Iconoclast

Recently I completed reading Iconoclast: A Neuroscientist reveals how to think differently. While this book was rather redundant and perhaps would have been better as a pamphlet or a series of slides than a book, there is a rather simple message I gleaned from this book.

1. Those who do things that others say is impossible are iconoclasts.
2. Iconoclasts have brains that operate differently.
1. Their brains see things differently 
2. They mitigate fear that comes with change
3. They pitch ideas to others in convincing ways
3. We all think like iconoclasts even if we are not born with the brain of an iconoclast.
1. As our brains are plastic they are able to change and adapt to new norms.
2. If we expose ourselves to the novel then our brains will begin to adapt and see the novel as the new norm
3. If novel is the new norm then we no longer fear the novel/change and we can move forward.

This is a major thesis I gleaned from this book which gives me great hope.  You and I can become iconoclasts in the world if we are willing to expose ourselves to novelty often. If we are open to novelty then our brains will no longer be allowed to be lazy and must work at understanding the world around us. If our brains are working to understand the world around us then our brains will begin to make connections that others have overlooked. 

Of course I think Jesus was an iconoclast in this sense - he was able to see that which others could not or refused to see. 

How did Jesus expose himself to the novel? He befriended those who others deeded as "sinners".  He threw ideas and concepts alongside one another such as love and enemy. He engaged in the Roman world, the Jewish world, the Hellenistic world, the Zealot world, the Herodian world, the spiritual world, the poverty world, and the like.  He traveled all around his country and saw new things, new foods and new ideas. 

Perhaps you and I can become more Chirst-like if we begin to embody the simple act of encountering the novel in our lives. 

So drive to work a different way. Read a different book then you normally would. Buy different shampoo. Eat new foods. Attend to the Arts. Travel. Pray. Befriend new people. Change your patters and routines. Work outside. Listen more than talk. 

Who knows what iconoclastic actions God might be calling you into. 

Do you embrace sainthood?

In the preaching moment today there was a kernel of an idea expressed that we each tend to shy away from being called a saint. We Christians, at least the circles I run in, are quick to point out that we are all sinners, not saints. There is a strong connection to humanity and sinfulness not sainthood.

I guess I wonder why we embrace sinner-hood and resist sainthood?

I know everyone is a sinner.  But is that all we are?  A sinner?

I am a father to a 2 year old, but I am more than a father.  I am also a son and a husband among other things.

You and I were created and God called us very good according to the Biblical narrative.  And while we are each sinner we are also more than just a sinner.  We are more than the worse thing we have done.  We are more than just a sinner, perhaps we are also saints.

When I embrace my 'sinner-ness' I find that I excuse my actions rather quickly.  I say things like, "Oh well, I should have not done that but what do you expect of me I am just a sinner."

Shenanigans.

I find that when I accept the lowest common denominator in my life, I regress to that denominator rather than expecting myself to mature up.  What if instead of excusing my actions/behavior as just actions of a sinner, I demanded the saintly call in my life to take precedent?  Would I be different if I saw myself as a saint called by God instead of primary a sinner fallen from grace?

Maybe God is a pancake...

My wife and I were driving and we drove past a very faded billboard.  We drove by in silence and after about seven seconds I stated out loud, "What was on that billboard?"

Estee replied, "I was thinking the same thing! I think it was a bunch of burning candles."

"Weird, I thought it was crabs legs dipped in melted butter."

We both were flabbergasted at what the heck that sign was, but we drove on.

We exited the highway and realized that we would have to double back just a bit in order to get to the restaurant we wanted to grab lunch at. After lunch, we got back on the highway only to see that billboard again.

We slowed down a bit and just as we were about to pass the billboard for the second time, Estee and I shouted out at the same time "PANCAKES!".

It was a billboard for an IHOP and there was just a large stack of pancakes. We were initially way off and we did feel better after we figured out that it was neither lobster or candles but pancakes, but I could not help but think about my Christian faith.

I find myself in conversations with people who tell me what they think God is like and I tell them what I think God is like. We each are dependent upon our own senses, reason, logic, experience and the like in order to share our thoughts on God.

But really, everyone may just be initially way off on our thoughts on God.

Just as I was convinced that the billboard had lobster on it, I am convinced God is a certain way. I am convinced God does not desire anyone to be killed or harmed. I am convinced God cares less about sexual orientation and more about mutual loving and respecting relationships. I am convinced God cares less about creeds and more about loving justice and humility. I am convinced God is less concerned about progressive or conservative and more concerned about peace and reconciliation.

And just as my wife was convinced that the billboard had candles on it, others are convinced God is something else than what I think God is.

But maybe, just maybe, we all are wrong and God is more like pancakes and less like lobster and candles.