Again he began to teach beside the lake. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the lake and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the lake on the land. He began to teach them many things in parables... (Mark 4: 1-2)

I am often accused of being vague. Some are annoyed that I seem to be implicit when I could be explicit.

The critiques are accurate, though the behavior is usually unintentional.

On simple matters I can be as clear as others. But on important matters I am inclined toward questions, analogies, and metaphors.

My form and approach is not as purposeful as the parables of Jesus. But I have clearly been influenced by his form and approach.

To deal responsibly with important issues we should be dialogical. Even in the rare case where I am absolutely certain, that certainty is of little value to others.

Jesus works to teach us principles to be applied in solving the tough and unexpected. These are not clear rules, black or white, right or wrong.

But if we embrace and engage the principles they prepare us to deal thoughtfully and effectively with ambiguity, ambivalence, and unpleasant alternatives.

Jesus tells us parables as a means of reminding us that we are to pay attention, think, and make choices that advance God's purposes.

Above is Allegory 1959-1960 by Robert Rauschenberg.