Theology

In this tale, a Bishop hears of three elderly hermits living a simple, holy life on a remote island. Curious and wanting to ensure their theology is "correct," he travels to meet them. When he arrives, he finds that their only prayer is a simple refrain: "Three are ye, three are we, have mercy upon us."

Humbled by this display of supernatural power, the Bishop realizes their simple faith was already more "correct" than his formal education. He tells them: "Your own prayer will reach the Lord, men of God. Pray for us sinners."

That night, as his ship is far out at sea, the Bishop sees a light skimming across the water. It is the three hermits, literally to catch the ship. They reach the side and tell the Bishop they have already forgotten the long prayer he taught them and ask him to teach it again.

: It suggests that while learning is valuable, God prioritizes a sincere and faithful heart over perfect "technical" wording.

One of the most helpful stories regarding theology is It illustrates the theological tension between formal doctrine and simple, powerful faith. The Story of The Three Hermits