Faith and Sight

I am fond of each of these three statements and think they are saying the same thing in different ways:

         “We walk by faith and by sight.” – world religion scholar Huston Smith.

         “Pray for a good harvest and hoe like hell.” – a saying I heard once from a farmer.

         “The compass points you true north but does not warn you of obstacles and swamps along the way.” – Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s film, Lincoln.

         I found the Huston Smith statement as I was reviewing my notes from my time with him at Esalen in 2010.  I don’t have a record of what led him to quote this or what comments he made about it.  But I believe it’s worth exploring.

         If you have been nurtured in the Christian tradition, it may sound as if he was misquoting a famous passage from St. Paul: “We walk by faith and not by sight.”  (2 Cor 5:7). Over the years, I have heard this read and sung to remind the faithful to trust in divine guidance and providence even when we can’t see how things are going to work out.  We can become over-reliant on “sight” — our current understanding of whatever situation we are facing.  This can lead to despair if we don’t “see” a way through a situation. But reminding us to not be limited by what we see, and instead trust that God is at work in our lives can ease our anxiety and give us courage.

         But Huston must have liked turning the phrase into “We walk by faith AND by sight.”

         As a scholar of global spirituality, he knew every tradition assumes a certain amount of faith and trust in a greater reality beyond our everyday knowing.  Throughout his life, he was plumbing the depths of mystical experience and spiritual ways of understanding life. But he was always in dialogue with scientists, psychologists, and philosophers as they described what they see as real. Rather than make it either/or, he encouraged people to use both faith and reason to navigate life’s challenges.

         The quote about farming can at first sound a bit cynical. For some devout folks, praying for a desired outcome should be enough…isn’t it a bit disrespectful to imply one needs to “hoe like hell?”  Praying for a desired outcome can open us to forces beyond our sight that can bring unexpected blessings.  But we can’t just pray and sit back.  We’ve got to do our part – put in all the necessary hard work as we go along.

         In the Lincoln movie, the President is in a conversation with Senator Thaddeus Stevens, an abolitionist who is focused on establishing complete equality for African Americans.  While Lincoln agrees with him in principle, he knows it’s not possible in the politics of their historical moment.  Complete equality is the “true north” they both seek, but there are many swamps along the way; better to get as far as you can towards the goal than be so high-minded that nothing changes.  Stevens eventually conceded and Congress passed the 13^th Amendment.

         I believe in the power of faith and believe we must keep our eyes open as we make our way through life.  I believe in praying for good outcomes and know we need to be ready to work hard to realize them.  I think we must know where true north is in our lives and accept the fact that there may be many swamps that must be negotiated as we head that direction.

         I think of this when I see people face serious medical issues.  Some people of good faith want to trust that faith or positive thinking alone will lead to healing, with little need for medical knowledge. But the wiser people I’ve known blend both.  They find the best doctors and learn all they can.  They also know there are “unseen” forces that can contribute to healing, like meditation, prayer, social support, and guided imagery.  They walk by faith and by sight.

         I think about this with marriage and family.  Over the years as I’ve met with couples as they prepare for making the commitment. I affirm the power of the love, hope, and faith that is leading them. I also encourage them to remember that much work will be required to honor their highest hopes.

         And I think of this with the many great nonprofits I’ve been associated with over the years – Isla Vista Youth Projects, Hospice of Santa Barbara, La Casa de Maria Retreat Center, and the Neighborhood Clinics. They all start with an inspiring vision and faith in what they can accomplish.  But to survive and thrive requires endless hard work, strategic decision-making, and survival skills.  Faith and sight need each other.

Photo credit: abrokenbackpack.com