Embracing Diverse Perspectives in Christian Life: Lessons from the Blind Men and the Elephant

Yesterday, I was reading "Good News," a Malayalam weekly published on September 20, 2010. I came across an interesting report. It described an incident that occurred in Pathanapuram, Kerala, India, on September 3rd. A Pentecostal pastor was mercilessly beaten by followers of Br. Thangu, the founder of the Heavenly Feast Church. The unfortunate victim was Pastor George Kutty, who serves at the Sharon Fellowship Church in Sharjah, Ajmal.

According to the report, the Heavenly Feast Church had organized a Convention starting from September 2nd. Pastor George Kutty attended the meetings from the very first day of the Convention, where Br. Thangu and Br. Thomas Kutty were the ministers. On Friday, September 3rd, while Br. Thangu and Br. Thomas Kutty were conducting the service, Pastor George Kutty encountered teachings that contradicted his faith and understanding. He couldn't fully accept these teachings, so he approached Br. Thangu and Br. Thomas Kutty to express his doubts. As he returned from the stage after speaking with them, some youths approached Pastor George Kutty and offered to clarify his doubts. However, instead of helping him, they led him to the backstage area and mercilessly beat him.

In a detailed letter shared with the Good News, Pastor George Kutty conveyed that he found it extremely difficult to accept the speaker's teachings, which claimed that "Jesus appeared in this world for the financial prosperity of humanity and was crucified on the cross."

Following the incident, Pastor George Kutty received medical treatment at the Government Hospital in Punalur and was discharged after two days.

After reading the report, I recalled the story of the blind men who set out to understand an elephant. The story goes like this: Once upon a time, there were blind men living in a village. One day, someone informed them that there was an elephant in the village. Since they had no idea what an elephant looked like, they discussed amongst themselves and decided to go and feel the elephant in order to gain knowledge about it.

They sought permission from the owner of the elephant and proceeded to touch and explore the elephant. The first blind man, who touched the leg of the elephant, claimed that the elephant was like a pillar. The second blind man, who touched the tail, argued, "No! It is like a rope." The third blind man, who felt the trunk of the elephant, proclaimed that it was like a thick branch of a tree.

Then, the fourth blind man, who touched the ear, described it as resembling a big hand fan. Finally, the fifth blind man, who explored the belly of the elephant, insisted that it was like a huge wall.

Upon feeling the different parts of the elephant, they began to argue about its true nature, with each one firmly believing they were correct. A wise old man, who had observed the entire incident, gathered the attention of all the blind men and calmly explained, "All of you are right. The reason for your differing descriptions is that each one of you touched a different part of the elephant. So, in reality, the elephant possesses all those features that you have described."

Upon this realization, they felt content that they were all correct. The moral of the story is that there may be some truth in what others say.

Similarly, in our lives, we encounter various teachings from different individuals. Some may speak about prosperity theology, based on their personal experiences in their Christian journey. Others may emphasize poverty theology, stemming from their own encounters. Some may focus on the hardships and trials, having personally faced challenges in following Jesus. And there are those who highlight the peace and happiness they experience in their Christian lives.

Christian life encompasses many dimensions. It is possible that you may only be experiencing one or two aspects of the Christian life and, like the blind men who touched only one part of the elephant, argue vehemently for your own understanding. However, insisting that others adhere to your experience and perspective is erroneous. It is akin to the frog in the well, unaware of the vastness of a river or ocean, yet proclaiming that the well contains the largest amount of water. Such a perspective is a grave mistake.

In our world, we have specialized doctors such as cardiologists, ophthalmologists, dentists, etc. People seek out specific doctors according to their needs. Similarly, we have different markets in cities, with separate areas for bookshops, fishmongers, butchers, stationery stores, and fast-moving consumer goods. People visit different shops based on their requirements. A person looking for fish will not go to a hardware store, even if offered significant discounts. They need fish, not the items sold at a hardware shop.

People have diverse needs. One person may be wealthy but physically unwell, seeking physical healing. They are interested in attending a gathering where an anointed person of God prays for physical healing. Conversely, someone who is physically and mentally sound may not have an interest in a healing-focused meeting since they are already in good health. Instead, they may be in need of financial assistance and seek deliverance from their economic difficulties. They would attend a gathering where someone prays for financial breakthroughs. The truth, however, is that every preacher is proclaiming and revealing Jesus as the one who can provide deliverance from the bondage of Satan.

We require specialized preachers who can present Jesus through their areas of expertise because people have varying needs in their lives. Some require physical healing, while others need emotional or mental healing. Some seek financial blessings, while others yearn for joy and peace. Everything can be found in the presence of Jesus. In His feet, we discover wealth, a harmonious family life, peace of mind, happiness, and healing (both mental and physical).

However, let us adopt the attitude of Paul, who stated, "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice."

(Note: I humbly request all the parties involved in the aforementioned news to view the matter from a broader perspective, and let us forget and forgive one another, leading lives worthy of commendation. Let us leave the entire matter in the hands of the Lord to handle. It is best not to bring the matter to the legal front involving unbelievers. May God bless you.)