Is (2+1 = 6) a relational possiblity ?

2+1= 6 ??? I have been reflecting on why Jesus choose the term friend to describe his relationship with his team. I know numerically 2+1=6 does not make sense but instead of thinking about numbers think about it in relational terms, in particular you and me and the various relationships we have with other people.

For example A and B are friends with each other and they are also friends with C. C is able to bring something previously unseen in A's character and personality. Perhaps an 'A' that B has never 'seen' or 'known' before and can only stand back and appreciate. In the same way C's relationship with B reveals and aspect, a strength in B's character that A cannot reveal but can nonetheless enjoy. It is also possible that there also elements in A's personality that only B seems to able to bring out , and visa-versa, to the good and enjoyment of all. (Without wanting to sound too weird but there may be more A's than the 'one' that B and C know) It almost as if there are parts of us (hopefully the best of us) that only certain others can bring out in us - that in a sense they reveal another us, that would not be seen or known without these other people in our lives. (Think of a couple before and after they become parents. There are certain aspects of a partners personality and character that only their children can reveal to the other partner)



Perhaps that is why when Jesus was choosing a relational term to describe the relationships in His ministry team he choose the inclusive term, friends. We all individually, can only draw out certain strengths or aspects of another person's character. It takes a family, a community, a group of friends to bring out and to appreciate all of those aspects that are best in each one of us. In other words it takes everyone to reveal all that is best in anyone.



Community is a God ordained environment designed to highlight the fact that none of us can ever discover the best in us without the rest of us. And that is why in relational terms 2+1 can sometimes = 6.

The Theosection Question ???

Been awhile I know, but then I have been away on a 25th wedding anniversary trip to New York (great city even better anniversary) but more about that another time.

What I want to share with you today are some thoughts, questions really about - theosection. I am not sure if that is a real word but stay with me and hopefully the concept will become a little clearer. The question it relates to is "What terms does God require of those who would understand God?"

What I mean is this, anything that we give ourselves to the serious study of whether it is the mating habits of Snow Leopards or the creative process involved in writing of poetry etc every object of study demands requirements of its students. Every object / subject of study requires specific tools and the exercise of certain disciplines that need to be used and followed if the student is to have any hope of achieving an understanding of it. These tools and disciplines, needed for obtaining of a proper understanding of the object of study are shaped not by the student but by the object / subject the student wants to study.

Dissection is a word that we are probably more familiar with and involves the taking apart or breaking down of something into its' constituent parts in order to understand how it is made and functions etc. Dissection is also an exercise that more often than not takes place in a sterile, impersonal environment (i.e. not the natural life environment of the subject / object) on terms and conditions shaped by those doing the dissecting.

Is it possible that we have mistakenly used the same approach to theology and our 'study of God'. That our study of God has removed God from the natural life environment that is so essential to a proper understanding of God. In other words in our theological studies have we engaged in the impersonal work of - theosection, an all too often sterile and impersonal work shaped by our tools and our agendas rather than subjecting ourselves to those..."terms that God requires of those who would study God?"