Talking Points:
- Math (as with faith) is like a language you learn, building on itself year after year. For some, that’s what makes math (and God) intimidating.
- When it comes to math (and God), there will always be mystery. The more you study something, the more you realize how much more there is to study. Every question you answer opens up ten more questions to explore. (See Mage Merlin’s Unsolved Mathematical Mysteries.) Ecclesiastes 2:12-17
- Math is the cleanest of the disciplines, and even then there are so many mysteries! How much more complex are emotions, relationships, and God himself? The existence of unsolved problems doesn’t mean we can’t have faith and push ahead.
- There’s something in us that hates the tension of unsolved mysteries. Read Proverbs to learn life’s principles… and then read Job to see the exceptions! To explore meaning, goodness, and truth is more about the journey than the destination.
Discussion:
- How good were you at math when you were growing up?
- What are some of the basics of the Christian faith? Make a list.
- “Every question you answer opens up ten more questions to explore.” Give an example of this principle.
- Try to articulate one of the unsolved math problems identified in this episode. Is it surprising to you that no one has ever solved the problem? Explain.
- Identify something in the Christian faith (or in life) that has created tension for you. How have you dealt with the tension?
See Also:
