Some of my favorite people include explorers, thinkers and other types of adventurers. Sometimes these people also fit nicely into the categories of radicals, controversial figures and troublemakers -- but only when they are pursuing a higher Truth which naturally challenges a stagnant status quo. Those who think outside of the box are one thing, but those who don't even take a box into consideration in their quest for Truth are on the top of my list of heroes.
Two such people are Mary Baker Eddy and the New Testament character Paul. I already knew that MBEddy was controversial in her day, and even now I consider her ideas as cutting edge. So reading this excerpt about her didn't raise any eyebrows:
"When we do not know a person -- and also when we do -- we have to judge the size and nature of his achievements as compared with the achievements of others in his special line of business -- there is no other way. Measured by this standard, it is thirteen hundred years since the world has produced anyone who could reach up to Mrs. Eddy's waistbelt.
"In several ways she is the most interesting woman that ever lived, and the most extraordinary."
The quote is from page xi of the Preface of Mary Baker Eddy by Gillian Gill. The quote is by Mark Twain, who was an outspoken critic of MBEddy for many years, until later in his life when he felt moved to state the above.
But when I read the following about Paul, I did a major re-think on what it meant to pursue one's own Truth.
"Paul was a controversial figure in his lifetime, even within the Christian movement.... He had many opponents who disagreed with his interpretation of the message of Jesus. In the closing years of his life, when imprisonment prevented him from moving about freely, Paul's opponents were able to make a headway with their rival interpretations. However, Paul became a venerated figure. His letters, together with the Gospels, became the foundation of the Christian movement."
The above is from the weekly Bible resources from csdirectory.com, "Bible Characters for Your Weekly Bible Study"
So what does it mean to pursue one's own Truth? Sticking your neck out or going against the mainstream of thought can be lonely and scary. It certainly was for MBEddy and Paul. But there was a compelling story to tell, a truth to be shared. And along the way, the sense of personal ego, pride and fear had to make way for patience, a deep humility, keen self-knowledge and a constant curiosity about the goodness of omnipotent God.
I saw that it takes humility and vision, selflessness and a burning love for humanity that made their experience of Truth the foundation for the movement of practical, healing Christianity today. It gives me plenty to consider as I continue my pursuit.
Click here to read a thoughtful post on Benazir Bhutto as reformer, another hero of blogging friend, Chris.
To share your thoughts on this or to explore this idea further, please feel free to be in contact with me, add your own comments below, email this article to a friend, or add to the healing finds and sites on the web to the right.
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