From the minister... 

Dear friends

‘Art is long, life is short!’ Like many other truisms which have found their way into everyday life, the origins and meanings of this phrase are unclear and much debated. Many scholars attribute it to the Greek pioneer of medicine Hippocrates, though there are similar phrases found in other ancient texts. A first century rabbi, Tarfon, is quoted as saying, ‘The day is short, the labour vast.’ You might also be interested to know of a old English version, originating in Shropshire, which manages to lower the tone of the proverb: ‘Bars longa, vita breavis’: ‘so many pubs to visit in so short a life!’

No one is certain of the point Hippocrates was making when he first uttered these words. He may have been referring to how long it takes for any of us to truly master a craft or skill, and how little time there is to do so. But another theory is the phrase speaks of how one life does not give enough time to appreciate all the wonderful art which we could read or watch. There are too many great books, paintings and pieces of music for any of us to fully take in.

I thought of this phrase a few days ago, when I switched on my phone first thing in the morning. I was immediately greeted by a slew of notifications telling me of four new podcasts that had been downloaded, ready for me to listen to. Each file came with a description of the content to pique my interest, though I knew immediately that there simply wouldn’t be the time to take it all in. It was a moment that felt typical of the time in which we live. We are a generation of people with unprecedented access to an endless stream of podcasts, films and television programmes, all of which can be effortlessly delivered to our phones and other devices. Meanwhile, our ‘fear of missing out’ can be exacerbated by the endless commentary provided by social media: haven’t you seen The Traitors? If not, why not? Where have you been? Didn’t you get the memo that this is the sensation of the year?

A further challenge we face isn’t just that the amount of material to watch or listen to can be overwhelming. There’s also its tone and content to consider. Much of our comedy is less kind, more cynical and calculated to offend. Crime dramas routinely depict scenes of violence and cruelty that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Finally, an increase in the number of news providers has further exacerbated our confusion about what is fact and what is propaganda.

As this content keeps coming at us, how can we discern when to watch and listen and when to reach for the off-switch? Can I suggest that the best advice on this issue is found in another ancient text, words found near the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians?  

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Through this text, a letter written almost two thousand years ago to a small community of believers in a city located in modern-day Greece, we find wisdom that is profound and speaks directly to our present dilemmas.

As we consider what to read or watch, can we ask ourselves the following questions:

• Is this truthful? Am I being presented with a view of the world that is based on a desire to shed light on what is happening or driven by someone’s vested interests, their aim to divide opinion or provoke shock?
• Is it noble? The Greek word used by Paul could also be translated as ‘honourable’ or ‘reputable.’ Is this content the work of a serious person, who has been careful and thoughtful in creating it?
• Is it right? In this instance Paul uses the Greek word dikaios, which carries the sense of justice and righteousness. Paul is not just concerned with whether or not something is factually correct. It also matters that there is an integrity and commitment to fairness inherent to what we watch.
• Is it pure? Once we’ve watched or read this, where will it take our thinking? Who or what will we desire? How will it change our motivations?
• Is it lovely? Will it foster within us a spirit of kindness or gratitude?
• Is it admirable? Will this help me to grow as a person? Will it broaden my horizons and awaken me to the struggles of people around me and who need my care and solidarity? Will it give me fresh insight and imagination about how God is at work in the world and how I can live in ways that are faithful to him?

As you reflect on these questions, and the ancient wisdom of God sheds its light into the present reality of our viewing and listening habits, I pray you would know him to be leading you to a better place.

Wishing you God’s grace and peace Trevor