Being curious could change our lives for the better
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Food for Thought by Lorna Tunstall
Curiosity Killed the Cat is a phrase often used to warn against the dangers of over-researching or investigating a particular issue. It implies that being curious can lead to misfortune and that curiosity is something that should be avoided. I wonder how curious are you?
In the 24/7 world that we live in, where we can access any amount of information at the simple click of a button, I would argue that the only danger our curiosity encounters is to decipher which of the facts we are presented with are true and which are false.
We live in a time of fake news and internet sensationalism, in a society where everyone has an opinion on almost any subject and are not afraid to voice it. A society awash with so much different and conflicting information that at times it can be a little overwhelming.
With all this information overload, we are in danger of losing the ability to rely on our own logic, to make up our own opinions, to question and consider the alternative point of view. We are in danger of losing sight of the bigger picture.
In the Bible, throughout his earthly ministry Jesus repeatedly asked questions of those that he met. forcing them to make up their own minds to understand his teaching.
He was never afraid to question others, he was always asking his disciples, the religious authorities and the crowds that followed him questions. He asked probing questions, the answers to which would often turn societal expectations on their head.
Jesus repeatedly asks his followers and opponents alike: “What do you think?” He encouraged curiosity and debate. He knew that the journey of faith can at times throw up more questions than answers. The Christian faith for many can often be a journey of doubt and uncertainty.
And yet, for all his questioning, Jesus never asked his followers for certainty, all he asked of them, and therefore of us too, was to be faithful and trusting and to follow his example.
Jesus constantly challenged those around him to look at situations from the other’s person’s position, often those that were the most vulnerable and marginalised within society.
He recognised that each one of us have our own personal point of view. Everyone sees the world from a cultural perspective and we need to be aware of our own biases before we can put ourselves in the situation of another.
When we are too certain in our own opinions and beliefs, then we are in danger of being too self-centred rather than Christ centred. Christ challenges each of us to look beyond our own self and our own perceptions.
In society today, we need to continue to openly question and retain our curiosity throughout all situations in life. We need to have more empathy for those whose experiences and approaches to life are different from our own and to recognise that there are often multiple perceptions to different circumstances.
It is when we are open to considering the other viewpoint, when we are open to allowing life, events and even other people to change our opinion, that is when we are allowing our faith to truly shine through and who knows, contrary to being dangerous our curiosity may even change our own lives for the better.
Rev Lorna Tunstall is the Church of Scotland minister at Brora and Helmsdale.
