Between the Head and the Heart

As seen in the HEARTBeat and the Village Voice

Between the Head and the Heart

            “Cognito, ergo sum.”  This is a common phrase among those who endeavor to expand the mind.  We may not know it in Latin, but we might recognize it in English – “I think, therefore I am.”  The renowned French philosopher Rene` Descartes spoke the words in making the philosophical argument that if one has the ability to think, therefore they exist.  Even though he made notable contributions to the field of philosophy, he is also famous for having made an important connection between geometry and algebra, which allowed for the solving of geometrical problems by way of algebraic equations.  Some would say, “I can think, therefore I am, but math makes my head hurt!”

            So much emphasis is placed on the head, or rather the ability to think.  Children develop the ability to critically think normally by the age of ten.  If A = B, and A = C, then B =C.  We learned this a long time ago.  You will also find post-graduate classes at most colleges and universities on critical thinking processes and theories.

We sure put a lot of emphasis during our educational years on the development of having a keen mind.  But what about having a keen heart?  Dr. Daniel Goleman wrote a book on “Emotional Intelligence.”  In it he proposed a twist on Rene` Descartes’ words of “I think, therefore I am.”  Dr. Goleman posited, “I feel, therefore I am.”  The book and subsequent training courses did not discount the ability to be mentally intelligent, as everyone can.  It did however emphasize the ability to be emotionally intelligent, which couples the ability of being mentally intelligent with being emotionally intelligent.

We are created with the ability to think, to reason.  But we are also created with the ability to feel – emotions.  When Adam and Eve sinned, they felt guilt and fear. In Genesis1:10, Adam answered God when He asked, “Where are you?”  Adam responded, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”  Adam and Eve were created with positive emotions and interacted with God.  But when they sinned, negative emotions entered, and they felt fear, doubt, and guilt toward God.

We are emotional beings.  I would propose we are not driven by our thoughts, but rather by emotions.  In other words, our attitudes lead to emotions which then lead to behaviors.  Our problem comes when we try to reason to much and discount what our heart feels.

Mankind is the only part of God’s wonderful creation that was created in His image.  God is Spirit: therefore, we should worship Him in spirt.  Worship is what it’s all about.  And when I say worship, I mean corporate or “church-body” worship.  We may not agree with everything a specific congregation believes, but that should not keep us from worshipping together.  It is so vital that we feel empty without it.

If you are struggling with something in your head about worshipping with the body of Christ, seek out trusted counsel or a pastor.  Don’t let your head get in the way of giving your heart totally to God!