Don't Put God in a Box /// Emma Landry

     In Friedrich Schleiermacher's first speech, he poses an interesting argument. He claims that the attempts to systematize religion cheapens its character. "...Religion is as far removed, by its whole nature, from all that is systematic as philosophy is naturally disposed to it," he says (pp. 18-19). This is an interesting view that ties back to the discussion that Paradise Lost brings up about the accumulation of knowledge. It seems that Schleiermacher would be in agreement with Raphael's admonishment of Adam for wanting to know all the answers of the universe. He tells Adam that he ought to be "lowly wise" and seek not to know all the answers because God's creation is not meant to know every detail of what the Creator Himself has designed. Similarly, Schleiermacher thinks that trying to understand all facets about the unfathomable God and the particulars of all His plans prevents one from achieving the understanding in this life that can be revealed through the process of obeying God and abiding in Him.

    I believe that there is definitely value in what Schleiermacher asserts, and it is fascinating how well this applies to today's world. It often seems like disputes cause division among believers as some lean on their own understanding rather than focusing on the core relationship between each person and the Lord. Excessive participation in heated theological arguments can distract from the pure and simple faith in Jesus that is supposed to give us peace. A focus on a more childlike faith is an appealing idea to me because we were not meant to be aware of everything God knows; otherwise, we would be gods, not humans. Also, in my opinion, trying to come up with definitive solutions to every question about the universe can be dangerous because it will often lead to people trying to restrict God to human understanding. Worse, it can lead to one trying to limit God to one's preferred or personalized view.

    Schleiermacher notes that "you must transport yourself into the interior of a pious soul and seek to understand its inspiration" (p. 20). Focusing too much on religious doctrine, dogmatic arguments, and tradition is detrimental to the most important relationship of all. Continuing to seek inward connection with Jesus is crucial. Because He is not earthly, we are ultimately incapable of giving God an adequate description in the capacity of our mortal minds, and He does not require us to do so. What He wants of us above all is our love, devotion, and faith. I feel encouraged by Schleiermacher's writings to release more of my concerns to God and allow Him to reveal more to me as I lean into Him through Scripture and prayer with a receptive heart.


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