One of my favorite authors (whom I've mentioned here before) is a psychologist by the name of James Hollis. Recently re-reading Hollis, I discovered a most provocative quote:

"All relationships begin in projection."

Projection is an unconscious mental process which is designed to (a) make us feel less anxious and more safe, and (b) provide a framework or structure for our world. It makes decisions easier because it involves less thought. Unfortunately it also creates our kind of "prejudices" which influence how we see the world.

Now, keeping in mind that part of the reason I like Hollis is because of his provocative and thought-provoking ideas, this is still an amazing statement with significant implications for all kinds of things.

For instance, what does this have to say about the frequency and intensity of the arguments we have with boyfriend or girlfriend, wife or husband? How might projection influence our experience of the world as either generally safe or dangerously unsafe? Or what about the kinds of relationships we establish with bosses or other authority figures in our lives? Would it shape my views of politics? Religion?

And the real question: If all relationships begin in projection, then what of our relationship with God? Is my view of God begun in projection? And if so, exactly what image am I projecting onto God? Or as Dr. Gary Moon is fond of saying, "Whose head do you have on God's shoulders?"

I would encourage you to consider how your background and experiences have shaped your idea of God. I want to move beyond simple reflexive responses and toward a deeper understanding of who the Lord really is. He is more than we believe.