A Flourishing Human

“What does it mean to be a flourishing human?” This was the question that theologian Miroslav Volf used to introduce his lecture at First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, yesterday afternoon. He continued this theme with a number of other questions and some challenging observations.

Although he gave us much to think about, Volf’s key questions for me were, “What does it mean to succeed as a human?” and “Can one fail as a human being?” He gave the example of Albert Speer, an architect who invested his skills in Nazi Germany and became part of Hitler’s inner circle. After the war, Speer attempted to paint himself as apolitical. As Volf observed, he wanted to be a good architect and to do so, he could be the best in his vocation only if he worked with the Nazis. There were no moral implications, only a desire to succeed. Did he fail as a human being in doing so?

My take-away from Volf’s comments is that for most of us, the ultimate expression of our humanity is offered through our vocations--teacher, businessperson, engineer, medical expert, chef--whatever we give ourselves to on a daily basis. This is a place where we have the most influence and moral impact in our society (outside of the home). How we use our skills and relate to others expresses who we are as creatures made in the image of God. This is where our values are made manifest. This is where we make a moral difference.

Lay leaders in our churches need to hear this message. As Parker Palmer has observed, “Let your life speak.” What happens in the community on Monday testifies to what we aspire to in worship and study on Sundays.

The lecture series that brought Volf to Murfreesboro to preach to a combined Baptist and Episcopal worship service on Sunday morning and make a presentation in the afternoon was established by Hubert and Dene McCullough to honor Dr. Martin McCullough, brother of Hubert and a long-time member of the church.

Martin was an educator and administrator in public schools and on the university level. He was friend, fellow Bible study teacher, and role model for me. Martin’s life exemplified what Volf presented in his lecture. Martin McCullough’s values as a human being were expressed in his vocation of teaching and leading. They guided the way that he led, guided, and taught.

In Volf’s terminology, I would see Dr. Martin McCullough as a “flourishing human being” who was also a follower of Christ. Thank you, Dr. Volf, for framing this insight for me and challenging all of us to do the same.

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