An Absurd Life Becomes Obedient - Henri Nouwen

This quote is taken from the book Making All Things New.

"From all that I said about our worried, overfilled lives, it is clear that we are usually surrounded by so much outer noise that it is hard to truly hear our God when his is speaking to us. We have often become deaf, unable to know when God calls us and unable to understand in which direction he calls us. Thus our lives have become absurd. In the word absurd, we find the Latin word surdus, which means 'deaf.' A spiritual life requires discipline because we nee to learn to listen to God, who constantly speaks but whom we seldom hear. When, however, we learn to listen, our lives become obedient lives. The word obedient comes from the Latin word audire, which means 'listening.' A spiritual discipline is necessary in order to move from an absurd to an obedient life, from a life filled with noisy worries to a life in which there is some free inner space where we can listen to our God and follow his guidance. Jesus' life was a life of obedience. He was always listening to the Father, always attentive to his voice, always alert for his directions. Jesus was 'all ear.' That is true prayer: being all ear for God. The core of all prayer is indeed listening, obediently standing in the presence of God."

Nouwen alludes at least to this passage in his quote:

I Understand Why People Don't Want to be Christians

Recently, I had a friend say to me, "I completely understand why others don't want to be Christians. If I weren't a Christian, seeing what I see now, I wouldn't become one." And I can see where she is coming from.

And so I have to apologize on behalf of those who have misrepresented or badly represented Jesus. Jesus isn't like them. In fact, he is so gracious, that while on earth, all sorts of people were attracted to him, the rich, the poor, outcasts, upwardly mobile, sick, healthy, the intellectuals, the simple. All were drawn to Jesus. And to be honest, it was those who considered themselves the most righteous, the most religious, that killed Jesus--along with the Romans.

Not all of us who think we're like Jesus are. And I do apologize if I have misrepresented him. That is my worst fear--that I would bring shame on his name.

For Those Struggling and Doubting With Faith in Christ

This is a blog that is inspired by the struggles and questions of doubters--good people--who have questions about the Christian faith. There are many reasons people question the faith. I'll briefly touch on two.

Bad Experience With Church or Individual Christians

Many have been burned by the church. I can testify to this. I follow Jesus and everyday seek to be like him. However, I have to admit Christians have hurt me more than unbelievers. On the other hand, many of the most beautiful, intelligent, gracious, humble, world-changing, people I have known are Christians.

Prohibited From Asking Tough Questions or Expressing Doubts

Another reason is that those who doubt or struggle don't feel the freedom to ask questions. There are pockets of anti-intellectuallism throughout Christendom. Also, many Christians, churches, and Christian organizations bury their heads in the sand. They'd rather have their heads in the sand than engage reality. So these strugglers, these doubters have reason to believe that they won't experience gracious conversation or treatment--that they'll be judged and not receive thoughtful, intelligent answers when they express their thoughts.

Jesus engaged all sorts of people and we'd like to also. If you have questions, or are seeking spiritual direction, please feel free to post your thought or question.

We have a bevy of friends that are philosophers, theologians, poets, and just everyday, ordinary, wise godly people, who are willing to try and answer honest questions.

We don't know all the answers. We're fallible. But we want to provide a warm, hospitable, online environment for those who struggle yet desperately want to believe that Jesus is who he says he is.

Go ahead and post! Go ahead and ask away!