When the new year turned in 1517, few would guess that Martin Luther would cause a revolution in thought and practice in European Christendom. On October 31, 1517 Luther posted his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg. This was the formal beginning of the Protestant Reformation—some would even say the beginning of modernity, as the hegemonic grip of the church was challenged for the first time in several hundred years.
Luther's theological genius was in bringing to light a long forgotten idea—the idea of grace. Working for salvation would not, well, work. Salvation was about the action of God, not human striving. This remains a very important idea. In the spiritual life mere striving produces nothing of much value. Luther's emphasis is echoed in Daoism in the concept of Wu Wei—action through non-action—and the Buddhist practice of stillness. Of course, the ideas are not the same, but they share the same emphasis that mere activity is ineffectual. Luther's grace, Laozi's Wu Wei, and the Buddah's silence are necessary corrections to the incessant activity and busyness of contemporary life.
But, there is always another story to tell. A sad side effect of Luther's great insight was a religion that said that nothing at all was needed by the seeker. No effort required at all. One expression in the following centuries was revivalism, which promised the hearer that all is accomplished, simpy and easily by "walking to the altar," "raising a hand," or "signing a card." I am not doubting for a minute the sincerity of folk who respond that way. In time past I was one of them and the moment is often deeply and intensely spiritual. The problem is the packaging. The respondent is told that having walked forward everything is now changed. All is different. Nothing more needs to be done. Things are changed for a day or two, but the respondent soon realizes that nothing much has changed. Before too long the seeker needs to walk forward again, when all will be fixed once and for all. Again. For too many people the process leaves mere guilt, "There must be something wrong with me."
Truth is the spiritual life is both grace and work, stillness and practice. Being and doing.
In Ancient Chinese philosophy the twin ideas were expressed as Wu Wei and Gongfu. Wu Wei is action through no action. Gongfu is skill developed though long and consistent practice. Wu Wei is no effort. Gongfu is great effort. Which is the right path? Both. Take the way of Wu Wei and you will find a life of Gongfu. Walk the path of Gongfu and you will be led to Wu Wei.
I'm finishing this blog waiting for folk to come to our New Year's Eve party. We welcome 2012 with pundits on all sides predicting gloom. Some seriously fear the world's end. Economists fear the collapse of the European Union and global economic collapse (again). Many fear Iran's blustering about oil and nuclear power.
Just like the turn from 1516 to 1517 who knows what the year will bring. Perhaps another Luther to bring a paradigm change to the way we think. Likely not.
For me, I am looking forward to developing my Gongfu, deepening my practice through consistent hard work, while realizing that all I do is as nothing, content to rest in Wu Wei, to enjoy Grace upholding me through all.
May it be so for your too!
Ab.+Andy