Sometimes people have thought that the way to come to know God is through intellectual inquiry—the philosophical path. Others have felt that the way to God is through a spiritual enlightenment—the mystical path. But while there is value both to intellectual inquiry and devotional practice, the gospels indicate that the primary way to truly come to know God is by joining in the self-giving love of Christ for others.

Frederick Herzog, late professor of theology who taught for years at Duke University, pointed out how theologians over the centuries so often have wanted to “sit in a high tower” to seek Truth. He argued that the real way to God’s Truth is by joining in God’s outreach to the lowly through Christian praxis—the actual practice of Christian love. He came to this approach by looking at the gospels. The disciples came to understand the Truth of Christ as they journeyed with Jesus in his embrace of the poor and the outcasts.

This perspective shapes the approach of the United Methodist Church today. In our Confirmation program, for example, class sessions are augmented by field experiences where confirmands put faith into action—serving meals to the hungry, providing Christmas gifts to the poor, preparing a camp for children’s ministry, and so on. Such actions are not only ways of showing compassion; they are ways in which we come into authentic connection with the spirit of Christ.

Herzog would argue that if you want to meet Jesus, don’t climb a tower; go into a poor neighborhood to meet and help someone. The philosopher and the mystic may seek to climb the mountain of truth, but the followers of Jesus are led into the valley to join with Jesus in servanthood for God’s Kingdom.

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
Mark 9:1–8, 30–32
II Peter 1:16–18

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