Open to Maturity and Growth

Paul writes – After the long posts of the last few days, here’s a short one. I came across this great statement from Thomas Merton (source unknown). As I’ve sat with it I’ve recognised the ways in which it has been true in my own life (first half of his quote). I recognise that the latter is increasingly the case; as such I notice my own convictions becoming richer and deeper; more a source of life and hope.

“The dread of being open to the ideas of others generally comes from our hidden insecurity about our own convictions. We fear that we may be ‘converted’ – or perverted – by a pernicious doctrine. On the other hand, if we are mature and objective in our open-mindedness, we might find that viewing things from a basically different perspective – that of our adversary – we discover our own truth in a new light and are able to understand our own ideal more realistically…”

Comments

[brad brisco]

Paul, good comments. I really like the second half of Merton's statement. Oh wait, can I say that about words from a Trappist Monk?

Before becoming a Christian I read "No Man is an Island" by Merton - it had a very significant influence on me.

[Paul Fromont]

Brad, of course you can say that about a Trappist monk :-)

[len]

Ah.. another take on the need to embrace "the other" :)

[Paul Fromont]

Yep Len, there it is again. It's an important yet difficult tension to maintain, cf. the Anglican Communion struggling against polarities (the 'other') trying to pull things apart.

[Adam]

I needed the reminder that I should read more Merton. Thanks!