Scott Peck has introduced me to the ‘Holy Conjunction’ – the word ‘and’. Instead of thinking in an ‘either/or’ way he promotes a ‘both/and approach:
‘…a world where a business can make a profit and be ethical. Where a government can promote political order and social justice. Where medicine can be practiced with technical proficiency and compassion…’
In particular he talks about science and religion… not seen as conflicting, one prioritised to the exclusion of the other. Instead, they’re joined with the ‘Holy Conjunction’.
On this day, 17th February, in 1863, five men in Geneva set up what today we call ‘The Red Cross’, aiming to create ‘relief societies whose object would be to have the wounded cared for in time of war by enthusiastic, devoted volunteers, fully qualified for the task.’
Their emblem, a red cross on a white background, the inverse of the Swiss flag… governments adopted ‘the Geneva convention’… medical care provided for the wounded on both sides in conflict. Friend and foe cared for together… ‘and’, the Holy Conjunction.
In church yesterday Ray talked about Jesus criticising the hypocrisy of the religious leaders; they talked about honouring God, but their lives dishonoured him. Ray talked about the origins of ‘hypocrisy’ – Greek actors wearing masks to take on different characters – they’d be either one character or another, depending on their masks.
The opposite of hypocrisy is integrity, which speaks of consistency and wholeness. Character and words and actions are consistent, brought together by the Holy Conjunction.
Yesterday ‘Songs of Praise’ featured the Huddersfield Choral Society, describing their programme, their practices, the dynamics of singing in eight part harmony. Sopranos and Altos and Tenors and Basses – all different, joined by the holy conjunction.
They explained that ‘conductor’ comes from two Latin words ‘con’ – ‘with, together’, ‘ducere’ – ‘to lead’. A conductor leads people together.
A good leader is a conductor, bringing together differences, making them strengths. There’s no friend or foe; all are integrated, joined with the Holy Conjunction.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Thanks, Malcolm! The “Holy Conjunction” helps us realize more of God’s promises for our lives. You reminded me of my prior post: “Writing Principle: Overcome the Tyranny of the OR to Achieve Your Writing Goals.” The concept of replacing “or” with “and” made a tremendous difference in my spiritual and work life.
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I think you’re right, Grant. So much of life… in community life, politics, faith +++ is presented as a choice between two options, when that is not always the way it really is. The Holy Conjunction gives an alternative.
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…and that encourages exploration, often with eye-opening discovers that surprise and delight us.
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It is a powerful word and way to build relationship & connection.
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It’s amazing how powerful such a little word can be, David… if we act on it as well as saying it.
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Malcolm, I like that “both/and approach,” a new mindset that is not always easy to implement.
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I think it’s because we’re so set in our ‘either/or’ mindset, by politics, church, the press, society… It’s so ingrained into us that we find it difficult to escape.
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Agreed
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Another realm where “both/and” would be a worthy pursuit: marriage! Some creative thinking might replace “heated discussions” and fun solutions result.
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Great thought Nancy! Differences being appreciated brought together, rather than causing division. Thank you!
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