Ok, so this post isn’t about lions, tigers, or bears, but it is about beavers, dolphins, owls, and foxes. Well, it’s not really not about any of those animals, but this a post about The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. Actually, it’s not really about that either . . . this is a post about how people work together, perceive each other, and when things get heated and people begin to desire to fling undesirable things at each other, I like to remind myself that each one of us looks at life differently. We tend to comprehend the world in a mixture of four different ways. When controversy arises, it is helpful to understand that the person sitting next to you may be perceiving something different than you.
The latest controversy in the church may have something to do with theology. It may have something to do with interpretation of scripture and application of discipline. It may have something to do with listening to the Holy Spirit or fear of change. Fundamentally I think it has a lot to do with who has more influence and who can retain power. Regardless, this post is about that space in-between the public discourse, specifically the sociologic give and take of how we work together and how our personality differences are emphasized in the midst of controversy. Let’s take a look at four different ways of “being” so to speak.
First, there are Beavers . . .
Beavers like order and are typically loyal to an established system. Beavers enjoy making “to do” lists and they always start with number one on the list. Beavers are very productive, well organized, loyal friends, and great team players. Beavers hate disorder and ambiguity. If you’re building a dam, you better give a beaver dimensions, type of wood, deadline for completion, budget for project . . . For beavers, it is difficult to trust a plan that frequently changes, and for a beaver, frequently might be once. Rules are very important because rules afford order. When there is a problem Beavers are quick to look to the rules. Why else have them?
Next, we have Dolphins . . .
Dolphins are not necessarily the most productive animal. Dolphins like to have fun. Beavers function in an organized system, whereas a Dolphin’s favorite environment is one in which everyone is getting along. Dolphins will crucify themselves if they think they have offended someone, but they will rip your face off if they think you are taking advantage of someone. Dolphins care, which is their greatest gift and strongest curse. When there is a problem, their solution is centered in camaraderie and friendship.
Then, there are Owls . . .
Owls aren’t as organized at the Beaver, at least they don’t appear to be. Owls look at the big picture and spend a lot of time in “the trees.” Details are exhausting to an Owl, which is why they are quick to delegate them. Owls get excited about big projects and visioning exercises, and they work well when good teams are in place. Owls can live with some ambiguity in the system as long as the end goals are met; rather when they express their plans they appear to be ambiguous because writing it all down is one of those aforementioned exhausting details. Owls generally work well with other animals unless you claim that an Owl doesn’t know what an Owl is doing. Their talons come out if one suggests they are incompetent. When a problem arises, Owls are quick to find a group to study the problem and they are equally as quick to make sure the solution conforms to what they assumed the solution would be before appointing said team.
Finally . . . what does the Fox say?
Foxes are great improvisors and problem solvers. Foxes are generally easy going because nothing is serious enough to get all that worked up about–there is always a solution. Foxes are the best animal when dealing with ambiguity, and because of their flexibility, rules are more like guidelines than hard and fast boundaries. Foxes negotiate well which makes them more savvy than other animals. When there is controversy, foxes find a solution quickly, but rarely does a foxy solution stand the test of time.
So . . . The United Methodist Church is working through some disagreements, to put it lightly. What’s the real problem? Well, the Beaver is really upset that some are violating the Discipline. Beavers will raise their voice saying, “We took an oath to follow this book, and if we turn a blind eye to those breaking the Discipline on this issue, what about the next?” Dolphins can’t sleep because there’s talk of division. Dolphins are desperately looking for unity, even if unity means letting go of personal opinion. Owls are quick to recognize that division is not about a piece of paper that one either signs or doesn’t, nor would a division be amicable. Someone is going to keep the house and someone will be left with an apportioned wallet holding only a sincerely held belief. Foxes will be a bit pessimistic toward whatever piece of paper is lifted up as a solution, because again, rules are guidelines anyway. Foxes gonna do what foxes gonna do. In fact, they’ll be at dinner while the vote is happening anyway.
Before we go to the floor for debate, let us be mindful that beavers, dolphins, owls, and foxes all think their understanding of the issue is correct. I have rarely met someone who disagreed with his or her own opinion. What I mean to say is that some understand violation of the rules to be the ultimate concern. For others unity is the guiding principle. For others the global system is at stake. And still others . . . well rules are guidelines anyway . . .
So, what is at stake? You and the person sitting across from you, just might both be right.
Peace . . .