It is evident that the Gospel is for madmen. But, no matter how strange that statement may sound, one must keep in mind that the concept of madness ranks among the most  controversial and dark ones. At first sight, it seems that everyone agrees on its meaning: it would be but the incorrect use of reason, or what might be called that which is irrational. However, it is not necessary to analyze this concept in depth to find out, right away, that this would be a very simplistic description of the notion of madness.

For quite some time now the qualm against reason has been considered as something normal; even the mere pretense that reason could ever actually reach an objective truth would be regarded as abnormal and nonsensical. The truth is that the modern world, in spite of its many statements affirming the opposite, frequently considers as rational only that which is irrational.

Moreover, it is certain that, in regards to wisdom and folly, there is a human understanding and a divine understanding which are not only different but even are contrary and opposite to each other: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written: “I will catch the wise in their own craftiness.” And again: “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain” (1 Cor 3: 19-20). And in another place it is said, in case any doubts still linger: For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness: but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; and the prudence of the prudent I will reject. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (1 Cor 1: 18-20).

Undoubtedly, the Bible does not beat around the bush. Not only does it propose that human wisdom (that which human rationale would consider opposed to madness) is distinct and different from divine wisdom (which, for the Bible, is true wisdom), but it goes even further, describing human wisdom with all harshness: That is not the wisdom that comes from above, but earthly, human and devilish (James 3:15). So, even supposing that men were to agree on the concepts of what is reasonable and what is madness (and this is far from happening), the task would still remain to compare these two concepts in the way in which God understands them – with the assurance that the answer would be found precisely in their contradiction, because what is wisdom to man, is folly to God, and vice versa.

Translated from the book "Esperando a Don Quijote" (pags. 8 - 10)