When the snow flies at the first of the year, it is often greeted by nearly completed puzzles, leftovers from recent New Years activities. This year was no different. The first pieces of a picturesque new 1,500-piece puzzle fell quickly into place. A bright white bridge against backgrounds of fall foliage and still reflective waters was little challenge. The geometric shapes and clear cut lines sharply contrasted with the more gentle hues which they subsumed. A small white clapboard structure, from which the foot bridge extended, invited the eye to its parallel lines of horizontal siding, square framed black windows, and unique chimney. The primary focus of the picture was quickly assembled, and yet, it represented only one-third or so of the entire puzzle.

We began anew, this time differentiating the next level of visual contrasts … the reds and oranges of the foliage separated from their less distinct reflective counterparts or the brightest portions of sky peeking through layers of tree branches. After a short time, the eye learned to appreciate the more subtle differences, and additional sections of the puzzle came together without too much effort.

The remaining pieces were becoming more difficult to separate. There was green foliage of trees to compare with shrubby undergrowth and the green of taller grasses at water’s edge. Reflected images of darker areas assumed similar markings; grays slowly blended into blacks, deep reds and amber into somber browns. It was taking longer to identify individual pieces with certainty, and the number of times a test fit proved unsuccessful quickly increased. Yet, with a little practice and patience, and slightly more effort, even those qualities began to differentiate themselves after a time.

Coming to an understanding of the theological picture which informs our faith can be a challenging task. Some immediate religious touchstones come to mind - favorite scripture, stories from our earliest remembrances of church or Vacation Bible School, the rites and doctrines of our particular denominations. These touchstones engage us, drawing our attention in sometimes dramatic ways to that which is most notable. But, like a white footbridge across a dark landscape, the picture is incomplete until its more subtle elements are included. Though 1499 pieces are firmly and accurately in place, it is not until the 1500th piece is set that a sense of completeness is achieved.

A growing maturing faith demands closer attention be paid to the elements that comprise our theological canvas. Dogmatism and absolutism are dangerous traveling companions in this theological quest of inquiry. “Instead of claiming to know what God says, ask questions of one another, such as ‘How do we understand God in this?’ Don’t pretend that you know all the answers yourselves and talk like you know it all. I’m telling you, quit the ‘God told me thi s… God told me that …’ kind of talk. I don’t want to hear it anymore (Jeremiah 24:35-38, The Message).” Jeremiah knew the dangers of self-proclaimed religious authority, but also the advantages of working together, fitting and assembling pieces of understanding into a more cohesive faith. With the participation, encouragement, and conviction of others, the theological puzzle is plenty large enough for all to contribute in meaningful ways towards its completion.