A Different Approach

One of the things I have come to appreciate about the Celtic spiritual tradition is the way it does not insist on a linear approach to understanding.  In other words, what we believe about God and our faith does not have to go from Point A to Point B and on to Point C.   The Celtic tradition does not require a straight line structured approach to theology, or to matters of the Christian life.  Instead, it invites the followers of Jesus to let understanding unfold in whatever manner it might come. 

 

When I was a student in seminary long years ago, we were trained in a discipline which sought to explain the Mystery.  Pulling the Biblical text apart word by word, verse by verse, in order to determine what was authentic was the in thing to do.  Looking back it seemed that the underlying premise was that the reader could use tools of scholarship and intellect for unlocking the mysteries of the Word.  On the other hand, the Celtic spiritual tradition does not extend a call to explain the Word, but to explore it.  It offers an invitation to live within the presence of Holy Mystery without having to define or explain it. 

 

Some things simply defy explanation.  As the book of Hebrews speaks of Jesus being "the reflection of God's glory" (Hebrews 1:3), I find myself wondering how to understand the mystery of God's glory.  Who can find words to describe it?  Who can paint a picture to portray it?  Certainly, there are studies of the meaning of the words, but even after all the studies have been read, there is still something unknowable about this thing spoken of as "God's glory."  It is mystery.  It is holy mystery that invites us to ponder, not know.  It is holy mystery which invites us to look around the edges as one sees the sun, not by looking directly into its fire, but by looking toward the light it creates as it moves through the heavens.