Two Types of Knowledge

My wife and I were talking about the recent CatholicPsych Summit of Integration we went to in NJ. We were reflecting on Heather and Jake Khym’s joint talk about healing and integration of self in a real, intimate knowing with Jesus. I shared that lately I’ve been able to stay present to my emotional life while diving deep into these topics and the places within my heart that need healing. I remarked on this because for much of my life I’ve intellectualized so easily. As an example, when I come across a profound teaching on prayer or God, I so quickly jump to books and writers about God and prayer. This intellectualizing part of me wants me to know as much as I can about prayer and God. Instead, it be helpful to slow down and see this as an opportunity to intentionally know this truth with God or with these parts of me. This differentiation of types of knowing was a central point in Heather and Jake’s talk: knowing about (head knowledge) on the one hand and knowing with (heart knowledge) on the other. These two types of knowledge are both categorically good. There is nothing wrong with wanting to understand the Church’s teaching on who God is or about the Church’s teaching on virtue. There is always a benefit to our pursuit of maturity and happiness in growing in this knowledge. Looking at this from a “parts” perspective, this desire for head knowledge has been an elaborate attempt to maintain the status quo about who I think I am and where I get my value.

            This slowing down is scary for many of us. Our minds can easily start running with the insecure thoughts that how the way we’ve operated is not enough or bad/unlovable. This movement of our hearts and minds is totally understandable. As Fr. Timothy Gallagher has said in many of his podcasts and teachings: no shame. There are years of experiences that have reinforced this lie to the point that, at our depths, it’s hard to believe anything else. This fear of the depths is what keeps many of us on the surface, employing all sorts of defensive tactics.

            Coming back to my experience at the Summit during Heather and Jake’s talk, I palpably felt comfortable in those depths. I felt good at my core. I knew God’s intimate love for me and desire for me to know Him (with that heart knowledge). So much of this has been a process of my own healing journey and the Simons whom the Lord has sent to walk with me. And each of us is in a different phase of that healing journey. I suppose that, if I’m coming to head in this reflection, it is that there is hope for the next step. Maybe you’ve just begun to notice these similar patterns in yourself. Or maybe you are painfully aware of them but don’t know how to break out of them. Either way, there is hope. I can help you. Reach out in an inquiry and we can walk together towards deeper freedom.