When reading about the world, Judaism, and resurrection in the biblical text, we must proceed with due caution. These topics cannot all be simply put in the same context because they are thought to be “Revelation,” but they have to be taken on an informational basis that is relevant to each particular subject. Genesis 1, for example, is not the same as Genesis 2-3. Exodus is different than Psalms. Isaiah is not like Proverbs. John is narrative, and Romans a letter. While this diversity of genres is accepted by most, there’s still some work to do in configuring how each of the subjects connects to the “world-views” of the times. Doing so will be one of things that might help us discern just how much of the biblical writings are to be directly applied to our own contexts, which remains an open and explosive hermeneutical question today.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Living Spiritual Rhythms - April 3
Ethics as expressed in the economy of exchange can never be an end in and of itself. Love, grace, and mercy go beyond an ethical right and wrong, without effacing it. Thus, following in the footsteps of Christ will be relationally challenging and risky. We may not receive as much as we give. For the journey on this path is traced in and marked out by the economy of gift, which opens up new ways of being, seeing, and living.
Reflection for the Week - April 1
Deeply engraved with
complexity and mysteriously forged by extravagance, the drama of the
biblical and natural world informers presents significant challenges for
readers, taking us to the limits of our imaginations. Pushing reality
to the edges of perception raises questions and issues that mustn’t be
ignored. To take each informer seriously means being open to learning
and embracing truth wherever it is to be found.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Thursday Thoughts - March 28
The longer theology refuses to engage with science, the more the lack of credibility for doing so will proliferate. By the way, an engagement here doesn’t mean dabbling in the field, while dogmatically holding one’s theological ground, but carefully examining claims and being open to the challenge that science may offer to outmoded theological stances, including those related to talking serpents, magic trees in a garden, and global floods, and then modifying views accordingly.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Books!
If you’re burnt out by churches, disgusted with hypocrisy, fed up with hype, searching for integrity, struggling with your faith, looking for God, exploring spirituality, and hoping to understand something about life, these books are for you – Living Spiritual Rhythms - Books 1-4.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Reflection for the Week - March 25
In science there can be a false notion of ultimate symmetry – unification – or some grand theory that explains everything. Doesn’t exist. We’re too exposed to the unknown. And asymmetry is essential to the planet and universe too. Thus, there are no metanarratives. Being in tension about these matters can be exciting, instead of depressing. The quest for light is never over and the pursuit gets more interesting all the time. Pleasantly terrified, I press on.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Living Spiritual Rhythms - March 20
Having serious questions about the nature of the biblical text should be considered a privilege. Getting concerns about authority, history, and the universe out on the table, is essential. Taking time to work through questions and learn from them will be rewarding, though we may not find many answers. Don’t worry, confusion can be exciting. Thus, instead of a blind acceptance of the biblical text, we should be promoting a spirit of openness that welcomes questioning it.
