2 minute read
The field of cultural anthropology makes a fascinating distinction between “analytical cognition” and “holistic cognition.” Reflecting the values of Western culture, analytical thinkers separate out ideas into black and white. They value compartmentalization, individualism, independence, and quantifiable research. Reflecting the values of Eastern culture, holistic thinkers synthesize ideas in shades of grey. They value interconnectedness, collectivism, interdependence, and qualitative research. Unfortunately, the majority of Christian culture is solely built upon analytical cognition.
As a case study, I’ve intensively studied the longstanding battle between infant baptism and believer’s baptism. I’m fluent in these conflicting positions, and understand the ins and outs of their doctrinal idiosyncrasies, but ultimately can’t come down on one side or the other because I see paedobaptism and credobaptism as equally tenable positions both biblically and historically. Both interpretations are viable. I take exception to the disrespectful practice of re-baptism, but otherwise I maintain the evidence can be faithfully interpreted either way. Stalemate.
That logjam broke when I stepped back to look at this theological feud through the wide-angle lens of lifespan development. Among Christian parents, there’s two near-universal practices. The first is a solemn commitment to bring up their children in the faith. The second is a recognition that the maturing child must at some point take personal ownership of this faith that has been passed down. Paedobaptists call these rituals baptism and confirmation whereas credobaptisms call them dedication and baptism, but note the great overlap of their meanings and purposes.1
In this example, analytical cognition zooms in to emphasize the centuries-old critical hostility over relative minutia whereas holistic cognition zooms out to emphasize the charitable unity of shared experiences. Now comes the uncomfortable question. Jesus’ explicit desire in John 17 was for Christians to be one, just as He and the Father are one, so the world would know the Father sent the Son and loves them as the Father loves His Son. So, you tell me: regarding baptism, is Western analytical thought or Eastern holistic thought more aligned with The Way of Jesus?
The original beatniks were countercultural in part because of how they perceived the world and thought about things. In a mid-20th century Western context that continually prioritized the categorical divisions of analytical thinking, the Beats valued the creative synthesis found in the holistic thinking. It’s unfortunate that most of what historically constitutes Christian culture is premised upon the Western tradition, but what’s needed is a spiritual reconfiguration that creates room for the much-needed harmonious balance between analytical and holistic cognition.
This is why I now just laugh when Christians get in heated arguments of this issue. It’s like the border feud between Minnesotans and Wisconsinites. C’mon, people. Both are in the western side of the Midwest. Both are cold with lots of snow. Both have relatively small populations. Both border Lake Superior. Both have agricultural economies. Both have lots of outdoorsmen. Both had NFC Championship Game heartache with Brett Favre as their quarterback. They’re spitting images of one another!↩
