Well, a capacity crowd gathered for the first of four of the 'Theology for Life' talks. Mark shared his appreciation and excitement about what he perceived was a strong desire to gain a better hold on 'the big picture.'
The 'by-line' for the talks was this: 'Text, Soul and Culture as an integrated whole', and Mark explained this as the Scriptures (text) inviting us to take part in God's story, to have our lives (soul) shaped and reworked; and then taking our life into the world (culture) to transform it.
We watched a few videos such as this one that gave a good example of what Mark was trying to get at: namely, that we aren't saved simply just to fellowship and meet until we die and go to heaven - rather, we are to work for the transformation of humanity and culture as God's representatives.
One idea (perhaps intentionally worded in a way which may be controversial) that seemed to be at the center of the discussion was that God's project was NOT to 'make us Christian', but rather to renew humanity in and through us as the church.
Indeed, the idea of 'true humanity' was key. Humans, made in God's very image, find themselves to be most TRULY human when they know who they are in relation to the God who created them. The triune and inherently relational-within-himself God has chosen the earth as his temple and placed us - his image - in it. Thus, particularly in our creational and relational activity, we experience what it means to be a human being. Most importantly, Christ himself modeled true humanity for us.
After the break, Mark swept through most of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, highlighting Paul's view of this 'new humanity'.
Perhaps some found themselves with various questions or thoughts; small, large, simple, profound? I certainly cannot and did not cover everything here! Please do share!
7 comments:
It was my 1st time to the wineskins talks. Really interesting, how-ever, my mind got some what swamped in the 1st part. Had a chat to a couple of people after who had found it a bit hard to focus as well. Still looking forward to next week as it is a subject that I need to apply and get to grips with.
Thanks
Shallow Stan.
Hi Stan! Thanks for commenting! Yeah, it can be a bit hard-going trying to catch everything. I can't imagine being in Mark's shoes and trying to communicate to so many people. Some will be listening as theology critics; some as new belivers; some from various other perspectives. So, I can't imagine how hard it would be to 'take' a group of that size along with you...
I agree, however, that it's a very important topic to engage with. We don't want to emphasise what Scripture doesn't (or vise versa!), so it's good to visit (and revisit!) the big picture and our place in it! Keep posting over the weeks!
-d-
Perhaps there was an assumption that most people at the sessions were believers. But how do we define who is a follower of Jesus to those who are not yet?
If Jesus talked about the goats and the sheep, then what is the criteria? Especially in light of language that implies that 'everyone' is redeemed? Does this mean that a 'good' person is redeemed?
Playing devil's advocate here a bit but this was part of a discussion, post talk the other night!
Hi anonymous,
Maybe I've read your comment wrongly, but I would guess that Mark's goal isn't to 'sort out' the sheep from the goats, but rather try to share a vision of life that is as large as humanity and creation itself.
What language did you hear that implied that everyone is redeemed? I didn't hear that, but rather that God's project was larger than just the church/redeemed. Neither did I hear any hint at all that 'good' people are somehow automatically redeemed.
As one scholar puts it, we are rescued to be God's rescuers. I think that's pretty well where Mark is going...
Have I mis-understood you?
Cheers,
-d-
This was the comment from a seeker, not my own interpretation. I believe I see clearly what mark is saying, but I wonder about those who were hearing this from a 'not yet sure about the Jesus bit' position. Not sure that EVERY discussion has to have a 'who is redeemed' proviso but also not sure that this first session was helpful our seeker frend.
Anonymous,
Thanks for clarifying.
Personally, I find Mark's presentations of our Lord to be quite compelling and honouring.
Here's my bias... :)
A God who is only concerned with 'me' and 'my' salvation (which is the God all-too-often preached) may be good for religious conversion experiences, but a God who is sovereign over and active in ALL of His creation is more worthy of worship and service (as far as I'm concerned)... We often think of the gospel as an invitation, but primarily it is an announcement.
So, my sincere hope is that the seeker will see God for all that He is - and no less. And, of course, that he/she will respond not just with name-badge faith, but with loving allegiance and service.
Cheers!
-d-
Hi there Dale,
Got the URL from last night's Wineskin. Great summary of last week, thanks! What has occurred to me is that Mark is dealing very much with meta narrative - which post-modernists are supposed to be wary of. I see the success of this series as indicative that Christians are starting to see through post-modernism's power of critique but lameness at providing any answers itself. It is encouraging to again have one's eyes lifted to the big picture of God's awesome story by someone who is not apologetic for doing so, and who has the depth to carry it through.
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