Another paradigm shift

A paradigm is a model, a way of looking at things; it’s been likened to a grid or a pair of spectacles through which you see and understand the world. A paradigm shift means taking on a new perspective, undergoing a fundamental and important change in the way things are thought about. Such shifts occur quietly in the lives of ordinary people, as well as in branches of academia, in politics, in science, and in philosophy, for example.

The 20^th century witnessed a paradigm shift away from an approach where it had been hoped that Reason would provide the answers we crave to our existential angst. Finally realising that Reason is, by the very nature of its functioning, unable to provide Absolute Truth, society has undergone a paradigm shift – away from trust in Reason. But instead of turning to God’s trusted Revelation, thinkers preferred atheism, which can provide no absolute answers. The result has been an increase in our general angst and hopelessness.

This conclusion, first grasped by intellectuals and philosophers, has slowly filtered down from the heights of academia, through education, the media, and general culture, to the common man and woman. As this new attitude affects young people today, they sink in an atmosphere of meaninglessness.

However, another paradigm shift is under way, promising a better story, a brighter future. As sociologists categorise the many evil fruits that the previous paradigm has brought on, a number of public intellectuals seeing the futility of the old, realise that a new approach altogether different is necessary. A better paradigm is needed in order to provide the reassuring answers our hearts crave to the many perplexing issues surrounding our human identity, meaning, and purpose.

These intellectual leaders turn in hope to seek a new paradigm, a “better story” that will enable us to properly understand ourselves, and to see how our human life ought to be – fulfilled rather than anguished. And they turn again, unashamedly, to the Word of God: as they quote the text that “God made man and woman in his image” (Genesis 1.27), they envisage again the necessity for belief in our Creator. They see the Bible’s foundational truths as able to furnish a more sure and hopeful comprehension of our human reality. They discern the uplifting power of the Word of God to teach us our true meaning and to establish moral values that have been tested through the centuries – not just the passing fads of our generation. They face up to the real possibility of adopting a fresh paradigm which puts God in his rightful place as the one who, in love and wisdom, reveals vital truth. This is to be welcomed as widely as possible.

When the Oxford University Christian Union held a mission to the students some twenty years ago, they chose as their theme “A paradigm shift”. The speakers proposed the need for rethinking the basis of all truth. The expression, in fact, describes what the Bible means by repentance: rethinking our lives in the light of God’s Truth and changing our ways in the light of his commandments. We are all called to think again, to turn around, to correct our views – of God, of mankind, of morals, of our need of a Saviour.

When that repentance is accompanied by sincere faith in Jesus, the Saviour we need, sent by God into the world, then that is described as “conversion”. And that is a personal paradigm shift of eternal importance, for “unless you are converted”, Jesus said, “you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18.3).

Clive Every-Clayton