www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology The Blind Men and the Elephant

The Blind Men and the Elephant [noogenesis.com]

I learned this poem when I was in the 7th grade, and have often had occasion to think back on it when I get involved in discussions on matters of theology.

However, it wasn't till I actually looked it up just now that I became aware that the poem was about theological disputes all along! Apparently, the poet, John Godfrey Saxe, had appended a moral after the last verse, which was not included in the version I learned years ago. The moral reads:
Anyway, my point is that it is always important to understand that those who disagree with us in matters of theology are speaking from a different perspective, and in many cases what they say points to the same divine reality, as seen from a different mountaintop.

The point of ecumenical dialogue, then, is to bring these perspectives together to produce a more three-dimensional picture than we had before.


Peace,
Deacon Richard

Yes, indeed Father Deacon!

And it is important to understand that we often see things differently, depending on our perspectives.

Which is why, when an elephant met the first man in paradise, he looked him up and down and then the elephant asked him, "Just how do you drink water with such a small trunk?"

There is always a different interpretation . . .

Alex

Epiphanius,

This is so true! Our upbringing, our culture, where we are in our relationship with the Lord, all determine how we view things.

God uses other people to help deepen our understanding. Thanks for sharing this.

God bless,

David

Your mountaintop metaphor brings to mind another metaphor often offered in ecumenical (and even interfaith) dialog: "There are many roads (or paths) to the mountain".

That works for ecumenical dialog, but breaks down when applied to interfaith dialog.

When offered in that context my reply is that "there may be many roads to the mountain but there in only one Door to the sheepfold."

Theologians emphasize the many roads, but the gateway to the Door of the sheepfold tends to be blocked by the hierarchy!

Alex

Pastor Thomas,

Thanks for your comments, I found them quite intriguing.

After some reflection, I realized that the big difference between the metaphor you referenced and the one I offered is that while the former uses the mountaintop as the point of arrival, the latter uses it as a point of departure.

Then I thought, isn't that the problem right there? However "heavenly" a mountaintop may seem, it's still part of this earth. We may be closer to heaven on the mountaintop, and we may be able to observe it better from up there than from down below, but if we mistake the mountaintop for heaven, we've made a serious error.

In other words, we can come up with some very good doctrinal formulas and say "anyone who rejects this formula is a heretic," but what then do we say about someone from a different theological tradition--one using a conflicting formula--that nonetheless shows the fruits of the Holy Spirit in his or her life?

A few years ago on this forum we had a rather lively discussion about the Arian controversy in the 4th Century. One fact that really struck me was that while the bishops and theologians were locked in a very ugly verbal war, it actually had very little impact on the average Christian, and while their parishes were officially labeled "Arian" or "Nicaean," most of them continued to treat each other as brethren.

Indeed, ecumenical dialogue and "interfaith" dialogue are two entirely different things, and it's the "One Door" that makes the difference!


Peace,
Deacon Richard

(And didn't St. John Chrysostom say something about many bishops not being saved?)

An elephant is soft and mushy.

[Linked Image]

Dear Father Deacon,

And your point is . . .?

Alex

Dear Stuart,

I can't see how anyone can find you annoying!

You must have been exciting on your first dates!

Alex