The Parable of the Four Soils: Writing & Faith

Sewing seeds through writing. Part one of a duology.

Introduction:

In the teachings of Jesus, parables served as a profound method of conveying spiritual truths through familiar scenes and stories. One such parable, the Parable of the Four Soils found in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 13:1-9) and Luke (Luke 8:4-8), not only imparts wisdom about the condition of the human heart in receiving God's Word but also offers valuable insights for writers on their creative journey. In this essay, we will explore the concept of absolutes in the context of both learning about writing and following the absolute truth of being a Christian. We will draw parallels between the Parable of the Four Soils and the pursuit of excellence in writing, emphasizing the importance of nurturing good soil in our hearts and in our craft to bear fruit.

The Parable of the Four Soils:

The Parable of the Four Soils tells of a sower who scattered seeds on different types of soil - the wayside, the rocky ground, among thorns, and the good soil. The seeds represent the Word of God, and the various soils symbolize different responses to this divine message. It is a powerful lesson in receptivity, illustrating how the condition of one's heart determines the fruitfulness of God's Word.

Absolutes in Learning About Writing:

Writers often encounter absolutes in their pursuit of mastering the craft of writing. These absolutes come in various forms - rules, conventions, and guidelines that are considered fundamental to good writing. While learning these absolutes is crucial, akin to preparing the soil, it is equally essential to avoid taking them as rigid dogma. Just as the rocky ground and thorny soil in the parable hindered the growth of seeds, rigid adherence to writing absolutes can stifle creativity and limit the potential for growth in one's writing. Instead, writers should approach these absolutes as tools, understanding when to adhere to them and when to adapt, just as good soil adapts to the seeds it receives.

The Absoluteness of Being a Christian:

In the Christian faith, the absolute truth is found in Jesus Christ, who proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). This absolute truth serves as the fertile ground upon which our lives should be built. Just as the good soil in the parable yielded an abundant harvest, embracing the absolute truth of Christ leads to a fruitful and purposeful life. However, like the wayside and rocky ground in the parable, stubbornness or prejudice can hinder one from receiving this truth.

Striving for Good Soil in Writing and Faith:

The Parable of the Four Soils compels us to think deeply about the condition of our hearts and minds, both in our faith and in our writing. Just as the sower desired good soil for fruitful growth, writers should aspire to be like the good soil in their approach to learning and creativity. This means being open to new ideas, adapting to different writing styles, and being receptive to constructive criticism. In our faith, it means embracing the absolute truth of Christ with humility and a willingness to grow spiritually.

Conclusion:

The Parable of the Four Soils teaches us that absolutes in learning about writing and in following the absolute truth of being a Christian should not lead to rigid inflexibility. Instead, we should strive to be like the good soil in all aspects of our lives, cultivating hearts and minds that are receptive to growth, both in our writing and in our faith. By nurturing good soil, we create the conditions for the seeds of creativity and divine truth to flourish, yielding a bountiful harvest of meaningful writing and a deepening relationship with God. Just as Jesus used parables to compel His listeners to think, we should use this parable to compel ourselves to be the good soil in all that we do.