Simplicity Beyond Complexity
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The document discusses the challenges of navigating complexity in the modern quest for truth, emphasizing the importance of seeking simplicity beyond complexity. It encourages individuals to face complexity without fear, recognize its value, and resist the urge to oversimplify. Key takeaways include the significance of leaning into complexity, looking for patterns, and seeking the deeper truth that leads to insight.
Simplicity Beyond Complexity
- 2. What did he say? 2 “I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
- 3. The Problem 3 Modernity’s search for truth has led to a complexity that is not sustainable. “The automatic, default direction of progress is towards escalating complexity.” Richard Swenson
- 4. Just vs. Simply 4 “Reduced speech leads to reduced lives.” Walter Brueggermann There is a force for reduction in this world and a force for wholeness and completeness. Just SimplyComplexity
- 5. Simply Jesus
- 6. Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath – Matthew 12:11-13 Just Simply The command to rest does not restrict the mission of the King. Just ignore those old-fashioned rules. Complexity The Jewish Law of the Sabbath
- 7. Jesus: Forgiver of Sin – John 8:1-11 Just Simply Simply go and sin no more. Just let her fade into the shadows in her sin to face her fate. Complexity Sin and consequences in the Jewish culture.
- 8. Our Response
- 9. The Cloud 9 • Identify complexity for what it is. • Face it without fear. • Seek truth in the complexity. Just SimplyComplexity
- 10. The Reduction 10 • Resist the temptation to say “Just.” • Don’t look for the easy way out. • Recognize that speed leads to reduction – truth takes time! Just SimplyComplexity
- 11. The Simple Truth 11 • Respect the complexity – Lean into it! • Look for the patterns. • Look at it in a transdisciplinary way. • Look expectantly for the truth. Just SimplyComplexity
- 12. The Bigger Picture 12 Complexity isn’t bad . . . but it isn’t the goal. “Simplicity is the seal of truth.” Latin Proverb Just SimplyComplexity
- 14. An Example
- 16. Tearing down a Chinese Church Just Simply The Chinese Church and Chinese govt. are negotiating power/relationships as the country deals with a growing Christian population. Chinese government persecution! Complexity Zoning regulations, corruption, leader’s opinion, proximity to govt. buildings, no final compromise
- 17. Key Takeaways 17 • Reject the temptation to reduce. • Lean into the complexity but don’t stop. • Seek out the simple truth that brings insight. Just SimplyComplexity
- 18. GMI Connection www.gmi.org www.facebook.com/gmi.org www.pinterest.com/gmiresources Jon Hirst – jhirst@gmi.org / @JonHirstGMI