Every second Sunday after Easter, the Gospel is centered around the Apostle Thomas. While you may not know the biblical story, you have inevitably heard about Thomas from an everyday cultural standpoint, as this is where we get the expression "Doubting Thomas".The moral of the story is that Apostle Thomas was a sceptic, who refused to believe, without direct personal experience, that the resurrected Jesus Christ had appeared to the other eleven Apostles, until he could see, and moreover feel, the wounds received by Jesus.
Which is to say that he needed personal, hands-on proof - literally. Not even the word of his 11 brothers, let alone the many previous miracles and teachings of Jesus, could help him overcome his scepticism until he saw it for himself, first-hand. (As you may know or assume, Thomas does eventually get his proof, and moreover, a teaching from Jesus on his scepticism, and a reminder to us all that we don't always need to see - to believe.)
Now, as often happens in church, my mind will occasionally wander (add it to my many reasons for attending confessional). But lest you think me wandering aimlessly, please note that more often than not, I reflect on how the stories parallel life and yes, at times, work (that one gets more of a rebuke from Father Dustin and Father Todd, but they still allow me to stay).
When we think about a "doubting thomas" - do we think this philosophy is a good quality, or bad? Chances are, you're thinking somewhere in the middle, right. And indeed, that is right. No debating required. After all, nobody likes cynical sceptics who discounts and begrudges everything uncertain. On the other hand, we can't just approve of those overly optimistics that don't do their homework, and jump before looking. Too risky.
So, what's one to do - if not an overly sceptic or optimist be?
Well, give "positive pragmatism" a try. That works. Always.
You see, in business as in life, we want as much real data/proof as possible. But more often than not, we can never know for certain, even if the data/proof is overwhelming. Indeed, we have to groove on the fact that most decisions use a blend of science, math, senses (sixth, common and Spidey), attitude and yeah, a dose of faith (your call on the spirituality side). It's an algorithm based on measured balance. And that my friends, are the underlying ingredients for positive pragmatism.
Positive Pragmatism is Good.
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