tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.comments2014-10-07T12:57:22.825-05:00Sound and Fury...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12648544010396980300noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-17695814659549200082013-09-27T13:43:58.013-05:002013-09-27T13:43:58.013-05:00I would like to talk about evil being that which w...I would like to talk about evil being that which works against the purposes of God for creation. This is, perhaps, a less complex and over arching way of talking about evil. I would also agree that the world was not intended to be free from chaos and disorder (There may be some examples of the beauty and goodness of chaos and disorder –perhaps children playing on a playground, it is very chaotic but there is grace and beauty in it). At the same time, chaos and disorder may be co-opted, by human agents, systems and structures, fallen spiritual forces and the like, to actively and intentionally work against the purposes of God for creation. So, perhaps the sentence that reads, “Chaos, evil, and disorder made its way into the world” should read as such, “The forces of Chaos, evil and disorder, having been disfigured in the Fall, began to make their way into the world.” ‘World’ here being the concrete specificness of the descendants of Adam, Eve and Noah.<br /><br />I suppose, then, we can say that chaos, when an attempt is made to enforce an order upon it that does not come from God the creator, always ends up working against the purposes of God for creation. God the creator may be able to bring order from chaos, but anyone or anything else, which tries to do so ultimately, works evil. If chaos, when manipulated by a good and creating God, can yield a world that is right and good, then chaos when manipulated by fallen beings and systems will yield a world bound by oppression and self gratification. Chaos then becomes destructive needing God’s “continuing action to create the possibility of meaningful life” and God’s continuing action to restore what has been broken. Perhaps the language of “re-create” carries with it the idea that God is starting over. This is not what I intended to convey. Rather, I wished to communicate that God is intending the salvation that Israel experienced, and that we experience today, to be about being restored. This restoration, then, is in fact a “demonstration of the symbiotic (were you going for symbolic?) nature of God’s ever continuing creation.” Or am I off the mark? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12648544010396980300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-38555998655381862352013-09-25T10:05:37.197-05:002013-09-25T10:05:37.197-05:00I'm curious about this phrase, "Chaos, ev...I'm curious about this phrase, "Chaos, evil, and disorder made its way into the world." It seems to me that chaos and disorder, at least, if not also evil (depending on how you want to talk about 'evil') are in some sense inherent to the world: "The earth was formless and void." If original creation is the taming of this chaos and disorder, are you using the term 'world' to speak not of creation generally, but of that which has come to be specifically? <br /><br />I ask because it seems to have important repercussions on God's 'original intentions' for creation. Was creation originally intended to be free of chaos and disorder (taking the much more complicated 'evil' out of the situation for now)? I think you're absolutely right, and this is one of the primary theological emphases for me, to say that redemption is not about 'pure freedom' in any meaningful way. However, and this may go back to our disagreement as to whether and how God is a 'director', it seems to me that the Exodus is misunderstood if it is called a 're-creation' (although I'd have much less trouble speaking of the Flood in this way). If chaos and disorder are inherent to the world, then life is not about overcoming (or being free of) them, but about existing in spite of them. It is a living against death, an ordering in the face of continuous disorder. The story of the Flood seems to imply that chaos is always ready, always able, to come sweeping back in. So, whereas the story of Noah post-flood is a story of reclaiming land, of pushing back the waters, of re-creating life in a place where death reigned supreme, the story of the Exodus is a story of God's continuing creation. God as Creator is not a singular title, reserved for 'the beginning' or even 'the end'. 'Creator' is less a title than a description of God's inherent character. God creates. It is God, in God's infinite creativity (acting with and through the church) which continues to hold back the originary waters of chaos and disorder. The demise of Pharaoh and his army (evidenced by the onslaught of water) signifies that chaos and disorder are themselves not evil, and not something simply to be overcome. Creation has never been free of chaos. The Exodus, then, would not be a re-creation, but merely part of God's continuing action to create the possibility of meaningful life. Pharaoh's actions are themselves uncreative, which makes it meaningful that his demise comes from the rushing waters of chaos. When I read this story, I read it less as a great breakdown (or moving off-script) in need of re-creation than as a demonstration of the symbiotic nature of God's ever-continuing creation (which is undoubtedly in large part due to the little Moltmann angel that perches on my left shoulder). <br /><br />When it comes down to it, I don't think I'm profoundly disagreeing with you, but I am curious how you envision the chaos and disorder of original creation playing into the story which you have told. Regardless, together we celebrate that redemption "is, and will always be, about our participation with God in his working to set the world right." Jbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01077444926288588955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-26940705180996201932013-09-11T12:21:37.631-05:002013-09-11T12:21:37.631-05:00Hey Jason, great post as always. I would argue tha...Hey Jason, great post as always. I would argue that though Adam and Eve didn't "die" when they ate of the fruit, that death did enter the equation (or scene). Before everything was safe and secure, but now the separation from God, or death, entered the world. That is then when the next act comes in with Christ coming into the world to destroy death and restore our relationship. Briannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-90996676771238417832012-10-11T15:02:24.669-05:002012-10-11T15:02:24.669-05:00Love it. I'm not challenging, just thinking t...Love it. I'm not challenging, just thinking through this for myself. I'm trying to figure out the relation between the powers and principalities and the openness of the future. Does the resurrection demonstrate that life (God) can prevail over the 'false powers' (death), or that it will prevail? I think you're right that the essence of Christian faith is that the powers won't win, but (as you allude to) isn't this based on hope, not guarantee? Following Paul and/or Harry Potter we proclaim that death will be the final enemy to be defeated, but does this mean that it cannot be otherwise? <br /><br />Thanks for talking with me, my entire theological life is pretty consumed with contemplating the relation between necessity and hope, and I really (truly) appreciate your insightfulness. Jbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01077444926288588955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-33365230801308429782012-10-11T14:20:28.316-05:002012-10-11T14:20:28.316-05:00John,
I was not trying to trivialize the powers of...John,<br />I was not trying to trivialize the powers of death and evil at work today. In a very tangible way they are real. I don't think we can rightly pray the Lord's Prayer without realizing that there is something working against God's purposes. Why pray for God's Kingdom to come if we aren't already knee deep in the kingdoms ruled by these principalities and powers? As I have been saying in the last few posts, the Lord's Prayer is not only a hope for God to do something, but it is also a calling to participate in what God is doing; remaking the world and ultimately undoing those "powers and principalities." <br /><br />If the powers and principalities can win then Christ would not have been raised from the dead and we should stop praying this Prayer. But isn't the essence of Christian hope and faith that the powers don't win? Even in the face of all of the evil in the world today, we believe that Christ did win and will complete the victory at the second coming. <br /><br />It's possible that they do win, but that's not what we confess in the Lord's Prayer. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12648544010396980300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-41615416299928528082012-10-11T10:42:44.832-05:002012-10-11T10:42:44.832-05:00Good stuff, thanks Jason. Here's my question:...Good stuff, thanks Jason. Here's my question: How would this change if we recognize 'fake powers' as very real indeed, as the 'powers and principalities' of scripture? They must not win, but what if they can?Jbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01077444926288588955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-92002119192781204682012-09-29T12:58:13.170-05:002012-09-29T12:58:13.170-05:00Thanks, dad! Thanks Marty! Thanks, dad! Thanks Marty! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12648544010396980300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-63013102311576157862012-09-26T21:19:49.343-05:002012-09-26T21:19:49.343-05:00You, my friend, are a gifted communicator of the G...You, my friend, are a gifted communicator of the Gospel.~ Marty Alan Michelson, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13099064657947931033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-46502942582050082122012-09-26T19:07:44.289-05:002012-09-26T19:07:44.289-05:00Jason, God has made you a wise young man. Great t...Jason, God has made you a wise young man. Great theme, some things I had not thought of. Keep at it. Also you brought back some memories of you kids at home and playing games. DadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-85895050682722792782012-09-21T09:14:41.914-05:002012-09-21T09:14:41.914-05:00Marty, thanks!Marty, thanks!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12648544010396980300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-53024926830545091302012-09-19T16:47:41.634-05:002012-09-19T16:47:41.634-05:00I'm so impressed with your reflections. Great...I'm so impressed with your reflections. Great! Super!~ Marty Alan Michelson, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13099064657947931033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-67495273161424493042012-09-01T23:07:17.873-05:002012-09-01T23:07:17.873-05:00excellent son, I like the differenciation that Wes...excellent son, I like the differenciation that Wesley makes, and that you expanded on in today's context. DadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-7255603496357404622012-08-17T17:41:58.388-05:002012-08-17T17:41:58.388-05:00Stellar. Absolutely stellar. Stellar. Absolutely stellar. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-9817866272261698702012-07-31T23:09:49.320-05:002012-07-31T23:09:49.320-05:00I love this. I was looking to copy this sermon to ...I love this. I was looking to copy this sermon to my family and your blog is all I can find. Moltmann is powerful stuff. Glad to see that pastor in STL has also found it to be so.BlackJoelBlackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07495811556890950412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-77155350007342979832012-01-20T16:19:41.373-06:002012-01-20T16:19:41.373-06:00The Art of Fielding by Chad HarbachThe Art of Fielding by Chad HarbachJbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01077444926288588955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-30972424106733776042011-12-03T21:47:24.579-06:002011-12-03T21:47:24.579-06:00Nope, never heard of them. But I can only imagine...Nope, never heard of them. But I can only imagine...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12648544010396980300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-1012863288026849452011-12-02T18:28:33.901-06:002011-12-02T18:28:33.901-06:00What? You mean "Climb, climb up sunshine mou...What? You mean "Climb, climb up sunshine mountain" or "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam" didn't make you want to find out more about God's plan of salvation? (I just want to add that those songs were old by the time I was singing them...just so we're clear).<br /><br />I like your blogs. Keep writing.Karanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-81475513480215341462011-09-21T14:36:34.876-05:002011-09-21T14:36:34.876-05:00Brian,
The death penalty was in the front of my m...Brian, <br />The death penalty was in the front of my mind while while writing this. I'm against it if only for the reason that we just don't know what God might do in and through the life of convicted criminal. Biblical arguments for the death penalty can be made, but in my opinion they don't usually hold water when set within the context of the entire bible. <br /><br />Either way, taking the life of evil and depraved person is retributive justice and not restorative justice. As followers of Christ, I believe that we are to always be agents of restorative justice. This is, after all, the stance that God in Christ has taken with us.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12648544010396980300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-85663006511464527712011-09-20T16:54:04.777-05:002011-09-20T16:54:04.777-05:00I knew exactly where you were going with this post...I knew exactly where you were going with this post as I have always loved that discussion between Frodo and Gandalf in the book and in the movie (of course that's the venue I remember in my mind). We do not have the power to judge anyone, yes to give worldly/man punishment, but only God can give the ultimate judgement. This discourse has always been in the back of my mind for the death penalty.Brian Wnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-11831609315412730472011-09-09T10:04:32.917-05:002011-09-09T10:04:32.917-05:00Kristina, thanks!Kristina, thanks!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12648544010396980300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-62504768553499113292011-09-08T23:49:04.512-05:002011-09-08T23:49:04.512-05:00Jason- I am amazed how you are able to take all th...Jason- I am amazed how you are able to take all these different events and situations and relate them to God and our journey through life living for Him. It really is true that you can see and experience God everywhere and in everything and your blog entries help show that. I pray that God continues to bless you, your family and your ministry.Kristina Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08489159020670990640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-64946656987213138922011-09-07T20:49:16.993-05:002011-09-07T20:49:16.993-05:00Brings me back to my freshman retreat in high scho...Brings me back to my freshman retreat in high school and our theme song , "The River" by Garth Brooks. Thankfully we do have our community to help us through both the good and bad times in our journey through our rivers.Brian Wnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-52582492068712690222011-08-24T14:04:42.966-05:002011-08-24T14:04:42.966-05:00I remember the booo.... Terrible... All I'd li...I remember the booo.... Terrible... All I'd like to say is, Thank you Jason! I appreciate the times we spent in college in mantime, at church, in class, sports, all of them. I too will cherish those times, and our relationship. Couldn't agree more about the impact this group of guys has had on my life. Gosh, I miss you guys. More stories to tell and here... As Jimmy Knight would say; "Your beautiful" man! Love ya, care for you and your family. Praying for you guys, and your ministry! Congrats again on getting ordained! Proud of you man!Jamie Johnsonhttp://gfcstudentministries.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-35796887740555702822011-07-13T20:37:00.962-05:002011-07-13T20:37:00.962-05:00First comment on your blog, Jason. Very nice point...First comment on your blog, Jason. Very nice point on life and death. As we're on vacation, it really puts life into perspective and makes you hopefully enjoy "regular" life once back to real lifeBrian Wnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315555724396199330.post-14101067401199157582011-06-21T20:34:28.735-05:002011-06-21T20:34:28.735-05:00yes. it does. I entirely agree that we have fallen...yes. it does. I entirely agree that we have fallen out of the pattern of confession and we hide our burdens fromm each other. <br /><br />and yes, true we do not have to have it all together in order to do God's work in the community.<br /><br />meAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com