Talking Points:
- For many people, math is only valuable to the extent that it’s useful. That makes math a negative thing to put up with, rather than a thing of beauty to explore for its own sake.
- Many Christians do the same thing with God: they make him a means to an end (health, wealth, etc.) rather than the end itself. This utilitarian view of God misses out on who God is and why he’s worthy of worship.
- Starting off in any discipline requires rules and boundaries as you begin to acquire the building blocks for that area of study. But the more you explore the beauty of math (or God), the more you experience the unbounded wonder of the thing. 1 Corinthians 2:13-16
- Both scripture and Christianity are useful and life-changing in a practical way. But more than that, God is beautiful–worth worshiping in “the beauty of his holiness”. 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 29:2
Discussion:
- Why do some people only view math or God as useful, and what are the potential downsides of this utilitarian approach?
- How can we encourage people to see the beauty in math or God, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- What are some examples of how the exploration of math or God can lead to a greater appreciation for their complexity and wonder?
- How can a focus on the practical applications of math or faith be balanced with a focus on their inherent beauty and worth?
- How can we avoid reducing God to a means to an end and instead cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for who God is and why he is worthy of worship?
See Also:
