ETC: Session 2 – “Exclusion & Embrace”
February 10th, 2006 by Aj- There needs to be an involvement of personal will in forgiveness. How does one get the will to embrace? Through small community, family, liturgy, church life, correct reading of Scripture.
- We have an idea that we can possess Truth; but Truth is active in humility. Faith is made possible by being in Godís hand – cool. It pointing to something larger that myself: itís not about us!
- Certainty versus confidence in speaking: not to mention commentaries, but to point to the story and the power of the story. What position do we take versus how do we negotiate? (Re: homosexuality) How can people talk and continue to learn? Double vision: open up our own space and inhabit other space at the same time.
- Weíre not to be imitators of God in all respects and regards; rather, we are to follow the risen Christ.
- Weíre lousy embracers of God. We donít believe what we say we believe. Many atheists are closer to God than theists – they are in an angry struggle with God, and struggling involves closeness. They are taking God seriously through rebellion with God.
- The key to a life well-lived is a relationship with God, but mainly itís His relationship to us. God is closer to us that we can be to ourselves – thatís the nature of being a creature. We have half-sentimental/half-domestic relationship with God. The Jewish seem to do it much better than we do – have a healthy awareness of Godís true nature.
- Inclusive substitution theory statement: metaphysically in Christ – died on Cross with him [I donít really remember if I wrote this down right. I probably was staring at the intricate web of microphones hanging from the ceiling or was momentarily mesmerized when Volf said that statement - I think I might have a small crush - shh: donít tell.]
- We need to be willing to expose ourselves when asking questions of others.
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Spirituality is at the root of good theology. We must engage in certain academic and spiritual practices. Guarding the spiritual core is very important.
- When we embrace one ìother,î we may exclude a different ìotherî (or itís perceived that way).
- With the triumph of the Religious Right, Jesus is now forcibly raised to the rank of the Romans & Pharisees – those doing the punishing, dispensing suffering.
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