February 2019
Newspaper - Thoughts for Sunday PAZ
12/02/19 12:09
Randall Smelser
Preacher of Christ Church Peine-Stederdorf
Thinking as a Gift
Often we take things for granted – without considering that they are actually a gift. Thinking, reasoning, and being able to express our thoughts in words are examples of this. Have you ever considered that the Bible made this possible?
Not every religion and culture encourages deliberation, questions, or discussion. Some eastern religions encourage silence, meditation and soul-searching, and emptying all thoughts. Other religions require memorization and to submit to the fates.
Jesus, however, was always asking questions so that the people would think. Jesus spoke with everyone, friends and foe, and sought out discussion.
Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Thessalonica: examine everything and hold fast to the good! And the people in Berea were considered “noble-minded” because they “examined the Scripture daily”. The “Dark Ages” came to an end when Luther translated the Bible (into German) and made education a priority so that every person could read the Bible himself.
The great danger is that we no longer treasure this heritage and frivolously ignore it. The Bible was the basis for modern technology and education. If we neglect the Bible and its content or discard it, the right of thinking is threatened with being a mere shell.
Use your chance and consider a difficult situation for various sides. Ask why certain people say and do things that do not fit your way of thinking. Read in the Bible and wrestle with it. Critical thinking is more than just following the majority. “Examine everything and hold fast to the good!”
