Repeat after me....Platonic Dualism!

I finished reading N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope. He reconnects ends of our theology that are frayed or have been cut by well meaning but misguided preaching and teaching. He restores what he believes is the original emphasis of the gospel and the early church on the implications of the resurrection of the body.

The idea that physical is evil and spiritual is good, in all its historical forms, from Gnosticism to Platonic influence, needs to be rooted out of our thinking. As wonderful as Heaven is, it is not our final home. The victory of Christ over death will never be complete until we have redeemed bodies like His gloroius body. So, the message of the church is not believe and sit and wait for heaven, but get involved in the suffering and pain of physical lives caught in the destructive power of sin and death, and labor now to bring relief and truth.....and hope.

Of course He said it better, more completely, and with lots of proofs. But, I get it. This life matters, this physical body and this physical world matters. The redemption of the universe is physical, the new heaven and earth are not a totally destroyed cosmos, but a totally renewed cosmos. Its revolutionary if you are influenced by dualistic thinking, as we all have been.

Not Raised on a Farm

I have not seen a day old calf in a very long time, if at all? My friend Jim showed me his, and it was beautiful. I watched Momma Cow come over and protect him, and it took him a minute to find the joyful end of the Cow, but as with all life, he found it and was nourished.

Red Mountain

This landmark north of Mesa is one of my favorite views. Just minutes from town you descend a hill and begin your drive along the scenic shortcut to Hwy 87. I saw the herd of about a dozen wild horses this morning, and tried my best to get a picture after they crossed the road two hundred yards ahead of me. You can see their tracks through the fence.

I looped back through Fountain Hills, a planned community of about 40,000 east of Scottsdale that is known for this beautiful fountain landmark that blows on the hour.
That herd of horses met me on my first drive through there 19 years ago. These must be the grandchildren by now.

Trusting your own discernment?

I have spent many years reading and studying theology. I am not bragging, just sharing that Biblical and Theological writing, Spiritual development, and any number of related concepts send me to the bookstore. I also pick up used books for future reading if they seem interesting or have been recommended. My life has been blessed immeasurably by this discipline.

But, I have to confess, when I am reading a well thought out book, I am a sucker for a good idea and and well defended point. In other words, I am easily impressed and converted. I don't always see the inconsistency or twisted logic that might be there. So, I listen to those who critique ideas as well to make sure I am not getting off balance.

On a couple of occasions I have traveled down paths for a while that I ended up backing out of when I realized I did not agree anymore with the things that brought me there.

I hope I am not that type of student who is blown about by every wind of doctrine, but rather one who learns by testing new ideas. For example, Brian McLarens "New Kind of Christian" trilogy of theo novels were so powerful to me as a reflective Christian in a conservative church. I am thankful for writers who put their ideas out there for readers to think and to grow.......and to discern.

A Thrilling Story of Faith

You think retired folks just play golf? We have a gentleman in our church in the winter who started a company several years ago. He is an avid pilot and followed a dream to build a missionary airplane that would meet the needs and costs of modern missionary work. They have raised and invested millions and have a marketing plan to help Ministries purchase the plane at discount as they sell them to farmers, skydivers, and other types of business. The Plane is called the Kodiak and it lands and takes off on a dime, uses cheaper jet fuel, holds 8 people and 2 tons of cargo. It has been thrilling to watch this project develop and see the plane undergoing tests to be certified by the FFA. If you want one I can hook you up with the right people. My entrepenurial friend is almost 80.

Beyond Words

Kathy, who blogs at Beyond Words is back after a few weeks rest. When I read about her family, church and community life I sense two things, authenticity and involvment. Visit and enjoy a reflective life in Christ.

Surprised by Hope

I am 2/3s through N.T.Wrights lauded book that reexamines the resurrection and related issues. As you read it from a pastors point of view your theological background helps you see his points that much of our belief system is as much influenced by prevailing philosophy as by what scripture said in its original cultural context.

I find my self amening and marking excellent quotes, and being thankful for the price this scholar paid to be able to communicate in this fashion.

That night in a study, as I tried to communicate some of the concepts they seem to fall flat, like the average Christian seems to say, "so what?" The beauty of a redeemed physical universe and a redeemed and glorious bodily future is enourmously exciting to me.

I will keep absorbing until this gets deep within. That last part of the book is Wrights "So what" as it concerns ministry, message and the body of Christ.

Exciting times!