Chapter 1: The Essence of Holy Curiosity

Greetings from just north of the border in Canada! The hardwood floors of this Carmelite monastery could use a bit of polishing, but fortunately, the heating is working well despite the chilly 36-degree weather outside. I'm here for the final retreat of my Spiritual Direction training, which has mostly been conducted via Zoom since the pandemic began. This weekend's in-person experience has underscored just how vital personal connections are.

Throughout this journey of learning, reading, and training, I've come to believe that a life rooted in spiritual companionship—better termed than mere direction—celebrates the importance of curiosity, or as we may call it, wonder. If I were asked what gives life its value, I'd assert that it is fundamentally our ability to remain curious—our intrinsic desire to explore and learn. The words "curious" and "inquisitive" both trace their roots back to Latin in the 1300s, embodying the yearning to know and discover. However, when curiosity veers into prying, it can lead to invasive inquiries that breach personal boundaries.

I firmly maintain that curiosity and wonder are essential keys to a fulfilling life.

The mysteries of eternity and the wondrous fabric of reality inspire awe. It is enough for one to strive to grasp a small part of these mysteries each day. Never abandon your holy curiosity. — Albert Einstein

"Holy Curiosity." What a charming phrase!

Individuals in the sciences and arts often find comfort in curiosity. Photographer Mary Ellen Mark noted, "I found that my camera connected me with others in a way I had never experienced before. It opened doors to lives that fueled a curiosity I had long overlooked." Similarly, the multifaceted artist David Bowie remarked, "My curiosity is somewhat malevolent, propelling my writing and pushing me to view things from unique angles."

So, why is it that the realms of spirituality, faith, and the sacred often shy away from embracing holy curiosity?

For a long time, I have contemplated the intersection of science and theology, often feeling dissatisfied with attempts to reconcile these perspectives. Last fall, however, I encountered a fresh understanding of God and the Universe—a concept that, while centuries old, was new to me: Pandeism.

In essence, Pandeism posits that God created the universe by becoming it. This notion intrigued me, though it seemed to lack the dimension of a God who transcends creation. This led me to explore Panendeism, which suggests that God creates the universe by being it while also existing beyond it. This revelation challenged my views on prayer. "If God is hands-off, why pray?" It raised questions about whether my prayers for intervention reflect genuine belief in an interventionist deity. I find myself grappling with these questions, yet I recognize that holy curiosity can lead to a deeper, more enriched existence.

Perhaps you don't feel drawn to theological inquiries. The good news is that curiosity can manifest in various forms.

The physically curious individual craves hands-on experiences and often speaks of travel, exhibiting impulsivity and a zest for movement. I recall a high school friend who disassembled and reassembled his father's car, leaving a few parts behind but gaining a wealth of knowledge about mechanics. He eventually became an auto mechanic and later a college professor in mechanical engineering.

The relationally curious person seeks deep connections with others, expressing empathy through art, poetry, and shared experiences. Emotional curiosity reflects a spiritual hunger; great interviewers like Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters have illuminated our lives through their inquisitive dialogues.

The intellectually curious person dives into solving riddles and uncovering hidden meanings. My father epitomized this curiosity, devouring literature, science journals, and immersing himself in the works of Shakespeare and Homer while holding degrees in Biology and Physics.

The organizationally curious individual identifies gaps and strives to create order and structure. During my time in Canada, I learned about the remarkable healthcare system established by Tommy Douglas, who navigated political intricacies to build one of the world's best national health systems.

My training in Spiritual Direction emphasizes spiritual curiosity, particularly through Christian Mysticism and Carl Jung's Depth Psychology. The church's great saints have all exhibited a profound curiosity, from the ancient desert fathers to modern psychologists who explore the depths of the human soul. Carl Jung himself exemplified this holy curiosity, encompassing intellectual, imaginative, and spiritual pursuits.

In his book A Curious Mind, filmmaker Brian Grazer attributes his success to curiosity, stating, "More than intelligence or connections, curiosity has shaped my life." He shares numerous anecdotes about the individuals he's engaged with in what he calls "curiosity conversations." This practice can also be seen as a spiritual exploration of holy curiosity. Who would you like to engage in such conversations?

Throughout his ministry, Jesus often demonstrated holy curiosity by asking others what they desired. For instance, he asked the blind Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51) and similarly inquired of James and John, "What is it you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:36). His openness and curiosity invite us to consider how we treat others by asking questions.

Therefore, I envision living as a person deeply curious about others, about life itself, and the workings of the universe. Asking questions, pondering, and learning—this is the essence of a fulfilling life.

Holy curiosity paves the way to wisdom.

Be well, be curious.

This video, "Holy Curiosity - Dr. Mark Batterson," explores the transformative power of curiosity in our lives, emphasizing how it can lead to deeper understanding and fulfillment.

In the "Holy Curiosity Trailer," we get a glimpse of how embracing curiosity can enrich our spiritual journey and foster connections with others.

About the Author

Jim Hazelwood is the author of the forthcoming book Everyday Spirituality, a passionate motorcyclist and cyclist. As the Bishop of the New England Synod of Lutherans, he engages actively in the community and shares insights through his blog and podcast at www.bishoponabike.com.