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Opposites must serve each other
from Susanne
“Beauty” – so they say – “is in the eye of the beholder”. For Martin Schleske, beauty is expressed in the harmony of opposites. In particular, the relationship between the opposites plays a major role.
Just as the beauty of a work arises from the alternation of familiarity and surprise, i.e. from the alternation of certain basic principles, but also upheavals or disturbances, life also requires certain crises in addition to trust. The author considers this to be very important insofar as crises turn us into artists and not just mere consumers of our existence. Personal development is only possible through the crises that life has in store for us. Relationships also thrive on the interplay of “being familiar” and “being surprised”. If one of these two components is missing, the relationship would either be banal or complicated.
“You can’t seek life and deny crises at the same time!”
S. 44
BookClub The Sound Chapter 3
Jesus’ life is characterized by stark contrasts: instead of the purely divine splendour that everyone had expected, at the end there is the cross, completely surprising and unexpected. But it is precisely through such moments of revelation that the past is called into question and life is transformed. Thus, faith does not represent the fulfillment of patterns.
Jesus’ story of life and death invites us to face up to both forces: to dare to trust and not allow ourselves to be broken by crises. This is the only way change is possible.
Other harmonious opposites, such as “passion and serenity”, also emphasize the other rather than their own. If this is not the case, “fallen mirror images” occur, such as – in the case of “passion and serenity” – “fanaticism and indifference”. Opposites must serve each other, similar to the flexor and extensor muscles of the arm. Mental movement only occurs when one of the two forces can release at the right time. In this sense, “loving God with all our soul” would mean paying attention to all the forces that work in pairs, because they are the ones that span the space of our soul’s life.
About the authors
Susanne is a born teacher. When she is not inspiring young people, she can often be found in her favorite country, France.
Marta loves books – especially the classics of literature and their wisdom. When she’s not writing them herself, she works in the tax department and discovers wonderful moments in her everyday life, which she shares on Instagram.
Christoph is a media designer, church planter, seeker of meaning, discoverer and loves his church in Deggendorf. In the book club, he enjoys the simplicity and depth of the joint discussion.
