Where’s the dividing line between doing and knowing? And does it matter?

c0 Epaphroditus, Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas and Caesar (Wikimedia Commons)

I wrote recently[1] about the difference between how and why. The distinction is everywhere, but especially evident to me in faith and writing.

I don’t believe the why is necessary at all; in fact, occasionally, even if very interesting, it’s irrelevant, or worse, diverting.

Where’s the dividing line between doing and knowing? And once you've found it, of what value is it?

Spoiled food makes you sick. Look where you’re walking.Don’t run with scissors.Wash your hands after using the bathroom.Sex makes babies.Don’t hit little girls.

Most of the knowledge we employ to make it safely from one day to the next has a very good explanation, but we are utterly oblivious to it.

Now try these on for size:

Grace is in forgiveness (atonement).Grace is in baptism.Grace is in the bread and wine.Grace leads me to heaven.

If that is all you know, is that enough?

I think it is.

Apollos in Acts 18 and 19 knew only of “John’s Baptism,” and though it seems that this was incomplete, there is no indication it was insufficient. What was missing in John’s Baptism was the Holy Spirit, and so Apollos’ converts were rebapitzed.

That leads me to think there is some unstated allowance for ignorance (which is not the same as an informed disregard).

[2014-02-25]

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[1]

Is it just as important to know Why as How? >

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