Holding to metaphysics with no grounding in science is like running a 100 meters race with a 99.5 meters head start – you’ll never lose. There’s a real credibility issue here that is now more than ever staring Christians in the face. Metaphysics, if it’s going to have traction, has to have a viable scientific connection to the physical world. As we point out in our book From Evolution to Eden, it is crucial that there’s some symmetry here, but also essential to accept and underline a place for dissymmetry. We’re not in the business of ‘proof,’ however a tighter more responsible liaison between the world beyond and this world is highly welcome. Let’s allow them to constrain and complement each other, recognizing that sometimes there’ll be greater harmony, while at other times a loaded tension. In short, relation and distinction has to be in the race from the outset. Collapse them or keep them entirely separate and the wager is; we tend to slip away from reality, where everyone starts and finishes in the same place.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Thursday Thoughts - September 6
Our reading strategies for biblical text, self, other, and world should have a similarity. That is, not too objective, nor too subjective. These phenomena are not to be mere objects of analysis and study or simply personal subjects of possession and interest, but understood as related and distinct in tension. Falling into compartmentalized or collapsing approaches will lead to a short circuiting of making necessary tensional connections that will enhance and deepen our spirituality. These connections will help us to recognize that there are new possibilities and fresh discoveries that pave the way for drawing closer to God.
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Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Living Spiritual Rhythms - September 5
I
have long struggled with questions of selfhood and identity. There has been so
much blurring and blending edges together that viable relationality seems
harder and harder to come by. Truth be told, this is my next big project after
writing the book on Imagination. My provisional thoughts are moving in this
direction. I wager that at least four sources have to be in dialogue for a
better picture of who a self is and what makes me who I am. First, a
theological point of view is crucial. Acknowledging the problematic of trust
and suspicion marks out the landscape and confirms that I need help in
discerning appropriate directions. Second, my own perspective is indispensable.
There is no legitimate way that I can remove or entirely ignore myself, as my
view plays a role concerning whether I’m trustworthy or deceived. Envisioning myself
in some way or another is part of being human. Third, the responsible other’s
outlook is vital. People who know me have a say so as to who I am and can
present a challenge of my own pretensions, be they positive or negative. Fourth,
the natural world is essential. I can often take nature for granted, but when I
do so and get it wrong, I usually end up having to comply. Nature is bigger
than I am. When these four relationality ties interact, I should be able to
formulate a healthier notion of selfhood and identity, which begins to make
sense and becomes fitting for a truer embrace of who I am.
Monday, September 3, 2018
Reflection for the Week - September 3
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Thursday Thoughts - August 30
Instead of invoking mystery concerning God, the
world, and humanity, we make up a story. In good human primate fashion we long
for, even demand, clarity and explanation for life. Yet, even at the best of
times, this escapes us, so story telling becomes a vehicle for diversion and
catharsis, which appropriately takes the place of the frustration with the
unknown.
