The Ebor Lectures 2020 (14th series)
2020 Vision(s): Sharpening our Focus
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Theme
Though the Ebor Lectures Committee didn't see the pandemic coming any more than most of us, the theme it chose for this year's series could not be more appropriate: "2020 Vision(s): Sharpening Our Focus". "2020 vision" is the term opticians use to express normal clarity or sharpness of vision measured at a distance of 20 feet. All sorts of factors affect our vision, but if it deteriorates it’s possible to correct it in many instances by the use of spectacles or contact lenses. In such cases, how and what we perceive is literally a matter of seeing through the correct lens. |
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There’s a well-known proverb in the Jewish scriptures: ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish’ (Proverbs 29:18). The notion of seeing clearly, therefore, is an important spiritual, theological, philosophical, political, sociological, psychological, moral and intellectual matter. Without vision, without constantly seeking to sharpen our focus, we stumble around in confusion.
Our vision is, of course, shaped by all sorts of things: our conditioning, the culture in which we grow and develop, our education, our experience of being part of the establishment or of being excluded, the belief structure we inherit or choose, poverty, and so much more. Sharpening our focus requires that we give our attention to how others see the world, that we listen to what they have to say, that we become aware of our own prejudices, and seek to see more clearly.
The unprecedented events of the year 2020 - not only the pandemic but other events such as Brexit and the Black Lives Matter movement - offer a significant opportunity to sharpen our focus, to look again and see what we might have missed, and to perceive what is before us now, as well as in the future.
Our vision is, of course, shaped by all sorts of things: our conditioning, the culture in which we grow and develop, our education, our experience of being part of the establishment or of being excluded, the belief structure we inherit or choose, poverty, and so much more. Sharpening our focus requires that we give our attention to how others see the world, that we listen to what they have to say, that we become aware of our own prejudices, and seek to see more clearly.
The unprecedented events of the year 2020 - not only the pandemic but other events such as Brexit and the Black Lives Matter movement - offer a significant opportunity to sharpen our focus, to look again and see what we might have missed, and to perceive what is before us now, as well as in the future.
