I have found myself in lots of conversations (some in my head) where I’m trying to define the problem, and then figure out a solution.

One thing my dad told me years ago that stuck with me even after he died, is that this problem-solution paradigm we live in is a relatively recent way of looking at the world. He said when he was growing up, no one talked like this, except in the fields of science or math. Now it’s a common way of understanding our circumstances and determining what to do.

“Problem” is from the Greek προβάλλω (pro = before; balló = throw/cast). There are only two occurrences in the New Testament, and neither of them is in the sense we use the word now:

• “When they sprout leaves” – Luke 21:30
• “The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front” – Acts 19:33

“Solution” is from the Old English solucioun (dissolving), Old French solucion (explanation) or Latin solutio (loosening). The closest equivalent I could find in the Greek is epiluó/epilusis from epí = fitting and lýō = loose: release, interpretation, solution, explanation, unpacking. There are 3 occurrences in the New Testament, and none of them match how we use the word today:

• “no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things” – 2 Peter 1:30
• “He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” – Mark 4:34
• “If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly.” – Acts 19:39

So why are problems and solutions not mentioned in the New Testament? And why are they such a big part of our way of thinking?

This paradigm is really effective when it’s applied to science, math and technology. But it’s an intellectual, analytical approach that doesn’t capture the richness or depth of our lives which are immersed in suffering and joy shared with friends and family.

It’s really small thinking, reducing situations down into something we can manage and take responsibility for. Then we can be our own gods, in control of both defining the problem and choosing a solution.

Maybe this is why the New Testament authors had no use for the words.

“I choose to reject the world’s problems and their solutions. I am a citizen of the kingdom of heaven.”