Discernment Fatigue

I’m teaching on the subject of Christian Spirituality this semester at Alphacrucis University College.

I’m also developing a new unit on Discipleship for the Bachelor and Master of Theology and Ministry degrees.

That means for the past few months, I have been up to my eyeballs in reading and studying all things spiritual formation.

It’s been an enjoyable and insightful exercise, but this week’s lesson on Spiritual Discernment got me thinking.

I sense that a new phenomenon may be developing that I can only describe as “discernment fatigue.”

I’m conscious of it in part because I feel it myself.

We’re all familiar with the concept of “compassion fatigue,” the deepening sense of weariness that results from overexposure to a growing number of global crises, most of which we can do very little about.

The interconnectedness of our twenty-first-century world means that our lives are flooded daily with a tidal wave of real-time information from around the world concerning every disturbing event happening somewhere on our little island in the universe.

The problem is we don’t have the emotional capacity to deal with all of it or the ability to contribute meaningfully to every solution.

The net effect is that we feel exhausted by the constant emotional toll each news story takes on our souls.

Similarly, we are now facing another sort of onslaught.

This time, it’s in the form of critique, a constant running commentary on every social, cultural, political, and theological development in the world.

For each event or controversy, a litany of experts and non-expert commentators offer their perspectives on the matter.

Some have set themselves up as defenders of the “true faith” and armchair critics of the successful. Others are just sincerely trying to make sense of the issues.

As one would expect, there are as many differing opinions as people are voicing them.

Some are outraged that such a thing could have happened, and some are thrilled that it has.

Some people think we should act now, while others think we should refrain.

Arguments are given for a particular course of action, and counter-arguments are offered against it.

Some claim to have a biblical perspective on the matter, and others label them as heretics.

Part of the challenge is that these critiques are often framed in overly simplistic dualisms—“We are right, you are wrong!” “This is true. That is false.” “Ours is the correct way. Yours is not!”

Very little acknowledgement is given to the complex nuances that shape the issues, and we are under subtle pressure to take a position on all of them.

In response, we are expected to discern the truth (or the right path, the best way, the moral stance, the correct position, etc.), “pick a side”, and then nail our colours to the mast.

It may be somewhat self-imposed, but there is a real pressure to have an answer to every dilemma and a perspective on every issue.

However, I fear that we may be trying to process some of these matters far too quickly and publicly.

Some require a long, slow, thoughtful process of reflection and learning before we can discern anything about them.

That said, the pressure persists.

So, who is right? And what is true? Should we act? Or should we not?

If so, what should I do? Who should I support? What do I lend my voice to?

Is this the moral thing to do? Or is that the moral thing to do?

Should the church be engaging with this matter? Or is this none of our business?

Is that orthodox Christianity? Or is it heresy?

And on and on it goes until, eventually, it all just becomes a little exhausting.

Or is it just me?

Is anyone else getting tired of all the constant analysis and endless commentary?

I suspect I’m not alone.

I get that it’s not going away anytime soon, and the truth is that all these issues deserve attention, so I’m not suggesting we disengage entirely.

I am saying, though, that we need to pay attention to and take care of the weariness we feel in our souls.

I suspect the solution to guarding against discernment fatigue will be controlling the exposure.

Put down the phone, turn off the news, silence the drama merchants, step away from the keyboard, and breathe.

Slow down, get quiet, and give more of your attention to the beauty of the moment and the people in it.

When you are ready to engage, pick the issues that matter most to you and think deeply and slowly about them.

Be willing to acknowledge some issues you don’t have a well-formed view on.

Don’t give in to the pressure to take a position or make a stand if you don’t feel ready to.

Talk about the issues you care about with others before you post about them online. There is something about in-person conversation with thoughtful people that is so helpful to the process.

Navigating the new realities of life in the twenty-first century doesn’t always require innovative solutions.

Sometimes, ancient, well-worn wisdom is the way.

In conclusion, I want to echo the prayer of the apostle Paul:

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16