Outliers

Prior to the 1970s, as scientists did their calculations, a normal statistic would often show plots of results close to a line. In other words, things were as they assumed they would be. But in almost every calculation, some of the points were scattered outside of the predicted pattern. These were puzzles to the scientists and were dismissed by them as anomalies, outliers. Some artifact in the data, some error of computation caused them and they were dismissed. Then someone started looking at these data points and a whole new science was born-the science of chaos. Chaos is really a misnomer. It should really be called the science of macro organization because it deals with very large systems such as the universe, hurricanes, weather, solar systems. Taking a hurricane as an example, the points on the scientist’s graph which lie along the “correct” line are like standing within the hurricane. We feel the wind, can measure it, show its direction and speed. Chaos is seeing the hurricane from a satellite and being able to describe it shape and components, photograph the whole and begin to understand the dynamics of it. When the Spanish were marauding the New World for gold and slaves, they could only exist in the local: the season of the hurricanes, trying to survive if caught in one. But now our vision and our math can begin to view the hurricane as a whole system. Now predictions can be made, paths tracked and warnings given based on this science. Christianity as lived in its myriad denominations, is like the scientist’s graph. Most belief systems fall within a fairly close pattern. There is a basic “orthodoxy” revealed in the creeds and doctrinal sets each deploys as an attempt to describe God and man and their relationship to one another. It is a bit like standing out in the hurricane: some things are clear, but most is noise and disorganization and frankly destruction. Perhaps the great gift to someone by the great Giver will be that of a macro lens through which to view Him and His actions, His attitudes and expectations. As an “outlier,” I would that we might all be able to view the entirety, not just the line. Perhaps this would destroy some of the animosity, some of the dividing walls that make it impossible to talk to one another. May we each one look through that lens which sees beyond the border of our confining boundaries and join with fellow believers in celebrating the hurricane which is His love for us displayed in Jesus Christ our Lord. 10.23.12