Cartoon World II

Be sure to read part one before continuing here.

We have previously established that the world in which we live, the people who dwell in it, the concepts that shape us, and the God who rules it all are incredibly complex.

If something should, however, appear simple, then it is likely due to one of two reasons…

Ignorance or mastery.

Ignorance, … because things seem simple when understanding is lacking.

Math, for instance, appears simple if one thinks it consists solely of the addition and subtraction of numbers. Yet it only appears simple because the true breadth of mathematical studies is unknown to the individual.

Essentially, if one is unaware of a topic's complexity, the topic does not appear complex.

Mastery, … because once knowledge is gained, the topic is fully understood, principles are applied (and, in certain instances, lived out), the complexity of that subject fades away as it becomes second nature to the learner.

Thank you for reading Chisel&Feather!

Of course it seems easy if you don't know that the hard stuff exists.

A personal trainer could, for instance, say that getting in shape is really quite simple: All one must do is walk regularly, eat healthy food, and work out.

And he would be right.

It is that simple, except that each of those words resembles the tip of an iceberg consisting of years of accumulated knowledge, experience, and scientific studies.

To the trainer, it seems simple because of his familiarity with the subject. But to the couch potato who has never exercised, this simplicity is only a vague instruction that is hardly actionable. If the sedentary person were to begin asking questions, the true complexity of the topic “getting in shape” would reveal itself…

How do I work out?

What exercises do I do?

What is a squat?

What is good squat form?

How hard do I train?

How often do I work out?

…There are hundreds of potential questions to be asked.

In addition, one could easily argue that true mastery of a subject rarely exists. Instead, we often use the term in the sense of ‘having mastered a concept to the extent that one’s understanding is applicable.’

Further growth is always possible, though; therefore, some ignorance inevitably persists.

Regardless of whether something appears simple due to ignorance or mastery, the fact remains that the topic is still fundamentally complex.

All of these thoughts leave me wondering about an entirely different topic:

Jesus’ message.

Is the Gospel also incredibly complex, or could it be that it is the exception to the rule?

To be continued in part III.

Interested in the importance of truth? Click here.

Interested in discovering other topics? Click here.

Just lift heavy things ... that sounds simple enough. Is there really more to it?

'Ambush' - I can't even eat my 'nola bar in peace