The document explores the theme of simplicity versus complexity, referencing various quotes and perspectives from notable figures. It emphasizes the need to identify, respect, and navigate complexity while seeking truth and understanding in modern life. Key takeaways include resisting oversimplification, embracing complexity, and pursuing insights that lead to a deeper understanding of various issues.

1. Simplicity
Beyond

2. What did he say?
2
“I would not give a fig for the simplicity this
side of complexity, but I would give my life
for the simplicity
on the other side of complexity.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes

3. Is Simple Good?
3
Merriam-Webster:
“not hard to understand or do”
Examples:
A simple-minded person
A simple task

4. How do we usually hear it?
4
Simple = simplistic . . .
. . . without discernment
Then what about . . .
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Leonardo Da Vinci

5. The Problem
5
Modernity’s search for truth has led to a
complexity that is not sustainable.
“The automatic,
default direction
of progress is towards
escalating complexity.”
Richard Swenson

6. Just vs. Simply
6
“Reduced speech leads to reduced lives.”
Walter Brueggermann
There is a force for reduction in this world
and a force for wholeness and
completeness.
Just SimplyComplexity

7. Simply Jesus

8. Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath
– Matthew 12:11-13
Just Simply
The command to
rest does not
restrict the mission
of the King.
Just ignore those
old-fashioned rules.
Complexity
The Jewish Law of the Sabbath

9. Jesus: Forgiver of Sin –
John 8:1-11
Just Simply
Simply go and sin
no more.
Just let her fade into
the shadows in her
sin to face her fate.
Complexity
Sin and consequences in the
Jewish culture.

10. Our Response

11. The Cloud
11
• Identify complexity for what it is.
• Face it without fear.
• Seek truth in the complexity.
Just SimplyComplexity

12. The Reduction
12
• Resist the temptation to say “Just.”
• Don’t look for the easy way out.
• Recognize that speed leads to
reduction – truth takes time!
Just SimplyComplexity

13. The Simple Truth
13
• Respect the complexity – Lean into it!
• Look for the patterns.
• Look at it in a transdisciplinary way.
• Look expectantly for the truth.
Just SimplyComplexity

14. The Bigger Picture
14
Complexity isn’t bad . . .
but it isn’t the goal.
“Simplicity is the seal of truth.” Latin Proverb
Just SimplyComplexity

16. Examples

17. Searching to be On Mission
Just Simply
Simply understand
the core motivations
of searchers.
Just make your
website more
engaging.
Complexity
The complex data behind people’s criteria when
searching for a mission agency.

18. Searching to be On Mission
Just Simply
A simple book.
Complexity
A full research report

20. Stopping Malaria
Just Simply
“If you think you are too small
to make a difference, try
sleeping in a room with a
mosquito.” - Compassion
RBM's vision is of a
world free from the
burden of malaria.
Complexity
Malaria is a complex disease with many factors
that contribute to its spread and impact.

23. Tearing down a
Chinese Church
Just Simply
The Chinese Church and
Chinese govt. are
negotiating
power/relationships as the
country deals with a growing
Christian population.
Chinese
government
persecution!
Complexity
Zoning regulations, corruption, leader’s opinion,
proximity to govt. buildings, lack of compromise

24. Key Takeaways
24
• Reject the temptation to reduce.
• Lean into the complexity but don’t stop.
• Seek out the simple truth that brings
insight.
Just SimplyComplexity

25. GMI Connection
www.gmi.org
www.facebook.com/gmi.org
www.pinterest.com/gmiresources
Jon Hirst – jhirst@gmi.org / @JonHirstGMI

26. Resources For Insight