Ism and ist

says Koyama:

‘ We are bound by all kinds of doctrines. Our interest is always on the side of ism rather than

ist. Excessive interest in ism brings forth a disastrous situation which may be called the

tyranny of doctrines. We tend to look at other persons through ‘doctrinally trained eyes’. So

we become experts in quick pronouncements of judgment upon others. When ‘doctrinally

trained eyes’ say, ‘Now master, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.

According to the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women to death!’ (Jn. 8.4),

‘incarnate eyes’ look in a different direction. ‘Jesus stooped down and began to write with his

finger in dust on the ground’ Ism and ist are related. Don’t let ism walk alone.’