Belief...Francis S. Collins

April 14 Book Study

Thomas Merton, Dietrich Bonhoeffer,

Viktor Frankl, Mother Teresa

Question 1.  Merton rushes out of the gate with this bold statement, “Ultimately, the highest function of the human spirit is the work of the supernaturally transformed intelligence, in the beatific vision of God.  Love is both the starting point of contemplation and its fruition.” 

Merton is careful to explain that this grace comes to us through Christ.  He continues, “But what is the true nature of mystical contemplation?  Essentially, mystical experience is a vivid, conscious participation of our soul and of its faculties in the life, knowledge, and love of God Himself.” 

For most Christians, and certainly Lutherans, such language is murky and such experiences otherworldly.  How do we bridge the gap between Merton’s world and ours?  How might our patterns of spiritual “contemplation” be considered “mystical?”  Where do we have opportunity to grow in this area of spirituality and what steps might we take to move in such directions?

Question 2.  Bonhoeffer has been a model theologian for me over these many years.  His great emphasis on love from Matthew 5 is compelling, not for its simplicity and ease, but for its difficulty and demands.  As such, Bonhoeffer urges us to take up our crosses and follow Jesus.  It is something we do…in “simple, unreflecting obedience to the will of Christ.” 

When and where have you been the giver and/or the receiver of such love of late?  How does your faith allow and direct such obedience?  Give examples, please.

Question 3.  I recall studying Frankl’s work on “logotherapy” both as an undergraduate and graduate student.  This should not be confused with “Lego-Therapy,” which is far cheaper and more entertaining.  Frankl skips the appetizers and immediately serves the meat and potatoes portion of his diet. 

Our real “hunger” as humans is centered on our search for meaning.  The key, he suggests, is always maintaining a worthwhile goal.  The absence of such a goal(s) creates an “existential vacuum,” otherwise experienced as boredom.  This, of course, leads to all kinds of shenanigans, as he aptly points out.  In the end, we must pursue these goals according to our own path. 

How successful have you been in pursuing such goals of late?  How have you assisted others by enabling them to “actualize their potentialities?”  (Or, in redneck vernacular:  “Git ‘r done?”)

Question 4.  Mother Teresa is less of an author and more of an author-ity on the synthesis of faith and love.  As a champion for the poor, she illustrates the broad scope of poverty beyond mere physical means…pointing to the poverty in spirit we all wrestle with at times. 

If possible, share your attempts to confront your own “poverty” and what steps have been most beneficial in recognizing and addressing this greatest of human struggles.  Where have you discovered opportunities to function as Mother Teresa to others in their need?