Rethinking theology in the light of evolution is not a threat, but a virtue.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Living Spiritual Rhythms- September 16
Fundamentalist evangelicalism in its refusal to rethink theology in light of evolution, especially when it comes to Genesis 1-3, reminds me of La peste by Camus. In his book, Dr Rieux, struggling to find out why so many are dying, finally receives the grim confirmation that a plague should be acknowledged and the city closed down. Intriguingly, this type of proclamation and act of closure, though often unconfessed, is happening in a myriad of conservative church contexts that simply refuse to look carefully at the issues, which in turn perpetuates the spread of plague. Pretending it doesn’t exist and hiding its effects is having devastating results. At the moment, a sensitive fundamentalist might admit, the prognosis is not good. Many, I fear, will die on the cross of ignorance and arrogance before a cure is accepted. Hope for the future, in this context, is connected to being willing to explore new options that carry with them the vaccine of credibility.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Reflection for the Week–September 14
To not believe in some pictures of God does not mean to not believe in God at all, as the accusation often goes. That is, the picture of God scurrying around and answering every prayer or micro managing all the details of life for ME, does not a God make.
Not only has the likelihood of evolution put a formidable dent in these types of theologies, but the issues of Divine action have yet to be taken seriously by those who hold them. In considering what we are beginning to discover about ourselves and the world it seems theological positions may have to be modified. If they’re not, we will lose credibility and belief with it.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Evolution & Genesis 1-3?
When you question traditional understandings of Genesis 1-3 as we have, it raises serious issues for some. Science indeed has presented us with a powerful evolutionary picture of beginnings that challenges us to rethink our theology. In doing so, many Christians have accused us of being heretics, or perhaps worse. But please read From Evolution to Eden to find out why.
http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Eden-Making-Sense-Genesis/dp/1938367197/
http://www.bookdepository.com/From-Evolution-Eden-George-Diepstra/9781938367199?selectCurrency=USD
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
“A refreshing window into Christian Spirituality and Life” (Amazon review title)
During my time as the director of a long standing Christian community, I attempted to explore fresh perspectives of God, self, spirituality, the biblical text, and the world. One of my goals was to challenge seekers, skeptics, and believers to travel new paths. If you’re interested in coming along on the journey, you can interact with some of these thoughts and experiences, which are portrayed in a constellation of prayers, stories, poems, and rants, available in my Living Spiritual Rhythms Books 1-4. Santé!
http://www.bookdepository.com/Living-Spiritual-Rhythms-Gregory-Laughery/9781938367151
Monday, September 7, 2015
Reflection for the Week–September 7
I long to find shelter from the superabundance of the
subli
mely immeasurable
and from the accuracy of the measurable, please…. .
Friday, September 4, 2015
Friday Musings – September 4
I believe we’re all ignorant of ultimate truth, but what matters is how we choose to live with this scenario. There are those who despair, those who don’t care, those who deny, and those who have faith.
Intriguingly for me, and at any given moment, I find something of myself in each.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Thursday Thoughts – September 3
Love, self-understanding/deception, and the empirical world are realities that add a surplus of meaning to the notion of 
naturalism.
Naturalism, though comprising many truths, cannot go it alone. Yet, this is not to say that what transcends it offers a total closure, since it only promises the “more sufficient.”
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Living Spiritual Rhythms–September 2
Attempts to do theology without science are like trying to fly a kite without wind. As crucial as it is to read the early Genesis stories through ancient eyes, it is all the more essential to consider current scientific informers when it comes to drawing theological conclusions today. Science has presented us with a powerful evolutionary picture of beginnings that challenges us to rethink our theology. If you’re interested in these issues check out our new book From Evolution to Eden.
http://www.bookdepository.com/From-Evolution-to-Eden/9781938367199
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