Understanding Through Confusion
by: Dr. Rami Nader
We live
in an information age. If you have a question, a few keystrokes in a
search engine can come up with an instant answer to any query. We have
gotten so used to having information fed to us when we want it, that it
can be terribly frustrating when there is no simple explanation or answer
to our questions. We want fast answers and quick solutions to make life
seemingly easier, but is this a good thing?
What happens when there are no quick answers or easy solutions?
This made me reflect on why Jesus seems to make things so complicated. In
Matthew 13, Jesus’ disciples approach him and ask him why he teaches using
parables, stories and analogies without explaining them. And Jesus answers
in an even more perplexing way, stating, “This is why I speak to them in
parables, because seeing they do not see and hearing they do not hear, nor
do they understand.” Huh? Why does this have to be so complicated and
confusing? Why the mind-boggling riddles? If he has the answers, why
doesn’t he just explain it simply in a way we can all understand? This is
what we are used to and what would seemingly be the most simple and
effective way of teaching.
In therapy, there is a term called guided discovery, which is an approach
I typically use with clients. When a person struggling with anxiety or
depression comes to see me, I can often tell what is maintaining their
distress and how to make changes to feel better. But the process of
therapy is more than just giving simple answers and recommendations; it is
a process thru which I guide the client to help discover the answers to
their own questions, without spoon-feeding them information. When you have
to think about things for yourself, you process the information at a
deeper level and develop a greater understanding than you would by just
having information presented to you.
Jesus’ parables and teachings were meant to be confusing, because in that
confusion we develop a deeper understanding of his teachings. It is only
when we struggle to comprehend and have to think more profoundly that we
can be open to genuine understanding. God was never meant to be easily
understandable. I do not think we can ever feel like we have “figured out”
God. Rather, I think our relationship with God needs to be one of guided
discovery, where we question, think about and actively seek a greater
understanding of God and how He would want us to live our lives. And with
this, we need to also accept that we may never really figure it out or
have our questions answered. But maybe growing in faith is not about
having questions answered, but rather the process of seeking out the
answers.
This is generally not the way our society likes to operate. We want quick
answers, simple solutions - Understanding Jesus for Dummies. But there is
nothing about Jesus that is quick, simple or easily understood, nor do I
think there should be. Jesus’ teachings may not provide simple answers,
but they allow for a lifetime of learning. I do not fully comprehend
everything about Jesus, but it is because I do not fully understand that I
continue to seek. Through seeking and trying to understand, I learn more
about Jesus on a deeper level. And isn’t that the whole point of faith?
(Article appeared in the Spiritually Speaking Column of the North Shore
News on September 5, 2008)