peace . love . joy

Weber's notion of Sociology is that it is a "science concerning itself with the interpretive understanding of social action and thus with a causal explanation of its course and consequences". It requires the sociologist to subjectively “understand” the perceived “meaning” behind an “action”, and by doing so, “interpret” and “explain” the observation. And because "meaning" is vital to understanding action, and thus social phenomena, it is important to understand what Weber means by "meaning".

There are two types of "meaning" according to Weber. Firstly, "meaning" can be such as ascribed by the person in question ("internal"), and secondly, "meaning" can also be such as ascribed by others ("external"). Never is "meaning" objectively "correct" or "true". It is forever subjective. So where is the line drawn between "meaningful action" and "purely reactive behavior"? Weber says it is close to impossible to distinguish between the two. He, however, does note that in the quest of understanding, there are some actions, we shall call them, that need not be performed in order to comprehend. But there are other actions that need to be performed, or the experience "re-created", by the investigator to bring about thorough appreciation.

To better understand the “subjectively intended meaning”, one must go a step further beyond simply “descriptive understanding” (simply describing an observation; answering the “what”) to “explanatory understanding” (to include in the interpretation possible motives; answering the “why”).

All this of course is written and expanded upon the assumption that man is above all a being that seeks meaning. One that seeks to understand the world around him as he subjectively perceives it.

I subscribe to that idea. I'd like to think that man is indeed inherently a being that seeks meaning; the meaningful man. I'd like to think that I am a creature that continually seeks meaning. I know, for a fact, that I'd also like others to understand me and what I am going through. Man is built for community. None of the 3 "Founding Fathers of Sociology" dare dispute that. Community is built on shared understanding. And understanding is built on shared meaning(s).

Recently, I've come to realize, yes, I admit I am rather "slow" to come to realizations, that it is difficult for me to explain myself to other people. And I know too that I am not alone in that respect. What I mean is I find it frustratingly challenging to give an account of what I feel and why I act the way I do (or did). I am talking about my experiences as a Christian.

Christianity is indeed a way of life. Truths that one learns in the Bible will remain truths spelt out in black and white squiggles man call alphabets until one receives insight from God in the form, most commonly I'd say, of experiences. It is only through experiences that a Christian will begin to truly make sense and appreciate the wonders and mysteries and awesomeness of God Almighty.

Passages in the Bible, exhortations by late Saints as recorded in the New Testament in the beginning made not much sense to me. They were simply guidelines to follow, warnings to pay heed to. But as I grew and am still growing in maturity and in Spirit, I see, hear, taste, touch and smell every day I wake up alive in my bed. I experience things I read in the Bible. I begin to understand. I will not pretend that I fully comprehend what I come across in the Word, but I will say that I am beginning to truly see what God will have me see at this particular time in this particular setting in this particular way.

There are experiences that the Christian man find it tough to make known to the unbeliever. Truths and promises that one can only dream of understanding if only they were experienced, better yet, first-hand.

Even so, there are experiences that the Christian finds himself at a loss for words when trying to give an account to fellow believers in the faith. Just a few days ago, I witnessed a sister who tried to tell others what the voice of God sounded like. She heard it. But how could she make others see as she does unless they too have heard? I was encouraged, however, by her sharing. Because that makes three of us that I know who have heard the voice of God. It is always good to know you are not alone. And it is even better to find people who understand exactly what you mean and how you feel so you have a small community with which you can be united in prayer and thanksgiving to God for that honour. Where does one find people with like-experiences with\from God? In church.

I am biased for reflections. It is through reflections, I believe, that one sees the hand of God moving, perhaps not just in one's own life, but also in others. Reflections and assessments drive home to the mind the real state of one's soul. They bring about humility, peace and gratitude in the Spirit. They serve as reminders of who we really are, who we are called to be, and to whom we pledge daily our allegiance. They serve as sources of encouragement. Who finds it discouraging to read through one's own journal of experiences with\from God, and see His presence so clearly in one's life? It is good to remember. After all, our salvation rests on the fact that God remembers us each by name, face and character. Something I still find amazing.

It is through individuals, through community, through shared beliefs, understanding and meaning that one gains acceptance, encouragement and affirmation. All from God.

Do not be discouraged, you who are young in the faith. God remembers you and so do your friends in church. Keep coming back to your family in Christ, keep spending quality time with the God of the amen, keep your feet facing forward but your eyes glancing once in a while behind in grateful reflection. You will grow and you will experience the One who gave His life for you but still lives. Be encouraged.

Perhaps Weber was not so far off the mark after all.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

~ Hebrews 10:24-25