The Meaning of Metanoia Praxis, Part Two

When a coach teaches a rowing crew or a basketball team how to be successful, it only makes sense for the team to begin putting the new skill into practice. (Sometimes putting a new skill into practice takes practice.) Likewise, if one receives a career promotion, continuing to do the same old job in the same old ways would be foolish. These changes are not natural (they do not occur passively). Rather, they come about because of an intentional decision to grow. The same logic can be applied to Christian living.

The term praxis is a Greek term often defined as putting a theory into practice, but the full meaning is much deeper. Aristotle thought of praxis as an intentional action toward a desired end. However, the act of practicing itself could be a part of the objective. So, the idea of Christian praxis is to intentionally put Christian thought into practice, with the understanding that the act of trying to live as a Christian (as Christ) is part of what is desired.

When coupled with metanoia, to form Metanoia Praxis, the title of this blog, praxis implies intentionally putting new activities into practice based on the new thinking God has given. So, if we are new creatures, after our conversion, we should intentionally (not passively) choose to act like new creatures. We should be seeking to do new things in new ways. As we study, and learn how to be better followers of Christ, we should intentionally seek to put that learning into action as well. And, if we come to a different understanding of God’s will (even after many years as a Christian), we should intentionally adopt new actions to correspond to our new understanding. So, to be a growing Christian is to be in a constant state of growth (in terms of thought and action).

Most people accept this easily in the secular activities, but somehow seem reluctant to “practice” spiritual disciplines. Perhaps we feel performance does not matter to God, we are adequate already, or perhaps we have not yet thought about practicing our faith in new ways. The old hymn “Just as I Am” best describes how Christ receives us, not how he intends to leave us.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NRSV)

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