Wednesday: Foolishness and Wisdom
Read Proverbs 1:1-33. What does this teach us concerning what true Christian education should be about?
The Bible draws a steady comparison between foolishness and wisdom. The book of Proverbs does well to remind us of the dangers of foolhardy behavior and keeping the company of fools.
Image © Krieg Barrie at Goodsalt.com
The distinction is clear: God desires that His people seek wisdom, to treasure it and abound in it.
Students of the arts and sciences utilize their talents to gain knowledge and to pursue excellence in their studies. Teachers of these disciplines do similarly. We can be capable of artistic brilliance and scientific breakthroughs because of knowledge and ability.
Yet from a Christian perspective, what does a knowledge of the arts and sciences really mean if it does not involve knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error? All one has to do, for instance, is read a bit about the lives of some of those deemed the world’s greatest artists in order to see that having wonderful skill and talent doesn’t equate with a moral or upright life. One could argue, too, that great scientists involved in the work of creating biological or chemical weapons of mass destruction might be highly educated, highly gifted, but what are the fruits of their work? As stated before, knowledge, in and of itself, is not necessarily a good thing.
Read Proverbs 1:7. How does this text reveal what the key to true Christian education is?
| One Nobel Prize winner, an atheist, a man who studies the universe and the physical forces behind it, wrote: “The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless.” What should this tell us about how knowledge, in and of itself, can not only be meaningless but, even worse, lead to gross error? |
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The book, "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer" by Bird and Sherwin gives an account of the challenge of scientific discovery and moral responsibility. This is not a glossed over book on Christian morality but rather a warts and all account of the Oppenheimer's drive to discover and document the processes of nuclear fission and the moral dilemma that he faced because the military wanted to use the technology to create weapons of mass destruction. Oppenheimer had his roots in ethical Judaism and his concerns were very much a part of his thinking. He opposed the use of fission devices for killing people and had hoped that the military would use the bomb for demonstration purposes only. By the time America started to develop fission (Hydrogen bombs) devices, he was radically opposed to their use for any military purposes at all. He was demonised by the American government for his pacifist views and essentially cast out of the scientific community. Essentially wisdom was thrown out to satisfy military aggression and political gain. The book makes for tough reading.
The book opens up the question of scientific discovery and moral responsibility. It is not a new issue. It has been very much part of the story of science from the beginning. Nowadays we see the same issue being raised with DNA research and genetic engineering, medical research and so on. If you want an account of some of these issues, "DNA" by James Watson is an interesting read.
Wisdom in the context of the modern world is something that is hard to come by. It has to weave its way between military aggression, political aspiration, and financial greed. Sometimes we as Christians put up the barricades on these issues with a rather simple, "trust in the Lord", it is not our problem. Jesus will return and everything will be all right. There is a deep need for wisdom from the Lord in these times and that wisdom is something we can share. If true wisdom comes from the God and we are God's people, then we have a responsibility to contribute that wisdom into our society.
Somewhere early in this series of lessons, the metaphors of salt and light were used to illustrate our responsibility to change the flavour and provide hope in a dark world. How do we go about this in the real world today?
I know what you mean about glib phrases, some apply these to the discussion of whether a Christian should vote. I do know "trusting in the Lord" is what makes us salt. Building our lives on the gospel message is our light and our responsibility. So what does this look like applied to issues such as genetic engineering? A disease like cystic fibrosis could be completely cured with the help of selective genetic engineering. I've also read it could extend human lifespan. There are lists of pros and cons. Some want to paint glorious pictures of the future of humanity through the use of science and technology. What wisdom do we have to add as followers of Jesus? We are faced with ethical questions which the teaching of Jesus did not directly address because they arise out of recent technological developments. So I think we share with society what we know. We know that the primary problem with humanity is not our genes, it’s our hearts. The problem of evil in the world is not a DNA issue, it’s a sin issue. We look to address the root of a predicament. Jesus' compassion was radical, not necessarily going for the ‘easy option’ which may not deal with the root of the predicament (Mark 10:17-22). As Christians we always proceed from the starting point of forgiveness and acceptance. Christian ethics are more ‘open-ended’ than legalism and external moral rules and takes into account motives and intentions (Mt. 5:21–22; Mt. 22:37–39). Are we putting God first or ourselves? Are we seeking His Kingdom the way it looks in Matthew 5, or our own?
In his book "The divine image: The foundations of Christian morality", Keith Ward says " the man who feels that it is his vocation to pursue intellectual studies may allow the pursuit of truth to be the predominating value of his life; and in so doing he will not, of course, be ‘imitating Christ’ in any direct sense, since Christ was not a scientist. But, at the same time, an acknowledgement of the Christian ideal of life will temper the scientist’s attitude to his own vocation. It will prevent him from erecting an ideal of intellectual superiority, from despising the ignorant, and from supposing that the pursuit of truth is the only value which should be acknowledged by all men."
If the lesson's authors wanted to teach a week on Creation, that's totally fine, but I wish they had called it something like "Education in Our Creation."
Calling it "Education in Arts and Sciences" is, frankly, kind of disingenuous. I was actually looking forward to a lesson on God being glorified through the arts, or empirical research pointing to the beauty and harmony we find in nature. It would be something different, I think.
Instead these are the same Creation discussions that have been published so many times before. (Except for today's lesson, which is basically a harangue. Of course knowledge can be used for evil. Why not talk about how it can be used for *GOOD* instead? Isn't that what's important to us? To use what we have to glorify the Lord? I would've thought that would be the key point.)
Sorry. I don't even disagree with the lesson, as such; I'm just disappointed is all.
I share your disappointment, Mitch. I think the arts, in particular, is often the poor cousin in our church environment and we often lack creativity in our use of the arts in worship and communication. It is a topic worth exploring because it could enrich our worship and grow our spirituality and has the potential to provide better communication of our message to those who need to hear the Gospel.
Some of you who know my story will know that for many years I was the director of the visuals for our local church and I combined my love for photography with creative expression to enrich the worship experience of the church. Hymns and songs were set to photographic backgrounds and I used visuals as fillers between services and during the offerings. Each week the visuals were created fresh. In those days I used to say that all my photographs had a hymn- or announcement-sized hole in it! I had an agenda. I wanted to use my artistic expression to glorify God in worship. It was, for me, a practical application of what I think the title of this weeks lesson suggests. Some folk asked my why I bothered to do so much work for essentially an hour of worship. My response was; Do you think that God is honoured when we treat worship as "The Same Old Stuff"! It was my personal attempt to be creative.
There is a wide gamut of artistic creativity that can be used to enhance and share the gospel and sometimes we ignore that to our peril.
I posted in another thread a link to my Youtube channel where I have stored some of the fillers I have made for church use. They are mainly slideshows of birds and flowers. I will repost the link here. If you think they are useful you are welcome to use them. If you have a high enough internet bandwidth in your church you can use them directly. I do not mind them being used - that why they are there.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ7wrrf3ds9CO2k1uU61o-w/
I hope that my experience will inspire others to be artistically creative as well.
Thanks Maurice, I am going to share this with our media center. God Bless your week. Tammy
I have also used photography similarly, Maurice. Even my sewing and knitting skills can be used to beautify the church, and I make prayer shawls for those going through difficult situations. I like to think of prayer shawls as giving someone a hug that keeps on giving, and I choose patterns the recipient will enjoy to give them "mourning for dancing". There are many way creative arts can be used for God's glory.
Beautiful Karen and Maurice! Some churches have kneelers where members have made gorgeous, meaning-full needlepoint cushions. And stained glass windows. And prayerfully walking a labyrinth such as the one in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France.
Thank you Mitch and Maurice , I believe we adventists are paralysed by the fear of being salted by the earth instead of being the salt. I appreciate the efforts Inverse study guide has done to try and remedy this problem.https://www.inversebible.org/edu10
Foolishness and Wisdom
The author mentioned- 'Yet from a Christian perspective, what does a knowledge of the arts and sciences really mean if it does not involve knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error?'
Recently my morning devotion was about the beginning of King Saul life. He started on a good footing, he even prophesy with the prophets at the beginning of his career, but afterward, how did he got so corrupted? Was it his position without Christ that caused him to act in such blatant ways. The Lord had known his heart as he knew all of our hearts and the way many are determined to lead the SDA church for good or for evil. Many are very educated in our ranks but what does it means if we go down the same path as Saul. Shouldn't a people be led by God? Shouldn't we be seeking God for all our help in these times? What does our higher studies do if we as a people do not know good from evil? Many are introducing blatant sins in the church, yet we call it good in our post modern days. Many, like the Israelites have cast aside Christ as King and his leading in exchange for an earthly King. Despite the Israelites were told what he will do, they couldn't see pass the present. Give us a King to rule over us was their cries. Are we only seeing in the present or are we asking the Lord to open our eyes to spiritual things.
The church/those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb belongs to Christ and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Christ is coming soon, sin must be call out by its rightful name. Point men and women to Christ, the only hope. Live the life of love for God and our fellow men.
Thanks,Brother Maurice, To me Father God is so great and so marvelous for us as his creatures not trying to worship Him artistic ally as possible as a way to please Him. Which is an appreciation of His great creation and love.
I can imagine that the various authors (who are leaders of our community of faith's education institutions who wrote this quarter's study guides) must have had difficulty choosing which aspects of Education to discuss each day. I agree that some of the headings did not always synchronize with the content but that gave us two thoughts to contemplate. One of the blessings of being part of this blog is that many of the members have supplemented the topic of the day with additional thoughts and insight and information, thank you.
I am glad they changed the name from lessons to study guides, I challenge myself each day to use the guide as a jumping off point in my journey of discovery in the Word of the LORD. Never give up, never give in!
Shirley, thank you for pointing us to the challenges in the art of writing and creating a Bible lesson guide. I am sure the authors spent time in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to lead them. I apologize for my seemingly critical comments about the lesson. Each day's lesson has driven me deeper in the Word and that is what it is all about- going to the Source for knowledge and wisdom and a growing relationship with Jesus.
I want to acknowledge and commend Mitch, Maurice and Tammy for their posts. I am new to this forum but as a research scientist and passionate photographer, we share much. I too had expected a more focused discussion on Education in the Arts and Sciences, which is a challenge for many of our young adults and professionals in our churches. I am finding these forum discussions more useful than the meanderings and rehashing of our general SDA teachings in the quarterly. I wish we could stay more focused on the stated lesson topic from week to week.
Today's lesson was a puzzlement to me and I struggled with the commentary as it seemed very broad and yet condemning...
Granted, everything about God's creation is complex and our human minds without the light of the Holy Spirit will be led into incorrect conclusions and sinful uses. This is the conundrum of truth and error and how we choose to believe will form the framework of all our actions, ethical decisions, and life.
I believe that art and science are an integral part of the biblical world view and when we love Jesus, we seek to find the balance and also holy boldness to stand with Him in truth and right.
Enjoy these videos-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfUNU-sPwbQ
I love Ps 8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bfgc6XWC6I
God calls Himself foolish and weak! (1 Cor 1:25) Look at Him on the cross. This makes your stomach turn, it is offensive.
The Jews thought so. (1 Cor 1:23) Yahweh had acted powerfully on their behalf historically and they pictured that He would restore their former glory by acting powerfully again. A thunder and lightning and "don't touch this mountain or you will die" God! An easily irritated God. A "God who makes sense" would never act outside the boundaries they had set for Him. But He did. He came as a pooping baby.
The Greeks looked to wisdom (1 Cor 1:22). A God who creates creatures that He knows He will have to die for? How foolish. His blood washing us? Say what?! (Modern science teaches us that red blood cells deliver hazardous waste chemicals to organs that can dump them outside the body, so this metaphor helps us to begin to understand...maybe?....Jesus' blood dumps the paralyzing toxin of sin outside His Body.) Still though, how does this actually work?
The whole of 1 Corinthians 1 and 2 is a powerful statement on "foolishness and wisdom". Listen to Paul's poetry....
1 Corinthians 1:20,27-29 (NIV) Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world.... But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
Excellent points Esther! When I read your post, I thought of how Jesus selected the 12 disciples...He asked men of common life, not the religious scholars and experts! The Bible also says that unless we become like little children, we will not enter heaven! See Luke 18:6,7. This speaks volumes when you ponder it...two worthwhile qualities are creative and inquisitive (a.k.a. arts and science)...:)
What an eye opening account of the influence of Wisdom’s on man’s life! As I read Prov.1:1-33KJV, it became clear that Wisdom, just like folly, shows its effect only when acted upon.
The time between thoughts of Wisdom/Knowledge received and their application, is the time to remember: (7) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge(understanding): but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This tells me that the real foolishness happens when one despises God’s spiritually revealed Wisdom and Instruction.
Wisdom ‘wrote’ this Proverb; it describes itself in its awesome power, its need to be prudently applied and the dangers in trying to obscure/ignore its effects.
Throughout this Proverb, Wisdom calls out to fear/honor the Lord; it being its requisit condition to experience the life-sustaining effects of Wisdom; in everything we do, our lives’ acts always express their source - either Wisdom or folly and we use both to build the practical foundation of our lives. It is clear to me that we cannot let our guard down at any time – Matt.7:24-27KJV.
One is foolish when one despises Wisdom, one is wise when following Wisdom's insights. In order to increase the desire to act wisely, we need to increase our understanding/appreciation of the benefits when applying Wisdom given to us from our Creator. Those who walk in their own council’s understanding, walk in the light of this world, which is foolishness in the eyes of God. Faith goes a long way when applying God’s Wisdom!
Again, if we take our Walk of Faith seriously, I believe that we need to learn to fully appreciate/understand Wisdom's and folly's effects since both are manifested in the believer’s life. We are reflecting God's Glory with our lives and so want to make extra sure not to err in one’s judgement.
How do we ensure our mind’s and heart’s spiritual safety? By honoring/loving God with all our being - throught and act, not leaning on our own understanding and to always remember to treat others with the same kind consideration we would like to receive.
Any projects or activities we are involved with, may it be science or art or simply living, all are subjected to the laws of our Creator and, dependend on our choice, a reflection of Him.
I hope that we chose to reflect clearly and powerfully His laws of righteous Love, Mercy and Grace for the benefit of the whole of His Creation.
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, .......Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Rev 16:13-15
Foolishness and Wisdom
How do we identify the two? Is there a clear line to separate the two? How do we know when we cross the line?
The Art and Science of learning things in this world can be vast and wide. The bible mentioned several places about foolish people and their ways and works as well as wise people and the things they do.
At my work place at times I saw people making several things and I would question them about the reason for making some things. One such is the Rosary. On more than one occasion I was asked if I needed any, I refused. One woman said to me when she is finish she will take it to the church and the priest/father will bless it and then it will have power. You keep it with you all the time and say the prayer.
Others made blankets and shawls. I asked them about such and the same things they said to me. After they are finish making them, they take them the the priest/father or some to the pastors. They prayed over them and those things have the power to heal. They present them to different places as gifts of healing. If someone is sick and they believe that the blanket/shawl, handkerchief, prayer cloth etc can heal, then they will be healed.
When one of my child was sick I was given one. I had it in the house for some time. I never knew the history behind the blanket/shawl. As I learnt what it entailed, I got rid of the blanket very quickly. All blankets might not be the same but how do we know when to say yet and when to say no?
Do humans thought the power was found in the handkerchief of the disciples or the power of healing was a force behind the handkerchief which was the Holy Spirit.
Lyn, it seems that most human beings need something to "see or hold" in order to maintain faith. Advertisers use this concept "seeing is believing" and thus people are convinced when they see it, feel it, experience it...
For me, it is another of the evil one's tactics to further doubt our faith in God...see John 20:29.
Allow me to expound on brother Maurice’s reference to J. Robert Oppenheimer (JRO), often referred to as the father of the atomic bomb, which I thought was an an excellent example of one of the most consequential lives lived infused with common human frailty and God-given prudence. Having read Dr. Oppenheimer’s biography and having actually written a research paper on the development of nuclear weaponry, I learned many hands were involved in the “bomb’s” creation and the race between the Nazis and the allies to be the first to harness the destructive power of nuclear energy in World War II. [I grew up in the shadow of Los Alamos, New Mexico and it’s direct and pervasive influence] My conclusion is that JRO was one of the most (if not the most) brilliant yet naturally flawed of those human hands. He and his wife were sodden alcoholics whose stormy private family environment is legendary. Also, JRO’s inclusion of communist sympathizers on his development team strains any perception of naivete’. I write this to echo brother Maurice’s recommendation that a read on these extraordinary and consequential lives is worth the effort in also gaining an understanding of how the world has arrived at the prophecy spoken by Jesus in Mark 13: 19 and 20, “For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” I do believe JRO was morally conflicted, especially knowing the potential results of his actions and involvement in the development of such a destructive weapon. At the detonation of the first atomic bomb [just down the road from my mountain home and where there are those who are still suffering it’s radiological effects] he is quoted as reciting the Hindu scripture “I have become death, the destroyer of worlds.” And this example begs the question, at what point and context does “foolishness“ - as in designing the possible destruction of the world - forgo the wise counsels as provided in Proverbs 1? Are they to be strictly applied, or something the lesson may have also had us reflect upon, which is - is there room for both dogma and reality when applying Christian-oriented arts and sciences education to moral choices as in the context of the race for the bomb? To those unchurched and educated in the secular-based arts and sciences who challenge a biblical-oriented response, the answer to such a dramatic moral dilemma as this is one we Adventist’s may need to contemplate to be prepared to address with understanding and certainly prayer. One thing for sure is that Proverbs is great at delivering a divinely-inspired rebuke regarding the contrast and consequences of wise and unwise choices, whether one fears God or not,
I too was very frustrated by today's lesson. The authors seem to want us to live in ignorance just in case knowledge will lead us to evil. But I don't think knowledge is the problem here. The problem is not the knowledge that the atheist scientist mentioned at the end of the lesson has. The problem is how he chooses to look at it. And yes, many creators of art, literature, music etc. had flawed personal lives, but why would this necessarily take away from the value in their works. So what if Mozart had a less than savory life. His music is beautiful. Similarly, lots of authors of great literature had flaws but their works can still teach us.
One other point - in all this warning about following worldly wisdom, why has nothing been said about Daniel and his friends' studying in the schools of Babylon? I don't think they were studying the Bible there. And they probably learned a few things we would never teach in our schools. But they learned it well and kept their faith. Can we not hope for the same from our young people?
Christina, you wrote:
Your question reminds us of another aspect of the Education topic - the powerful influence of education in the home.
Would Daniel and his friends have maintained their face in God in face of the onslaught of training to convert them to Babylonian religion, culture and science if they had not had a good spiritual and educational foundation in their homes?
I think not.
This demonstrates the powerful influence of home education in the earlier years, it seems to me.
Daniel and his friends were likely the age of high school graduates. They had been well taught and clearly had their own relationship with God because any time they faced a problem, they turned to God for answers.
I seem to recall some advice that Ellen White had on this topic: She recommended that some well grounded and spiritually mature young adults should attend secular colleges to become qualified for positions that our colleges did not cover. They were to be representatives of God in the secular colleges - as Daniel and his friends were in Babylon and as the Waldensian young adults were in the secular universities of their time.
That makes a lot of sense.
By contrast, it appears that most young adults are not prepared for such an onslaught on their home training. Statistics seem to indicate that about 70% of Christian young people (not just Adventists) lose their faith within two years in secular universities.
In answer to Christina’s question . If we were as faithful in teaching our children of God and his truth as were the parents of Daniel and his friends we would have less fear of our youth studying in secular schools. Family worship is absent from many SDA homes . Some Adventists were uncomfortable visiting with my parents because they were awakened by mother’s singing in praise to God . In her dying days morning worship was a joy to her and me . She instilled in us that we were children of the King and his word should be our guide in our studies elementary to post doctoral. May we recognize our responsibility to our young people.