Expansion of Hearts & Minds
Absolute essential in a polarised world
I was listening to a beautiful sharing by Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe OP where he speaks about this idea of expansion of hearts and minds in the context of discussions of Christian Unity, compromise and truth. This is an idea also used by another Dominican (more famous too) St Thomas Aquinas. Radcliffe adds that truth is important (though none has the full grasp of it) and compromise is not the path towards unity, but an expansion of hearts and minds to see, know and understand the shades of truth that is hidden or unknown to me. He would go on say that magnanimity of heart is a requirement for Christian disciples.
Jesus, the son of God who became a human had this openness. He listened to God in prayer, which is quite normal. He listened to his human parents (again very normal for a human being, but will be so special for anyone who forgets the humanity of Jesus). He heard Mary at the wedding feast of Cana; he listened to the request of that Syrophoenician woman for the healing of his daughter (one of the most difficult verses to interpret from the mouth of Jesus is here); he praised Samaritans (the good enemies of Jews) and embraced sinners (sin is the hard core opponent of saintliness). He embraced Peter (one who has to be taught so many times, and still errs). Was this expansion of hearts and minds?
In today’s world, where we speak of synodality and dialogue in the church, a common question asked is, what about truth? Are we going for a compromise? If you (individually or as a group) believe that you have the full truth and you possess it, the option before you is to convert others; to bring them from the false path to yours. I can also think that others may have something to contribute to me, that my truth becomes more visible. Radcliffe would say,
Dialoguing and Listening not to find the fault of others’ arguments, but to find the truth hidden there.
I have innumerable experiences of the same. Some of the protestant faculty during my theology days taught me about respect and I was always impressed. Some of the conversations with LGBTQ people, with people who have left the church, with people who opposes the church has helped me to understand life from their sides. And interaction with the simple parishioners (no theology or philosophy or academic degrees, but a rich life of faith) has revealed other aspects of faith. And obviously, many great philosophers (many are atheists) are great prophets for me. They don’t follow everything of Jesus (I too don’t, though I want to), but they expose some hypocrisy of me to follow a certain radicality of Jesus too.
Consider these possibilities….
- Is Yoga or non-Christian meditation helpful for Christians? Beyond a yes/no, speak with someone who has an experience. I think my good friend explains well about Yoga here.
- Are there any ways of collaboration between pro-life and pro-choice people? No and No. Some will shout from both sides. Probably an expansion of heart and mind and listening to each other will help us to understand that there are possibilities. If you belong to one side, try listening to an opposing view point (not necessarily an apologetic, but a convinced gentle soul). This article may be a help too.
- Liberals and conservatives in the church or in politics. Do they have anything in common ? No and No. Think again. I am not a fan of extreme left or right wing politics, but though they are normally hard core opponents, they do agree on some points. And on some important points.
All these are possible, only if we can look beyond binary thinking. If I am a pro-life Christian and think that pro-choice Christians are absolutely wrong on everything, and talking/dialoguing/listening to them is a devilish act, whatever I suggested doesn’t make any sense. It also doesn’t mean I accept whatever they say as true. It is a path in the middle. This path is not the mathematical average of two positions (which is compromise). Yes expanded hearts and minds can see something deeper (or higher) and this is the invitation for us all.
Church would have never progressed if it didn’t interact with Greek philosophy (thanks to Augustine, Aquinas and company), with modern science (took a little time, but thanks to many great scientists, philosophers and theologians) and so many other ways of thinking/developments. Can I expand my hearts and minds a little more?
Open my heart Lord for You.
Open my heart also for You speaking through that enemy/opponent of mine.
Open our hearts to see beyond our differences, that grain of truth (You) in the Other.
