Part 2 of 2...

The Bereans, simply stated, had a prothumian spirit.

The truths that Paul presented were new to the Bereans and were a direct challenge to what they "had always been taught." But, rather than shutting their minds to the message and attacking the messenger, they were willing to take his teachings to the standard of the Scriptures "to see whether these things were so." As a result of their careful and prayerful study, and their Reflective Openness, "many of them therefore believed". (v. 12) On the other hand, too many in the religious world, like the Thessalonians of Acts 17, are prejudiced against (they have prejudged) any teaching that is in any way different from their comfortable, traditional understandings and preferences. Thus, they often attack both message and messenger without giving them a fair hearing and examining the evidence with an open Bible and an open mind.

Having a prothumian spirit, however, does not mean one lacks spiritual discernment. It does not indicate one is susceptible to any false or foolish teaching that comes along. Prothumianism and gullibility are not synonymous. It simply means one is open to receiving and examining all facts available in order to arrive at a better understanding of Truth --- even if that Truth should prove incompatible with what one has always assumed Truth to be. A prothumian spirit is one open to responsible change when shown a more acceptable way. Apollos displayed a prothumian spirit when taken aside by Priscilla and Aquila and shown the Truth more perfectly (Acts 18).

Prothumians embrace the principle and practice of Reflective Openness. When presented with a different teaching, or a challenge to an old familiar one, they confidently exclaim, "This is different from what I have always been taught. So, let's open God's Word and examine it together carefully and prayerfully to determine if these things be so!" They do not flee to their walled fortresses to hide from such challenges to their perceptions, but rather have a readiness of mind to examine all things by the sole standard of God's Word. It is an attitude that humbly declares, "I have not yet arrived at a full, infallible knowledge of God's total revelation to man, thus I am open to receiving further insight from His Word, to reflection and meditation upon those insights, and to effecting whatever changes in my perception and practice that heightened awareness necessitates."

Prothumians realize there is nothing whatsoever to fear from close scrutiny of their beliefs and practices. It is a fact that Truth, if it truly is Truth, has absolutely nothing to fear from intense examination. The more it is scrutinized, the more its nature is confirmed. Indeed, any practice, perception or precept, which cannot bear close examination from the Word should be immediately regarded as suspect, as should any person who flees from such scrutiny.

It seems the greatest fear of such persons is often that some of their cherished notions and "sacred cows" may have to be altered or sacrificed to conform with Truth. But is this not the purpose of self-examination? Is this not why we should challenge our own thinking on a regular basis? One reason many fear such challenges is that not only might they be called to change when faced with Truth, but they may well be vilified if they do so by their less noble companions who are unwilling to engage in such open and honest reflection upon the Word, and who insist others refrain from such as well. Alexander Campbell wrote, "If I am not slandered and misrepresented, I shall be a most unworthy advocate of the cause which has always provoked the resentment of those who will not try to think and learn." A willingness to reflect upon Truth with an open mind and an eager heart has never been for the timid or fearful. It takes genuine courage, deep faith, and sincere commitment to expose ourselves and our convictions to the light of God's inspired Word and to then conform to whatever Truth is thereby revealed to us. It also takes courage to expose ourselves to the harsh pejoratives, which will most certainly come from those who will not engage in such free thought and who do not possess a prothumian spirit.

Like countless spiritual worthies who have preceded us, known and unknown, may God grant us each the courage and strength of conviction to embrace and employ, regardless of personal cost or sacrifice, this marvelous quality known as Reflective Openness. Dare to be a Prothumian!

For more articles:
Go to REFLECTIONS Regarding Responsible Reformation by Al Maxey
http://www.zianet.com/mazxey/