I’m becoming exceedingly suspicious of whether there is a link between Christian and spirituality – alas, so much talk and so little action. This rather large gap between words and deeds strikes me as problematic. True, no one’s perfect, but let’s not justify whatever we can get away with by that appeal. In engaging with those who call themselves Christians, some of us may all too often observe hollow and superficial ideologies and practical lives that fail to reflect the face of Christ. There’s also a lamentable lack of the reality of love, of authenticity, and the “real,” which become reasons for others to avoid all things and people labeled Christian. Not only do life’s important questions go unanswered, but the veracity of holistic, interactive, and interpretive living spirituality is acutely absent. In spite of this slow but sure death of “the Christian,” God is liberating people; thousands of them, who thirst for more.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
Reflection for the Week - August 29
Biblical readers should take the time to be conversant with science and scientists should make an effort to be knowledgeable about the biblical story. True, one can’t be a specialist in everything, but there is no excuse for not seriously engaging with both informers. In fact a primary, though often unnoticed, link connects the two: imagination – vive l’imagination !
Friday, August 26, 2016
Friday Musings - August 26
A Hermeneutical Path for Genesis 1-3 and Science & Theology
Genesis
1-3 de–deifies creation as no other story of beginnings does. What is
avant-garde and always will be about these stories is their relentless focus,
not on the cosmic architecture of nature,
but on relationality: God, humanity, and the world. This perspective provides
us with both a meaningful structure for and a re-description of reality. If you’re interested in knowing
more about all this, check out our book From Evolution to Eden. Making Sense of
Early Genesis.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Living Spiritual Rhythms - August 24
There are three prevailing worldviews that tend to
dominate the g-local context today. First, matter matters. This is the notion
that all there is―is matter. Scientific hubris is attempting to capture what
is, but in its reductionism and anti-theism is doomed to fail. Life is more
important than matter. Second, money matters. Consumer strategies and corporate
values teach us that all that’s real is―money. When money becomes a god in
church, politics, economics, and society, everything is sacrificed on the altar
of death and redemption is left in the ashes. People are more important than
money. Third, power matters. Authoritarian governments cut down and shred
responsibility or anything else that stands in their way. This shows that all
that counts is―power. Explicit claims of dominance and acts of terror oppress
and de-dignify an ethical imperative that is trampled by bullets and bombs.
Love and justice are more important than power.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Reflection for the Week - August 22
The
Genesis creation drama is transhistorical in that it has the capacity to break
out of its immediate cultural context, without denying or effacing it, and to
continue to show itself as a story that carries a temporal mark that is fitting
for any time. The founding narrative in Genesis—this recounting of beginnings,
sets out a theological, historiographical, and literary redescription of the
world, which is related to and distinct from other ancient Near Eastern
portrayals of creation, as well as contemporary forms of naturalism.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Evolution & Genesis
We’re grateful, that in spite of the controversial nature of
evolution and Genesis, many have written to confirm that our book From
Evolution to Eden. Making Sense of Early Genesis is being well received. One
reader says, “I wanted to let you know how helpful your writings have been for
me, a geologist and only an amateur student of theology, in understanding how
to approach the text of Genesis.” Our hope is that others will benefit
from this book and find a better way to interpret and live in the Genesis stories
and in the world, with confidence and humility.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Thursday Thoughts - August 11 - les Alpes Suisse
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Living Spiritual Rhythms - August 10
Forecasts
of the demise of Christianity in the West are pervasive. There are many changes
needed to correct this trajectory, but one important shift that is essential is
for Christians to wake up to the importance of having a thoughtful faith.
Thinking is not poison and ideas are essential to wrestle with in a credible
manner, whether we are engaging another Christian or not. A respectful
listening to and learning from others will enhance our integrity, while not
necessarily meaning that we have to agree with conclusions that are not fitting
with truth and love. Escapism and ignorance are not representative of the
living God, who calls us to connect with the world and others, to participate
in shining light into dark places, and to bring sufficient explanations into
the theater of life and death.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Reflection for the Week - August 8
When the
scientific and theological communities attempt to avoid hermeneutics
(interpretation) they are liable to make a mess of things. Those in either or both
disciplines face the obligation to admit that they are interpreters of data and
not merely assessing the bare facts. In spite of their incessant antagonism
towards each other, these two communities are interdependent, and therefore
need to be in dialogue in order to better understand God, the world, self, and
other.
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