The Instinct Of Oppenheimer

Good morning…

A few weeks ago, I watched a fascinating interview with Cillian Murphy, the actor who played Oppenheimer in the movie which won best picture at the Oscars last night. Murphy described the acting technique which has taken him over thirty years to develop.

“His portrayal of Oppenheimer was not so much a miracle as hard work,” explained interviewer Scott Pelley. “He lost 28 pounds to get the silhouette. Then, he rose to the character step-by-step over six months–reading, listening to Oppenheimer’s lectures and covering miles on the beach performing for his dog, Scout. Murphy said he put all he learned in the back of his mind and acted on instinct.”

“I think instinct is your most powerful tool that you have as an actor,” explained Cillian, who also won best actor for his powerful performance. “Nothing must be predetermined. So therefore, you mustn’t have a plan about how you’re gonna play stuff. And I love that. It’s like being buffeted by the wind.”

Might this be a wise approach to every creative venture in life? Acting. Cooking. Teaching. Gardening. Parenting. Living a life of faith.

Over time, step-by-step, we read. We listen. We cover miles practicing. Then, putting all that we have learned in the back of our mind, we respond to the lead of God’s Holy Spirit. Instinct is like being buffeted by the power of God’s invisible wind. And I love that.

When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong (Romans 2:14-15, MSG).

God’s law is woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within us that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Will we invest our whole selves in the hard work of letting go and letting God? Read. Listen. Practice. Then, putting all we have learned in the back of our mind, we are guided by the instinct of God’s indwelling Spirit.

…Sue…