Introductory notes for readers of this thesis - Theses - Flinders ...

Rahner advocates that all believers practise the simple Christian spirituality tradition ofstaying with the word long enough in silence and in solitude for true quiet and listening tobegin. Only then, when the dust storms of the anxious thoughts and urgent demands havebeen allowed to settle, are individuals able to see through the haze of the finite to theglory of their infinite horizon of existence in God. In these moments of silence andstillness believers emulate the silent Mary; unlike the distracted Martha 85 , they will beable to hear the word speaking about issues of eternal significance.In this sense, the biblical texts become the safe guide to any person who wishes toexplore the meaning of the inner life. Who dares look deeply into the dark recesses of theunconscious and deeply hidden inner drives and agendas of their own existence? Whodares to look frankly and clearly at the person within, the living, honest realty of thecreature underneath and behind the everyday social persona? According to Rahner, it isthe silent presence of God himself who enables believers to find light in the deepestdarkness of their psyches and to learn to love the vulnerable creature within. It is,however, the word that empowers the exploration of mystery with the capacity to discernthe substance of light and life, God and self. The word illuminates the difference betweenopen doors and blind alleys, distinguishes wisdom from false enticements, and separatesthe substance from the shadow. Believers may enter safely into the listening silencebecause the word comes with them and enables them to meet and recognise the true innervoice of the present Spirit.Finally, and most importantly, Rahner’s explanation of the dialogue between externalword and existential grace provides the Christian with the hermeneutic key to the silenceof God. In Encounters Rahner models the task of all Christians: interpreting God’ssilences. It is one thing to hear from God a word of encouragement in difficult times.God’s encouraging word comes in a variety of ways—a line from a sermon, a word ofwise counsel from a friend—and is interpreted subjectively. Most Christians will discerntimes and places in their lives when they believe that God has ‘spoken’ to them with atimely word in a desperate situation.85 See Luke 10:38-42.152