Christianity is a religion of continuity and discontinuity as well. It's about what stays the same and what changes in the twinkling of an eye. Both are necessary truths, but sometimes it's important to accentuate the discontinuity, the sudden leap, the way you go up a tree, Zacchaeus, and come down a saint.

Christianity is a religion of continuity and discontinuity as well. It's about what stays the same and what changes in the twinkling of an eye. Both are necessary truths, but sometimes it's important to accentuate the discontinuity, the sudden leap, the way you go up a tree, Zacchaeus, and come down a saint.

📖 Francis Spufford

🌍 English  |  👨‍💼 Author

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This quote beautifully captures the dynamic tension at the heart of Christian faith—the balance between constancy and transformation. The notion that Christianity encompasses both continuity and discontinuity underscores its deep recognition that human lives and spiritual journeys are marked by stability as well as moments of decisive change. Often, spiritual growth is presented as a gradual process, emphasizing steady perseverance; yet, there are pivotal occasions—the 'sudden leaps'—that define our transformation. The biblical story of Zacchaeus exemplifies this: a tax collector who encounters Jesus and experiences an immediate, profound change that leads him to become a different person. Such moments highlight the transformative power of faith—that a single encounter or realization can suddenly propel someone across a threshold from one state of being to another. Recognizing these moments is vital, because they remind us that growth in faith is not solely about incremental improvements but can also involve divine interventions or unexpected shifts that redefine our identities. Embracing both continuity and discontinuity encourages believers to value their tradition and heritage, while remaining open to radical transformations—those 'leaps' that may require us to let go of our old selves and embrace new ways of living and thinking. This perspective fosters resilience and humility, acknowledging that change is intrinsic to spiritual maturity, and that often breakthroughs come suddenly, illuminating our path forward in ways we could not have anticipated—sometimes in the twinkling of an eye.

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August 18, 2025

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