Science and Song

Truth. Sometimes it demands the reason and logic of a physics. And sometimes it demands the artistry and aesthetic of a poet. Sometimes truth comes from a mathematician and sometimes it comes from a musician. Sometimes truth is discovered by a method and sometimes its discovered by a mystic.

None of these are at odds…even though we often set them at odds.

What’s true is that there is something more going on with truth than we realize. There is something more going on than these false dichotomies can describe. That something more is not either/or. It’s not faith or science. It’s not math or mystery. It’s not sacred or secular. It’s both/and.

In fact, the problem is that our society wants us to choose. Modernity has prioritized a way of thinking that forced people to choose science or faith as true. And religious leaders bought into it hook line and sinker by engaging in the either/or debates. Creation or evolution. God or Big Bang. Miracle or probability. Believer or heretic.

But the world is not black and white, either/or, yes or no, good or bad, light or dark, conservative or liberal.

The world is grey, and full of humble maybes. And sometimes things are good and bad at the same time. Sometimes you need a lot of light to see clearly. And sometimes you need to dim the lights to see the real beauty of something. Sometimes the conservatives have an important point and consideration. And sometimes the liberals do.

You see, when it comes to truth, sometimes you need science and sometimes you need a song.

Reflect: Spend some time in prayerful meditation on the following words from John Calvin: “All truth is from God.”

Reflect & Practice: Spend 10 minutes each day this week reading from a different book in the Bible. With each reading ask yourself: Are these words poetry or prose? Are they directions from a manual or symbols from a metaphor? Are they literal or figurative? How does your answer to these questions affect the meaning of the passage?

Reflect: Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” How have you found this true in your life?

 

To hear or read this week’s sermon:  Truth: Something More than Sacred or Secular

 

This Week:

Wednesday, July 31st, 1:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration
Thursday, August 1st, 2:00 pm – Ladles of Love, Meal preparation & delivery
Sunday, August 3rd, 9:45 am – Sunday School Series  on Apocalyptic Literature
Sunday, August 3rd, 11:00 am – Worship, Special Music: Thomas Lopez

**Don’t forget to send letters to our campers at Camp Caroline.  Letters should go in the mail by today to reach our campers. The camper’s connected with our congregation are:  Vanessa Bennett, Dakota Fonder, Evan Harrell, Gigi Williford, Joy Kate Williams, Nora Williams.

Camper’s Name, Beta Camp

Camp Caroline

3398 Janiero Road

Arapahoe, NC 28510


Upcoming Events:

August 9th, 8:00 pm – Movie Night at Sweet Frog in Dunn featuring the new Disney movie: Dumbo