Theology for Troubled Believers: A Lenten Journey 4. The New Life in God Sunday, April 10, 2011 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor Presenter: David Monyak

Theology for Theology for Troubled Believers:Troubled Believers:A Lenten JourneyA Lenten Journey

4. The New Life in God4. The New Life in God

Sunday, April 10, 201110 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor

Presenter: David Monyak

March 13 and March 20: The Nature of God.March 13 and March 20: The Nature of God. Topics: Introduction to Theology. The Holy One of Israel. The Topics: Introduction to Theology. The Holy One of Israel. The

Maker of Heaven and Earth. The Limits of Science. What is Maker of Heaven and Earth. The Limits of Science. What is Meant by “God”Meant by “God”

March 27: SufferingMarch 27: Suffering Topics: Nature as a Witness and Innocent Suffering. Innocent Topics: Nature as a Witness and Innocent Suffering. Innocent

Suffering and Life Beyond Death. Suffering from Nature and Suffering and Life Beyond Death. Suffering from Nature and Extreme Human Cruelty.Extreme Human Cruelty.

April 3: The Divine Sacrifices.April 3: The Divine Sacrifices. Topics: The Sacrifice in Creation. Incarnation as Sacrifice. The Topics: The Sacrifice in Creation. Incarnation as Sacrifice. The

Temptations in the Wilderness. The Sacrifice of the Cross.Temptations in the Wilderness. The Sacrifice of the Cross.

April 10: The New Life in God.April 10: The New Life in God. Topics: The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Life. Topics: The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Life.

Jesus as Lord and Jesus as Servant. Revelation and Jesus as Lord and Jesus as Servant. Revelation and Faith.Faith.

April 17: Responding to God.April 17: Responding to God. Topics: Topics: The Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Sacraments. Sin, The Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Sacraments. Sin,

Evil, and Hope for the Future.Evil, and Hope for the Future.

ReferenceReference

Theology for a Theology for a Troubled Believer. Troubled Believer. An Introduction to An Introduction to the Christian the Christian Faith.Faith. Diogenes Diogenes Allen, 2010. Allen, 2010. Chapters 13, 14, 15Chapters 13, 14, 15

ReferenceReference

Theology for a Troubled Believer. An Theology for a Troubled Believer. An Introduction to the Christian Faith.Introduction to the Christian Faith. Diogenes Allen, 2010Diogenes Allen, 2010

Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life: by Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life: by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness: Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness: through your gentleness we find comfort in through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.fear.Your warmth gives life to the dead: your Your warmth gives life to the dead: your touch makes touch makes

sinners righteous. sinners righteous. Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us: in your love and Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us: in your love and tenderness remake us. tenderness remake us. In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness: for In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness: for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us. the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

Anselm of Canterbury, 1033-1109Anselm of Canterbury, 1033-1109Monk, Archbishop, TheologianMonk, Archbishop, Theologian

Feast Day: April 21Feast Day: April 21

This week:This week:A New Life in GodA New Life in God

Eternal Life vs. Eternal Life vs. Extended LifeExtended Life

Eternal vs. Extended LifeEternal vs. Extended LifeSharing of Divine LifeSharing of Divine Life

Eternal Life is not “Extended Life,” an extension Eternal Life is not “Extended Life,” an extension of our current life.of our current life.

Eternal Life:Eternal Life: We are invited to share in the We are invited to share in the divine lifedivine life Through Jesus, an intimacy and participation in the Through Jesus, an intimacy and participation in the life life

of Godof God, is possible for us, is possible for us By his death, Jesus opens for us the possibility of a By his death, Jesus opens for us the possibility of a

new relationship new relationship with God. with God. To share in the To share in the divine lifedivine life is a gift, something that is a gift, something that

cannot be earned or deserved.cannot be earned or deserved.

Eternal vs. Extended LifeEternal vs. Extended LifeSharing of Divine LifeSharing of Divine Life

Extended Life is but an extension of our present life.Extended Life is but an extension of our present life. Our present life is a wonderful gift, and it is full of glories Our present life is a wonderful gift, and it is full of glories

but also very seriously marred. but also very seriously marred. Eternal Life, a Eternal Life, a participation in the life of Godparticipation in the life of God, is life:, is life:

free of the burdens we now bearfree of the burdens we now bear free of failure, guilt, and sorrowfree of failure, guilt, and sorrow free of rivalry, gossip, and boastingfree of rivalry, gossip, and boasting free of envy, jealousy, and strifefree of envy, jealousy, and strife free of boredom, depression, and addictionfree of boredom, depression, and addiction free of aggression, rudeness, ruthlessness, anger, heartlessness, free of aggression, rudeness, ruthlessness, anger, heartlessness,

and treacheryand treachery free of unfaithfulness, deceit, and fraudfree of unfaithfulness, deceit, and fraud free of foolishness, violence, destruction, and warfree of foolishness, violence, destruction, and war

Eternal vs. Extended LifeEternal vs. Extended LifeHeavenHeaven

A common question: what is “heaven” like? Is A common question: what is “heaven” like? Is it truly a place worth striving towards?it truly a place worth striving towards?

However, the bible does However, the bible does notnot give us a give us a description of heaven. It is description of heaven. It is notnot interested in interested in describing a “place.”describing a “place.”

The The Resurrection Resurrection AppearancesAppearances

Resurrection AppearancesResurrection AppearancesJesus is LORDJesus is LORD

With his resurrection appearances, Jesus establishes a With his resurrection appearances, Jesus establishes a new new kind kind of relationship with his disciples and followers. of relationship with his disciples and followers.

Jesus is no longer simply a teacher (they have often referred Jesus is no longer simply a teacher (they have often referred to him as master, rabbi), nor even simply the Messiah or to him as master, rabbi), nor even simply the Messiah or Christ. Christ.

With his resurrection, Jesus is now seen to be With his resurrection, Jesus is now seen to be LordLord, the , the expression used to refer to God only. expression used to refer to God only. The first confession of the primitive church was The first confession of the primitive church was “Jesus is “Jesus is

Lord” Lord” (1 Cor. 12:3). (1 Cor. 12:3). As Paul puts this new relationship: As Paul puts this new relationship: “Even though we “Even though we

once knew Christ from a human point of view, we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way.” know him no longer in that way.” (2 Cor. 5:16b).(2 Cor. 5:16b).

Resurrection AppearancesResurrection AppearancesGospels as “Double Exposures”Gospels as “Double Exposures”

All four Gospels are written from the point of All four Gospels are written from the point of view of the resurrection. view of the resurrection. All Jesus’ sayings and the events of his life are seen All Jesus’ sayings and the events of his life are seen

from that new, extraordinary perspective.from that new, extraordinary perspective. The accounts in the four Gospels are like “double The accounts in the four Gospels are like “double

exposures:” exposures:” there is a story line “the way things seemed at the there is a story line “the way things seemed at the

time,” but time,” but superimposed on the story line is the way things are superimposed on the story line is the way things are

now understood because of the resurrection. now understood because of the resurrection.

Resurrection AppearancesResurrection AppearancesSignificance of the ResurrectionSignificance of the Resurrection

Understanding who Jesus was and what Jesus said and did Understanding who Jesus was and what Jesus said and did in the light of his resurrection did not happen all at once.in the light of his resurrection did not happen all at once.

Luke stresses, and John implies, that the resurrected Jesus Luke stresses, and John implies, that the resurrected Jesus himself has to teach the disciples before he ascends to his himself has to teach the disciples before he ascends to his Father.Father.

Even before that, Jesus had promised them that with the Even before that, Jesus had promised them that with the coming of the Holy Spirit, what he has taught them would coming of the Holy Spirit, what he has taught them would become clearer (John 14:25-26). become clearer (John 14:25-26).

So over a period of time – and no doubt a great deal of So over a period of time – and no doubt a great deal of discussion, and prayer – the early disciples were able to discussion, and prayer – the early disciples were able to bring into focus and to present the story of the salvation bring into focus and to present the story of the salvation brought by God through Jesus. brought by God through Jesus.

The oral traditions of the earliest church then became the The oral traditions of the earliest church then became the basis of the four Gospels, each of which presents the basis of the four Gospels, each of which presents the significance of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection.significance of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection.

Resurrection AppearancesResurrection AppearancesSignificance of the ResurrectionSignificance of the Resurrection

It became evident to the disciples that the fundamental It became evident to the disciples that the fundamental significance of Jesus’ resurrection was that Jesus’ significance of Jesus’ resurrection was that Jesus’ teachings, life, and death had been validated by God. teachings, life, and death had been validated by God.

When God raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus was When God raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus was vindicated against all the charges made against him, vindicated against all the charges made against him, from all the misunderstandings of his mission. from all the misunderstandings of his mission.

He was shown to be God’s Son incarnate, with the He was shown to be God’s Son incarnate, with the power to bring us salvation from sin, evil, and death. power to bring us salvation from sin, evil, and death.

He was to be listened to, obeyed, and followed. He was to be listened to, obeyed, and followed. He was indeed the one who can bring the divine life He was indeed the one who can bring the divine life

into our lives; for in him the Spirit of God lives. Jesus into our lives; for in him the Spirit of God lives. Jesus could and did confer God’s Spirit into those who open could and did confer God’s Spirit into those who open themselves to him.themselves to him.

Resurrection AppearancesResurrection AppearancesAuthenticity of the AppearancesAuthenticity of the Appearances

New Testament scholar and historian N. T. New Testament scholar and historian N. T. Wright has powerfully and convincingly Wright has powerfully and convincingly argued that the best and only viable hypothesis argued that the best and only viable hypothesis that fits the historical data for rise of the that fits the historical data for rise of the church is that Jesus was indeed raised from the church is that Jesus was indeed raised from the dead.dead.

There are several aspects of the Resurrection There are several aspects of the Resurrection appearances that support their authenticity appearances that support their authenticity against a charge the disciples were making against a charge the disciples were making something up.something up.


All four of the Gospels tell us that the tomb of All four of the Gospels tell us that the tomb of Jesus is first visited by women. Jesus is first visited by women.

It was a custom to visit the tomb of a beloved one. It was a custom to visit the tomb of a beloved one. But given the patriarchal biases of the day, it is But given the patriarchal biases of the day, it is

surprising that their visit is stressed, much less surprising that their visit is stressed, much less mentioned, in all four Gospels, especially since mentioned, in all four Gospels, especially since the testimony of women was not considered to be the testimony of women was not considered to be credible in law courts or in general. credible in law courts or in general.

There was also a subtle criticism of the disciples There was also a subtle criticism of the disciples for their failure to believe the women who are the for their failure to believe the women who are the first to learn that Jesus is alive.first to learn that Jesus is alive.


In addition, among the women, Mary In addition, among the women, Mary Magdalene is always given primacy. Magdalene is always given primacy. Mary has been a notorious person. Mary has been a notorious person. It is said that Jesus cast “seven” demons out of It is said that Jesus cast “seven” demons out of

Mary. Mary. In the case of demonic possession, “seven” In the case of demonic possession, “seven”

signifies total, complete, or maximal possession.signifies total, complete, or maximal possession.


All the appearance stories indicate that there is All the appearance stories indicate that there is some difficulty in recognizing the raised Lord some difficulty in recognizing the raised Lord because he looks significantly different. because he looks significantly different.

Again: not something to stress if you are Again: not something to stress if you are making up something to convince others that making up something to convince others that Jesus is raised from the dead.Jesus is raised from the dead. The relation between the resurrected body and our The relation between the resurrected body and our

present bodies seems more akin to the difference present bodies seems more akin to the difference between a plant and its seed.between a plant and its seed.


Jesus is not a disembodied spirit by the fact that Jesus is not a disembodied spirit by the fact that he is touched by Mary Magdalene, invites the he is touched by Mary Magdalene, invites the disciples to put their hands on his wounds, and disciples to put their hands on his wounds, and eats with them (Luke 24:39-43; cf. John 21:9, 13).eats with them (Luke 24:39-43; cf. John 21:9, 13).

Yet, Jesus also exhibits some unusual qualities, Yet, Jesus also exhibits some unusual qualities, such as being able to appear and disappear such as being able to appear and disappear suddenly in a locked room. suddenly in a locked room. If you are trying to convince others that Jesus was not If you are trying to convince others that Jesus was not

just a spirit, ghost, or even a hallucination, you would just a spirit, ghost, or even a hallucination, you would not stress such unusual qualities of his body.not stress such unusual qualities of his body.

A New Kind of A New Kind of Human BeingHuman Being

New Kind of Human BeingNew Kind of Human Being“Receive the Holy Spirit”“Receive the Holy Spirit”

John 20: 19-23: John 20: 19-23: When it was evening on that day When it was evening on that day [when he appeared to Mary Magdalene], [when he appeared to Mary Magdalene], the first day of the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”are retained.”

New Kind of Human BeingNew Kind of Human Being“Receive the Holy Spirit”“Receive the Holy Spirit”

Jesus gives the apostles the Holy Spirit by breathing on Jesus gives the apostles the Holy Spirit by breathing on them.them.

Recalls the scene in Genesis when the Lord God Recalls the scene in Genesis when the Lord God formed the first human of dust from the ground and formed the first human of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. became a living being.

But the gift of natural life is not the same as the gift of But the gift of natural life is not the same as the gift of the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit.

No one in the Old Testament ever received the Holy No one in the Old Testament ever received the Holy Spirit as a Spirit as a permanentpermanent possession. The Spirit filled possession. The Spirit filled people people episodicallyepisodically. The Spirit came and went as the . The Spirit came and went as the task for which the Spirit was given was achieved.task for which the Spirit was given was achieved.

New Kind of Human BeingNew Kind of Human BeingPermanent Indwelling of the SpiritPermanent Indwelling of the Spirit

Jesus conveys the Holy Spirit to others Jesus conveys the Holy Spirit to others permanentlypermanently, , thereby creating a thereby creating a new kind of human beingnew kind of human being..

With Jesus resurrection, a With Jesus resurrection, a newnew creation has begun. creation has begun. He is He is “the firstborn from the dead.” “the firstborn from the dead.” (Col. 1:18) (Col. 1:18)

When the disciples baptize people, the Holy Spirit is When the disciples baptize people, the Holy Spirit is given to them and also dwells with them given to them and also dwells with them permanentlypermanently. .

Therefore Paul reminds his converts that they are a Therefore Paul reminds his converts that they are a temple in which God dwells: temple in which God dwells: “Do you not know “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God’s Spirit that you are God's temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16).(1 Cor. 3:16).

New Kind of Human BeingNew Kind of Human BeingApostlesApostles

Lord commissions the disciples, now called Lord commissions the disciples, now called apostlesapostles (messengers), to go into all the world to (messengers), to go into all the world to proclaim Jesus. proclaim Jesus. ““As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

(John 20:21b). (John 20:21b). They are told to make disciples and to baptize They are told to make disciples and to baptize

them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Spirit. It is not until they receive power from the Holy Spirit It is not until they receive power from the Holy Spirit

that they embark on the mission. that they embark on the mission. The founding of the church was not the apostle’s idea, The founding of the church was not the apostle’s idea,

but was based on the authority and power of God.but was based on the authority and power of God.

Jesus as Lord Jesus as Lord and Jesus as and Jesus as

ServantServant

Jesus as Lord and ServantJesus as Lord and ServantFreedom Vs. GodFreedom Vs. God

Christians are people who have a Lord, someone Christians are people who have a Lord, someone to whom they belong and to whom they are to whom they belong and to whom they are obedient.obedient.

But how can people be free if they have a master? But how can people be free if they have a master? How can people be free if they have someone How can people be free if they have someone they must obey?they must obey? Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-80), the French philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-80), the French philosopher,

claimed that the two notions “freedom” and “God” claimed that the two notions “freedom” and “God” contradict each other. To be human is to be free, to be contradict each other. To be human is to be free, to be autonomous. The very idea of God reduces people to autonomous. The very idea of God reduces people to slavery and is essentially antihuman.slavery and is essentially antihuman.

Jesus as Lord and ServantJesus as Lord and ServantHegel: Master and SlaveHegel: Master and Slave

Hegel’s (1770-1831) analysis of the relationship Hegel’s (1770-1831) analysis of the relationship between master and slave in his “Phenomenology between master and slave in his “Phenomenology of Spirit:”of Spirit:”

In human life there is a conflict, with each person In human life there is a conflict, with each person seeking to get one’s own way. seeking to get one’s own way.

One resolution of this conflict is the master-slave One resolution of this conflict is the master-slave relation. One person dominates the other relation. One person dominates the other completely. completely. From the point of view of one of the “master” this is From the point of view of one of the “master” this is

the optimal resolution, for that person's will is obeyed the optimal resolution, for that person's will is obeyed and his personhood is fully realized.and his personhood is fully realized.


Problem: The master cannot be Problem: The master cannot be trulytruly independent or free. independent or free. To assert one’s independence or mastery, one To assert one’s independence or mastery, one mustmust

have something that is not oneself: one has status have something that is not oneself: one has status as master as master onlyonly as long as one has a slave. as long as one has a slave.

Thus one does not have perfect independence.Thus one does not have perfect independence.


Another feature of the master-slave relation is the Another feature of the master-slave relation is the master's master's contemptcontempt for the slave: for the slave: By becoming subservient to the master, the slave is By becoming subservient to the master, the slave is

debased and so is odious. debased and so is odious. The slave is debased and odious because the slave is really The slave is debased and odious because the slave is really

a person, just like the master. They are essentially the same. a person, just like the master. They are essentially the same. If the slave were not a person, there would be no contempt. If the slave were not a person, there would be no contempt.

Why be contemptuous of a river that yields to a dam? Nor Why be contemptuous of a river that yields to a dam? Nor do we hold dogs in contempt because they obey us. do we hold dogs in contempt because they obey us.

So the master's very contempt is an implicit recognition So the master's very contempt is an implicit recognition that the slave is a person and that the relation is an that the slave is a person and that the relation is an improper one.improper one.


The relation is also marked by resentment:The relation is also marked by resentment: The master resents the slave because the master needs The master resents the slave because the master needs

the slave in order to have the status of master. the slave in order to have the status of master. The slave resents the master because the slave must The slave resents the master because the slave must

obey the master. obey the master. Finally, there is envy: Finally, there is envy:

Slaves wish that they would have power like the Slaves wish that they would have power like the master. master.

The slaves envy and secretly admire what the master The slaves envy and secretly admire what the master can do and want to do it as well.can do and want to do it as well.

Jesus as Lord and ServantJesus as Lord and ServantJesus as LordJesus as Lord

But the relation of Jesus to his disciples, though one of But the relation of Jesus to his disciples, though one of dominance and subordination, is very different from the one dominance and subordination, is very different from the one Hegel describes. Hegel describes.

Jesus does not gain or hold subordinates by force. He calls Jesus does not gain or hold subordinates by force. He calls disciples: thus there is an element of choice on their part in disciples: thus there is an element of choice on their part in becoming subordinate to him. becoming subordinate to him.

Jesus seeks to confer benefits on them by teaching them. Jesus seeks to confer benefits on them by teaching them. He even performs an act of a servant or slave when he He even performs an act of a servant or slave when he

washes their feet. washes their feet. We perceive no resentment or contempt in his treatment of We perceive no resentment or contempt in his treatment of

his disciples. his disciples. Why is this so? What enables Jesus to be a different kind of Why is this so? What enables Jesus to be a different kind of

lord?lord?


The relation of superior-subordinate is justified if The relation of superior-subordinate is justified if there are genuine grounds for one to be dominant there are genuine grounds for one to be dominant and the other to be subordinate:and the other to be subordinate: Teacher – studentTeacher – student Doctor – patientDoctor – patient lawyer – clientlawyer – client pastor – congregantpastor – congregant parent – childparent – child society toward the individualsociety toward the individual the state toward the citizenthe state toward the citizen


For a relation of superior and subordinate to be For a relation of superior and subordinate to be different from Hegel’s master-slave relation, there different from Hegel’s master-slave relation, there must be some must be some genuine basis genuine basis for the two roles. for the two roles. There is none in Hegel’s; there is only brute, raw There is none in Hegel’s; there is only brute, raw

power.power. So what is the basis of Jesus’ lordship? So what is the basis of Jesus’ lordship? How can Jesus indeed be our Lord, can command How can Jesus indeed be our Lord, can command

us, have us depend on him always, without this us, have us depend on him always, without this being destructive of our personality?being destructive of our personality?

What makes Jesus a different kind of lord than What makes Jesus a different kind of lord than Hegel’s master?Hegel’s master?


The foundation of Jesus’ relation to his disciples The foundation of Jesus’ relation to his disciples and to us is that he does not need us. and to us is that he does not need us.

He does not need us in this sense: Jesus is Lord He does not need us in this sense: Jesus is Lord because of who he is, because of who he is, notnot because he has because he has followers. followers.

He is Lord by his inherent reality. He is Lord by his inherent reality. He is Lord because he is the Son of God. He is Lord because he is the Son of God. It is It is notnot because of us that he is the Son of God: because of us that he is the Son of God:

Hegel’s master is a master only if he has slaves. His Hegel’s master is a master only if he has slaves. His status status dependsdepends on his having subordinates. on his having subordinates.

Jesus is the Son of God with or without disciplesJesus is the Son of God with or without disciples

Jesus as Lord and ServantJesus as Lord and ServantCreatures Destined to Share in God’s LifeCreatures Destined to Share in God’s Life By his commands and authority, Jesus does not By his commands and authority, Jesus does not

seek to deny our persons, but to free us: seek to deny our persons, but to free us: He seeks to free us of the need to have our own person He seeks to free us of the need to have our own person

established by domination over others. established by domination over others. He seeks to free us of the need to gain recognition at He seeks to free us of the need to gain recognition at

the expense of others. the expense of others. The basis of our freedom is that he The basis of our freedom is that he gives us gives us our our

statusstatus as people destined to share in the life of as people destined to share in the life of God, now and always. God, now and always. That is That is who we arewho we are, that is , that is what we arewhat we are: creatures : creatures

destined to share in the life of God.destined to share in the life of God.

Revelation and Revelation and FaithFaith

Revelation and FaithRevelation and FaithReason in Revelation and FaithReason in Revelation and Faith

Science studies the physical world and makes its Science studies the physical world and makes its claims of truth on the basis of reproducible claims of truth on the basis of reproducible observations, controlled experiments, and observations, controlled experiments, and theoretical reasoning.theoretical reasoning.

Western religions makes claims on the basis of Western religions makes claims on the basis of “revealed” truth and faith.“revealed” truth and faith.

Those hostile to religion often distort this Those hostile to religion often distort this difference by claiming religious people rely only difference by claiming religious people rely only on their emotions, on their emotions, notnot on reason and evidence. on reason and evidence.


Our reason is intertwined with revelation and Our reason is intertwined with revelation and faith. faith. Without some understanding of what is being revealed, Without some understanding of what is being revealed,

there can be no revelation.there can be no revelation. Without some understanding of what has been Without some understanding of what has been

revealed, there can be no faith.revealed, there can be no faith. Just as friendship is a relationship involving Just as friendship is a relationship involving

mutual participation, the Bible involved a long mutual participation, the Bible involved a long period of interaction between God and God’s period of interaction between God and God’s people.people. This interaction included some early understanding This interaction included some early understanding

and and mismisunderstanding, and an improving and growing understanding, and an improving and growing understanding of God’s purposes. understanding of God’s purposes.


In coming into a personal relationship with the In coming into a personal relationship with the Holy God, we personally will develop Holy God, we personally will develop mismisunderstandings that we must correct, so that understandings that we must correct, so that we may grow and develop in our understanding of we may grow and develop in our understanding of GodGod Just as did those who initially responded to God and, Just as did those who initially responded to God and,

in time, wrote and edited and reedited the Bible.in time, wrote and edited and reedited the Bible. To grow into a proper relationship with God To grow into a proper relationship with God

requires us to use our requires us to use our wholewhole being, including our being, including our mind.mind.


Furthermore, we can use revealed truth like a Furthermore, we can use revealed truth like a flashlight, to cast light into the darkness to gain flashlight, to cast light into the darkness to gain additional understanding: additional understanding: We can use revealed truths to gain additional We can use revealed truths to gain additional

understanding of ourselves, our behavior, our society, understanding of ourselves, our behavior, our society, our natural world.our natural world.

The “illumination” of this additional The “illumination” of this additional understanding can help convince our minds that understanding can help convince our minds that the revealed truths are indeed true, that they make the revealed truths are indeed true, that they make rationalrational sense. sense.

Revelation and FaithRevelation and FaithExample: Paradoxes of Human NatureExample: Paradoxes of Human Nature

An example of using revealed truth like a An example of using revealed truth like a flashlight, casting light into a darkness to gain flashlight, casting light into a darkness to gain additional understanding: additional understanding: the “paradoxes” of the “paradoxes” of human nature.human nature. From an From an apologiaapologia (= a (= a reasonedreasoned defense of the defense of the

faith) by Blaise Pascal (1623-62) faith) by Blaise Pascal (1623-62)


We have reason and can achieve remarkable things, but in We have reason and can achieve remarkable things, but in making judgments, our reason can be thrown off by the making judgments, our reason can be thrown off by the most irrelevant and insignificant factors.most irrelevant and insignificant factors.

We who have such greatness can be utterly destroyed by the We who have such greatness can be utterly destroyed by the slightest imbalance in our bodies, or crushed as easily as an slightest imbalance in our bodies, or crushed as easily as an egg:egg: Pascal: Pascal: Man is only a reed, the weakest in nature, but he Man is only a reed, the weakest in nature, but he

is a thinking reed. There is no need for the whole is a thinking reed. There is no need for the whole universe to take up arms to crush him: a vapour, a universe to take up arms to crush him: a vapour, a drop of water is enough to kill him. But even if the drop of water is enough to kill him. But even if the universe were to crush him, man would still be nobler universe were to crush him, man would still be nobler than his slayer, because he knows that he is dying and than his slayer, because he knows that he is dying and the advantage the universe has over him. The universe the advantage the universe has over him. The universe knows nothing of thisknows nothing of this..


We are both great and insignificant, and our greatness and We are both great and insignificant, and our greatness and insignificance do not fit together. insignificance do not fit together. They are disparate truths that no philosophical or psychological theory They are disparate truths that no philosophical or psychological theory

has been able to render compatible.has been able to render compatible. Plato and Descartes said our Plato and Descartes said our reasonreason is our defining characteristic. is our defining characteristic. Freud said our Freud said our affective, irrational, animal sideaffective, irrational, animal side is our defining is our defining

characteristic. characteristic. The former stresses our greatness, the second our insignificance; yet The former stresses our greatness, the second our insignificance; yet

neither theory can be sustained. neither theory can be sustained. When we try to affirm our greatness, our lower selves and the When we try to affirm our greatness, our lower selves and the

vastness of the universe pull us from our lofty heights.vastness of the universe pull us from our lofty heights. When we stress our insignificance, our distinctiveness from the rest When we stress our insignificance, our distinctiveness from the rest

of nature resists this evaluation: of nature resists this evaluation: However small and irrational we are, we are also conscious of our However small and irrational we are, we are also conscious of our

smallness and irrationality – and that is unique, and cannot be fully smallness and irrationality – and that is unique, and cannot be fully undermined by the vastness of space or the irrationality of our undermined by the vastness of space or the irrationality of our passions.passions.


We cannot find a compromise by saying that We cannot find a compromise by saying that we are neither great nor insignificant, but we are neither great nor insignificant, but something in between, because we indeed are something in between, because we indeed are both great and insignificant, and these cannot both great and insignificant, and these cannot be blended any more than can oil and water.be blended any more than can oil and water.

Thus no philosophical or psychological theory Thus no philosophical or psychological theory can tell us what we are: great or insignificant.can tell us what we are: great or insignificant.


But Christianity can make sense of these extremes But Christianity can make sense of these extremes by its recognition of two levels of reality, the by its recognition of two levels of reality, the natural and the supernatural.natural and the supernatural. We are natural beings with a supernatural destiny.We are natural beings with a supernatural destiny. As natural beings we are limited and vulnerable, As natural beings we are limited and vulnerable,

however much we exceed other creatures. however much we exceed other creatures. But we have a greatness based on our supernatural But we have a greatness based on our supernatural

destiny, a greatest based on God’s gift of eternal life in destiny, a greatest based on God’s gift of eternal life in God’s kingdom.God’s kingdom.

Christianity enables us to see how easily we are Christianity enables us to see how easily we are deflated insofar as we are natural beings, and yet deflated insofar as we are natural beings, and yet how our greatness is secure insofar as we have a how our greatness is secure insofar as we have a supernatural destiny.supernatural destiny.

Revelation and FaithRevelation and FaithChristianity and ScienceChristianity and Science

For many atheists, science stands for rationality, For many atheists, science stands for rationality, evidence, knowledge, enlightenment. evidence, knowledge, enlightenment.

Religion, including Christianity, stands for Religion, including Christianity, stands for backwardness, conservatism, superstition, backwardness, conservatism, superstition, authoritarianism, and it is regarded as the enemy authoritarianism, and it is regarded as the enemy and rival of science.and rival of science.

In fact however, scholars in the history of science In fact however, scholars in the history of science now acknowledge that Christianity was one of the now acknowledge that Christianity was one of the major contributors to science’s rise.major contributors to science’s rise.


The rise of science is one of the great puzzles of history. The rise of science is one of the great puzzles of history. We take its existence for granted, yet it is a rather recent We take its existence for granted, yet it is a rather recent

phenomenon. phenomenon. There have been several great civilizations, with highly There have been several great civilizations, with highly

organized cities, impressive achievements in poetry, drama, and organized cities, impressive achievements in poetry, drama, and politics, yet little that we would call science developed in them.politics, yet little that we would call science developed in them.

Classical science began to take a clear shape in Europe in Classical science began to take a clear shape in Europe in the late sixteenth century.the late sixteenth century.

Why did science not arise in ancient India, Egypt, China, or Why did science not arise in ancient India, Egypt, China, or Greece, especially Greece?Greece, especially Greece? After all, ancient Greece had many of the ideas we have used in After all, ancient Greece had many of the ideas we have used in

our science, and the contribution of the Greeks was essential to our science, and the contribution of the Greeks was essential to the rise of science.the rise of science.


FirstFirst, it is essential to be interested in the , it is essential to be interested in the material world. material world.

Christians have a strong otherworldly sense: Christians have a strong otherworldly sense: they believe that the entire universe depends they believe that the entire universe depends for its existence on a perfect being, but they for its existence on a perfect being, but they also believe that nature and matter is also believe that nature and matter is good.good. This has not always been the case. There is a rather This has not always been the case. There is a rather

ambivalent attitude toward matter in much of ambivalent attitude toward matter in much of ancient Greek thought for example.ancient Greek thought for example.


SecondSecond, Christians believe that nature is orderly; that it , Christians believe that nature is orderly; that it behaves in a consistent and rational way. behaves in a consistent and rational way. Nature is orderly because it is created by a good and Nature is orderly because it is created by a good and

rational God.rational God. The ancient Greeks also stressed that nature was The ancient Greeks also stressed that nature was

orderly, but Christianity modified the Greek idea in a orderly, but Christianity modified the Greek idea in a significant way:significant way: For Christians, nature’s order, though regular, does not For Christians, nature’s order, though regular, does not

have to be the way it is. God could have ordered it have to be the way it is. God could have ordered it differently. Its actual order is just differently. Its actual order is just one possible order out of one possible order out of manymany..

In contrast, the ancient Greeks assumed that a In contrast, the ancient Greeks assumed that a singlesingle rational order could be discovered by sheer thought—or at rational order could be discovered by sheer thought—or at least mostly by thought. Nature least mostly by thought. Nature mustmust be that way in spite of be that way in spite of the fact that it might appear to be different.the fact that it might appear to be different.


ThirdThird, science is only possible if we think that nature , science is only possible if we think that nature can be understood by the human mind. can be understood by the human mind.

Christians believed that God’s creation could be Christians believed that God’s creation could be understood – for a rational God does not create an understood – for a rational God does not create an irrational universe. irrational universe.

In addition, Christians felt it was part of our God-given In addition, Christians felt it was part of our God-given vocation to find as much of that order as we can and to vocation to find as much of that order as we can and to praise God for the wonders of creation. praise God for the wonders of creation.

Johann Kepler (1571-1630), one of the pioneering Johann Kepler (1571-1630), one of the pioneering giants of classical science, and Francis Bacon (1561-giants of classical science, and Francis Bacon (1561-1626) both stressed this religious motive for doing 1626) both stressed this religious motive for doing science: science: It is our It is our divinely given vocation divinely given vocation to render praise to God by to render praise to God by

achieving a sounder understanding of God’s handiwork.achieving a sounder understanding of God’s handiwork.


FinallyFinally, the results of our investigations are to , the results of our investigations are to be shared. be shared.

Christians in the seventeenth century were Christians in the seventeenth century were aflame with the idea that we can serve one aflame with the idea that we can serve one another with a better knowledge of nature. another with a better knowledge of nature.

A knowledge of nature would enable us to A knowledge of nature would enable us to improve human life on earth: improve human life on earth: For example, Christian laypeople felt that it was For example, Christian laypeople felt that it was

their responsibility to study nature and thus their responsibility to study nature and thus improve medicine, thereby reducing pain and improve medicine, thereby reducing pain and saving life.saving life.

Next Time (April 17):Next Time (April 17):Responding To God.Responding To God.

Topics: The Holy Spirit, the Church and the Topics: The Holy Spirit, the Church and the Sacraments. Sin, Evil, and Hope for the Future.Sacraments. Sin, Evil, and Hope for the Future.

Documents

Theology for Troubled Believers: A Lenten Journey 4. The New Life in God Sunday, April 10, 2011 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor Presenter: David Monyak