Listen, then speak

I haven't been a very active blogger lately.  Sorry for those of you who have been requesting posts.  :(  When I was in my first semester of my undergraduate degree (in La Crosse!)  I had a very wise philosophy professor.  To me, he was captivating.  To the rest of the class, he seemed to speak Greek.  Soon, I tutored, especially for his sections.  I continued to take classes with him, and other philosophy professors and have grown to LOVE philosophy over the years.  Yet there is one lesson he taught me early on that I will never forget.

One day in class, many students were grasping the concept he was putting forth, yet didn't agree so were offering their opinions.  The professor was growing particularly frustrated and even angry.  He was trying to get us to talk about the steps of an argument - not whether it was TRUE or not, but learn to disconnect the person from their ideas, and the ideas into a logical progression of an argument.  Yet for freshman, this was WAY to much abstract thought to handle, and his reference to the fact that there could potentially be a gigantic purple spotted pink elephant in the room that almost no one noticed just made most people think this man should be institutionalized.

Finally in utter frustration, he stepped back, took a breath, and said "You do not have the right to your own opinion, until you can correctly articulate the thoughts of those who have walked before you."

Those words I wrote in my beat up notebook and have reflected on many times since.  There is so much wisdom in the world, in many different forms.  Books and writings on early philosophy and theology from great minds such as Anthansius and Plato.  The daily wisdom from my great grandmother who laughs at me as she advises me on flowers she thinks I can take care of.  Quotes and philosophies based down through generations and made popular by a pretty design and pinned on Pinterest.  I am forever amazed at the knowledge and wisdom in the world, of yet I hardly understand the tiniest fraction.

So lately, I have been reflecting on the wisdom and knowledge presented to me through professors, textbooks, and other students as I study (albeit part time and online) through Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.  I shall try, both for the benefit of me, and you - my lovely friends, to make more of an effort to share my thoughts and journeys as I have loved and appreciated reading about yours.

Blog on!

May God's unconditional peace be with you today and always,
Your sister in Christ ~Erin