keep seeking an answer that appears to be hidden by God?
Near the beginning of the reading, Calvin writes,
“The best limit of sobriety for us will be not only to follow God’s lead always in learning but, when He sets an end to teaching, to stop trying to be wise.” (924)
I’m conflicted when I read this because it seems to me that we are constantly learning how to be more like Christ throughout our lives through the process of sanctification. Yet, does God ever stop teaching us in this life? So often I face something and desire to know the Lord’s direction and will pray consistently for guidance. Is that wrong? Does Calvin’s stance on seeking the Lord’s teaching only apply to some topics such an election and predestination? Or, does he simply imply that we should make sure our searching stays within the confines of Scripture? I am reminded of a note Jim Elliot once recorded in a journal,
“Teach me Lord, how to listen and not always to seek to squeeze truth out of the Scriptures which Thou dost not yet choose to open."
Thinking from this perspective, I can see where seeking God’s teaching in the Word and trying to be the authority over it is wrong. Of course we should submit to the authority of Scripture as the inspired Word of God. Still, I think verses such as Psalm 119:10,
“With my whole heart I seek You; let me not wander from your commandments!” (ESV) or James 1:5,
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (ESV), show that we should, and can, keep seeking the Lord’s teaching for wisdom. Why would God include these verses in His Word if He ever stopped teaching us wisdom or didn't desire for us to seek His teaching? So, I don’t think I agree with Calvin on this point as I don’t think we should ever “…stop trying to be wise.”
I know these thoughts are fairly scattered (and I have plenty of thoughts for the rest of the reading as well) but I’m really curious to hear other views on this question (and if I’m reading into it too much or have taken it out of context).
I commented on Brenna and Joshua's posts.
I commented on Brenna and Joshua's posts.
I'm glad you asked this question. I believe that if we never asked questions that we knew that we wouldn't get the answer to then we would never learn anything. No one starts a job expecting to one day own the company. No one asks difficult questions expecting a perfect answer. no one writes a book and expects to be the best. The joy of learning isn't about the end result, its about the journey. We know we wont ever understand what God says we cant but we can try. trying to understand shows love for God, not rebellion.
ReplyDeleteI can completely understand what you mean. I have been struggling through a passage of scripture for the past week, and I'm worrying over whether I should keep trying to understand my questions. I could be wrong, but I believe Calvin had intense speculation in mind, when individuals attempt to dig into scripture to answer selfish or unimportant questions. The scriptures are the Word of God, to be regarded as so, and their authority not questioned under any circumstances. I think when we try to extrapolate scripture to such a large extent, seeking something that isn't there , we are saying that God's Word is not enough for us, when in actuality He has to granted us the ability to consciously breath, let alone understand His holy and self-sufficient Word. Great Post!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! Great job digging out deep questions! I think there is a difference between genuine curiosity and obsession. There is absolutely nothing wrong with struggling with an issue from scripture. If it bothers you that much, go research it! The nice thing about today's society is that there are hundreds of resources at our fingertips written by people much smarter than us. Even better, no matter what topic it is, it will be addressed from all angles! Back in Calvin's day, there was not as diverse of a selection. I think one of the reasons he wrote this was just as much for his benefit as the next guy's. Writing all this out may have helped him sort out his thoughts. There is nothing wrong with writing a book about a certain theological topic your passionate about. The danger lies in making the topic your idol when you should be focusing on God.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your tenacity and attention to detail regarding this question, and I think that you are right. God is an infinite being and therefore has an infinite amount of divine knowledge that He can teach us throughout our short, earthly lives. Therefore, I think that we should ask him for wisdom, as scripture says, that He may give it to us so that we may know more about Him and about this life we lead on Earth.
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