Article in Stretton Focus, May 2012
You may have heard people referring to ‘the elephant in the room’, and, like me, wondered what it meant. So I’ve given it some thought. If there was an elephant in your room, it would be fairly obvious, wouldn’t it!
But the phrase is used to refer to something which, while obvious to everybody, is also ignored by them. Even more, there is a general agreement that the ‘elephant’ is not there, and doesn’t really exist.
It’s one of the ‘games people play’ and it’s a variation of the theme ‘don’t rock the boat’. Another version of it is the story of the King’s marvellous suit of clothes. Everybody knows that the King is naked, but it’s safer to play the game than admit the truth, and have to face up to the consequences.
The ‘elephant in the room’ is always a matter that needs questioning, but nobody dares to ask the necessary question.
Today there is an elephant in the Church, and indeed in all places of religious worship. There are questions that need to be asked about the God we claim to be worshipping. But people who ask questions are rocking the boat. The ark of salvation might be in danger of sinking if too many questions are asked.
So for some people it’s better to play the game; just keep repeating the ancient creeds; singing the Victorian hymns; and reinforcing the unquestionable doctrine.
But for us, questions need to be asked, about what the word GOD actually means; does it make any sense in the kind of world and universe we live in today?
That question remains a ‘large elephant’ blocking the way into the Church for many people; and those of us who are on the inside need to stop pretending the elephant isn’t there, and start asking some radical questions.
Donald Horsfield
