“Perscribo, ergo sum…I write, therefore I am!” That’s my attempt to convert the most famous statement of French philosopher & mathematician Rene Descartes. It’s also my response to a number of people’s inquiries into my blogging hiatus for most of the last 9 months (Thanks Barry+). The Cartesian maxim was of course, “Cogito, ergo sum…I think, therefore I am.” However, rather than an all-consuming epistemological principle; I am putting forth my seasonal emphasis & personal desire to “honor God” by being faithful to “publish peace, bringing Gospel & Kingdom perspectives…saying to God’s people, “Your God Reigns!”-Is.52:7.
Although I disagree with Descartes’ deductions related to his principle (I reject the premise of doubt & philosophy of dualism); I identify with his struggle with doubt, experiences of deep introspection, wrestling with beliefs & desire for certainty –veritas!?! This is a common struggle among sensitive and serious humans, and is characteristic of many reformers’ gut-wrenching, soul-wrestlings with self, Scriptural truth & the Sovereignty of God. That still doesn’t excuse Descartes from starting at the wrong place & going too far, with the inevitable “unintended consequences” that result from mixing philosophical questions, bad experiences & human ability/efforts.
Good ideas or God’s promises + the fear based insecurity we feel from negative circumstances have historically inspired humanistic reactions of “putting our best foot forward.” If pain & fear don’t bring paralysis or withdrawal, we usually determine to work & sweat to produce the best we can. Wow, think of that…man’s hand & mind…in fullness…at our best…that’s the oldest lie, the worst measurement. The unintended consequences of Adam’s choice in fruit, Abraham & Sarah’s bright idea of helping God speed things up & get stuff done (producing Ishmael), & many of the best efforts of mankind are plaguing us to this very hour.
You should understand, Cartesian doubt is said to be “cumulative & ruthless.” In trying to figure out something which he could be absolutely sure was true; he found himself drowning in skepticism, which led him to reject everything he’d been taught. Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater…after destroying his beliefs & rejecting others knowledge, he suggests that there is no knowledge that can be guaranteed…doubting even the reality of his senses, experiences & the existence of his physical body. The only thing he was certain of was doubt, & doubt was a type of thinking, so Descartes deduces that the proof of existence & essence of being is thinking & that the mind & body are separate…thus creating the philosophy of dualism & becoming the “father of modern philosophy.” (That paragraph was for the thinkers.)
What a mess negative thoughts & emotions create when we dwell on them, especially when combined with humanistic endeavors. Yes, it is easier to criticize than create…easier to seek the God we want, than to worship the God who is…easier to descend in doubts & depression, than to traverse the
In other words, I chose to begin with God & faith, rather than myself, my experiences & efforts. I’m trusting the One, True, Living God…the Lord of the harvest to separate the wheat from the chaff in my own life perspectives & writing. I am hoping to be reflective & discover principles of truth, rather than being reactionary & accusing people. To simply write in hopes of providing some signposts for this journey of faith…building needed bridges for those that follow after…making known the works, wisdom & ways of the Lord (please read Ps.145).
No, I haven’t been writing blogs, but I have been waiting on God, wondering about difficult experiences, & writing devotionally & reflectively. While it is certainly true that many things from my past season have been too painful to write about (that stuff is fuel for worship & material for prayer), it’s also true that my greatest desire is to write as a form of worship that imparts spiritual wisdom & revelation. Hence, the hesitation, delays…the patience of waiting on the Lord.
Remember, the 2 most important parables clearly show the importance of sowing truth & true seeds/sons–Mt.13:23, 38. That’s why he gives us messengers (Apostles, Prophets, preachers & writers), & gave us both the Bible & Jesus. However, these parables put the emphasis on the understanding of truth, an enemy’s strategy & Kingdom living (vs.19, 38-39). Because of this, I have purposefully chosen not to publish my recent writings as I seek greater understanding & study enemy tactics while putting the King & HIS Kingdom 1st.
I do believe the pen is mightier than the sword. Therefore, “what I see, I will be writing in blogs & books, to send to the Christians/Churches”-Rev.1:11. So, please pray for me & all the Christians called to write & communicate in “the Spirit of Truth.” We need the grace of God, time & resources to devote ourselves to the work of the Kingdom scribe “who brings forth out of his treasure things new & old” –Mt.13:52.
“Perscribo, ergo sum…quinymo, perscribo quoniam Sit!” I write because I am…rather, I write because HE is!
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