Simple/Complex

now i am reading The Circle of Simplicity by Cecile Andrews, in an attempt to voluntarily simplify my own life and the life of my family. came across this early on in a section entitled "Getting Started" and thought it was worth sharing:

"You begin to do this with everything. Do I really need this? Do I really want to spend time with this person? Do I really want to work for a promotion? You may be wondering if this really simplifies life. Be aware, we're not talking about efficiency or convenience. Sometimes living simply takes longer. We are talking about our quality of life-whether it brings joy and serenity rather than frustration and aggravation. Whether it brings a sense of congruence or fragmentation. But while simplicity may be more complex, it shouldn't be more complicated. Something that is complicated is confusing; something that is complex is challenging. A life of simplicity is complex and challenging."

recommend this book highly, also just finished Affluenza, another great book that touches on the cause, effects, and remedies for the world's largest life-draining epidemic whose side effects include rampant consumerism, mindless destruction, and excelling greed. also reading Simple Church by Rainer and Geiger, which I DO NOT recommend, as a part of a staff book study. Geiger and Rainer attempt to tackle the simple v. complicated issue as it pertains to life of the church. someone really needs to come along and do a better job on this subject...could be highly instructive to the church at this time. what Rainer and Geiger offer instead is a numbers-driven "formula" that promises church growth and the elusive (and extremely hard to measure) "vitality" ensconced in conservative theology.

Comments

Jason said…
At least you all are reading something as a staff. Some church staffs don't.

I like the distinction of simplicity is not complicated but complex.

I have a few Catholic priest friends who might resonate with this very deeply...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 6:03:00 PM
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