CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY IS NOT SIMPLE
A paradox is an apparent contradiction, not a real one. The paradox of freedom states, to be free we have to have laws that restrict our freedom. The paradox of simplicity is that living simply is complex. Finding simplicity, as a spiritual value, in a complex world is not easy.
Our search to live a more simple life can easily lead us into reductionism. Reductionism is the tendency to reduce issues to such a basic level as to not deal with the complexity of the issues at all.
You may be able to argue that prostitution should be legalized and that through that action reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and also reduce the amount of drug use in the sex trade. Legalizing prostitution could protect sex trade workers and clients alike. You could also argue that the legalization of prostitution could be seen as an acceptance of behaviour. So do we legalize prostitution as a method of harm reduction in our society even though the act of prostitution (as fornication) is forbidden in Gods laws? Reductionism could look at this challenge and create a very simple solution. Prostitution is “bad”. People involved in these “bad” acts get to suffer the consequence. Money should not be spent on the care or education of prostitutes in any way.
These same arguments can be used when discussing needle exchanges or safe injection sites. Why should our money be put to use to provide a safe place for people to commit and illegal act? This same argument of reductionism can be used in our attitudes towards poverty and unemployment.
It can be very easy for us to reduce all of society’s behaviors to either “good” or “bad.”
In my view, life is just not that simple. Throughout history, many religious institutions have taken a reductionist view of complex social issues. Real Christianity calls us to learn to distinguish the voice of Christ in a world of competing demands and interests. It rejects easy dogmatic answers to tough intricate question. As Christ followers and believers of the bible, let us not shrink away for seeking answers to the complexity of life’s issues by the tendency to reduce everything to being either good or bad. Some times it’s OK not to be certain, not to be dogmatic. Sometimes it’s OK, not to have an answer and sometimes it’s OK to admit it!
Have a fun and lively discussion in your small group this week. Remember we can disagree and still be friends!
