Be Bold

I was saddened to hear last week that the theologian and author Hans Küng died at the age of 93. Throughout his life Küng wrote prolifically, and often controversially, yet in his searching for truth remained undaunted by the opposition which often came his way. While I was reading his obituary I learnt of a story which gives a fascinating insight into the approach he took to the study of faith throughout his life. Apparently as a child he realized that he could swim “because the water is supporting me”. What a fascinating way to think of swimming. Rather than fearing the water which one can sink beneath, Küng saw the water not as a threat but as an aid to achieving his aim. Likewise his intuitive boldness when inquiring into the great questions of life was not stymied by a fear of drowning under others criticism. Küng's legacy to us all is the knowledge that we can never enter fully into living a life faith without also being willing to question, change and grow. As both an academic and as a follower of Jesus, he refused to separate intellectual curiosity from the search for truth, famously saying. “I do not have many prejudices before starting, as I do not fear the outcome”, and truly believing that as human beings we must learn to eat and drink together first, then discuss theology afterwards – “it is a nonsense to do it the other way round”. Hans Küng leaves us with that abiding truth; that hospitality of the heart creates the context for growth and understanding without fear. Openness of the heart in that way, enabling us to grow in understanding is exactly what Saint Paul was speaking of when he wrote “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which God has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people”

May we, like Küng be purposely bold in our thinking and faith and brave on our pilgrimage of life. May grow in faith, love, hope and joy remembering the encouragement found in the Book of Joshua; “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”.

Author Info: Andrew Moore

Chaplain Andrew is the Associate Chaplain here at the Campus. Before relocating to Arizona in 2014, Andrew lived and studied in the United Kingdom. Andrew was ordained in the Anglican church and has worked in a variety of parishes.