Mars Hill on Christology
Faith Thinking
Well, Mars Hill was certainly interesting last night. We discussed the nature of Christ's union, his humanity, and his deity. Seems the question is as complex now as it was 4th century when it became the driving force of the churches theological undertakings.
I read to them the old creeds that come from that time and have been subsequently handed down as the closest thing the church (both Catholic and Protestant) posses to an orthodox formulation of the problem. But, 'twas to little avail. Like so many people they are still convinced they could have done it better than the early fathers. What is it about the arrogance of humanity? Why do we think ourselves so much?
I suppose one can and probably should argue that we are "much" as we are created in the image of God. I suppose we could and should argue that we are special, wonderful and all this would be true, but, the more I teach, the more I find people are also intractable at times and for no apparent reason other than "I like it my way better."
Well, I can't rant too much or Sarah Gets on my case so I will sign off now. Also, in the end I cannot express how hopeful the evening made me. Their ideas were a confused amalgam of ignorance and education but, they were passionate about the subject. This in and of itself is a powerful hope. I am dealing with real people, Christians who are passionate about a discussion in what would be considered esoteric theology in nearly any realm outside of the academy. But here they are in this little town of northern Minnesota aggressively arguing with me about the nature, doctrine, and formulation of the Christos. Now that just has to give a guy like me hope.
Joe
Well, Mars Hill was certainly interesting last night. We discussed the nature of Christ's union, his humanity, and his deity. Seems the question is as complex now as it was 4th century when it became the driving force of the churches theological undertakings.
I read to them the old creeds that come from that time and have been subsequently handed down as the closest thing the church (both Catholic and Protestant) posses to an orthodox formulation of the problem. But, 'twas to little avail. Like so many people they are still convinced they could have done it better than the early fathers. What is it about the arrogance of humanity? Why do we think ourselves so much?
I suppose one can and probably should argue that we are "much" as we are created in the image of God. I suppose we could and should argue that we are special, wonderful and all this would be true, but, the more I teach, the more I find people are also intractable at times and for no apparent reason other than "I like it my way better."
Well, I can't rant too much or Sarah Gets on my case so I will sign off now. Also, in the end I cannot express how hopeful the evening made me. Their ideas were a confused amalgam of ignorance and education but, they were passionate about the subject. This in and of itself is a powerful hope. I am dealing with real people, Christians who are passionate about a discussion in what would be considered esoteric theology in nearly any realm outside of the academy. But here they are in this little town of northern Minnesota aggressively arguing with me about the nature, doctrine, and formulation of the Christos. Now that just has to give a guy like me hope.
Joe
posted by Joe at 9:51 AM
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