“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” — Albert Einstein
Every month, All Peoples makes materials available to facilitate exploring a theological theme. Our May theme asks us to explore IMAGINATION.
The quote above from Albert Einstein is an interesting and perhaps controversial statement.
Imagination’s great gift is improvement. At least that is what we’re taught. Its deep magic lies in the way it can reshape our reality. We are urged to imagine the world we dream of. A world with more justice. More peace. More love. From that, a mysterious magnetism arises, a magnetism that pulls our imperfect present into an improved future. Imagination moves us forward. It makes our world – and us – better.
But Imagination isn’t just a force that drives us forward toward a better future, it also pulls the sacred into our impoverished present. Imagination is what transforms trees from potential firewood into wise friends. Imagination is what moves us from lording over the natural word to seeing ourselves as part of it. Or to put it another way, imagination is what gives the world a soul. And not just the natural world, but the ordinary world too.
Imagination is perhaps expressed most strongly by our children. As we grow up, we tend to lose touch with imagination as we become focused on the nuts and bolts of living but the thing is that imagination can enrich our lives in important ways.
Through the lens of imagination, every day experience becomes precious, even mystical. For instance, the laughter of our children becomes the sound of angels. Sunshine on our face becomes a way that life expresses its love for us. The ocean is able to speak, telling us that we are freer and have more choices than we think. And a simple act of kindness from a stranger shimmers, and through it life says to our burdened heart, “This soon shall pass. Everything will be ok.” Yes, this is what imagination does: it enables us to hear the world speak.
So, how about it friends? Let’s do everything we can to soak in the many gifts and messages of imagination.
One of the best ways to explore our monthly theme is to talk about it with people who are close to you. It’s also a great way to develop trust and deepen our relationships!
Let’s explore together! Click
HERE to access a list of reflection questions.
