In order to help me process some thoughts going through my head I've decided to blog about it. This post is a continuation of yesterday's post. Take from it what you will.
I've already hinted at my unease of the predominance of a particular explanation (atonement theory) of why Jesus died - namely to take the punishment that should have been ours. So, for some time now I have been searching for what other views have been proposed. The one I read about last evening is in relation to Jesus describing himself as a 'ransom for many.'
Some time ago someone stopped me in the street and wanted to talk to me about matters of faith. When I asked him why did Jesus die, his response was to present Jesus as a ransom for many. (He would have shown me in the Bible, but he only had a Chinese translation (??). Well, what d'ya know? I had an English one in my pocket!) So I asked the obvious question. If Jesus is a ransom, who is the ransom paid to? I didn't get a clear answer. Perhaps it was because it was raining and he didn't have an umbrella. (Well, what d'ya know? I had one of them too!)
Anyway, stop and think for a moment. Who or what is the ransom for? It can't be about paying a debt - which is what I probably used to think. If someone is asking for a ransom, it's not usually because you are already indebted to them. So is it something spiritual? Is it being paid to the devil? I can understand how you could think that, but surely that can't be right either. If it were the case then it would place Satan, at the least, at a level order with God, or further still in a higher position of power. That's just nonsense!
So, what is Jesus being a ransom all about? The book I have been reading presents the answer in the context of what Jesus said and where he said it.
First century Palestine was under Roman occupation. It was part of the Roman Empire. And the way the society of the Empire worked was through a series of obligations starting at the lowest level (the slaves) and working it's way up to the top (the Ceasar). At every level the person was obliged to serve the authority above them: slaves to their masters, sons to their fathers, the elite to Ceasar. The further up the chain you could scramble, the more power, prestige and rule you acclaimed.
Now take a look at what is going on around Jesus just before he speaks of being a ransom. A couple of disciples are asking if they can sit in positions of power when Jesus becomes "King". The other disciples are rightly annoyed at this request (because they never would have dreamed of asking such a question?, or because they didn't ask it first??). Then Jesus goes on to outline the system I've just mentioned, but suggests that those who follow him act in a different way. In fact, 'even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom.' (Mark 10:45)
You probably already know that the term ransom comes from the ancient slave trade. If someone paid a ransom the slave was freed and now belonged to the one who paid. Now though, not as a slave, but as a member of the family. Viewing the ransom of Jesus as our emancipation, his ultimate example of humility provided the framework for a means of release from attitudes that can corrupt and unhealthy desires to "make it to the top" plus entrance into the family of God. I wonder, then, if the ransom is being paid to us - setting us free from ourselves?
I'm afraid,though, that following Jesus just got a whole lot harder. My old view of the cross meant that Jesus' death caused some spiritual transaction to have taken place (there is still room for exploring areas of this theory, for sure). This new view actually calls me to do something. To follow an example. To 'take up my cross'. To serve God and his world in humility as a sign that there is an alternative way to live that is not based around power, greed and status.
I'll continue my journey and may feel the need to express more on these pages...
Tuesday 25 March 2008
Monday 24 March 2008
So, why did Jesus die?
Yeah, I know many of us just celebrated that Jesus lives, but I took a book along to the coffeehouse this evening...
I should say at this point, I'm doing a bit of theological reflection. If you want to read along, you're welcome. Maybe it will be helpful for you too. If theology (the study of God/knowing God) is not your thing, I understand. I hope to see you at a future post.
Usually on Monday evenings I head off to the supermarket to do the weekly shop, but as today was a Bank Holiday (public holiday) I didn't - mainly for two reasons: 1) We ordered pizza tonight. 2) Quite frankly I didn't want to go grocery shopping. Anyway, post-pizza I was free to head out to Moda for coffee and reading. The book I began is one I bought ages ago, but hadn't got around to it yet. My plan was to read it during Holy Week. Better late than never, eh? The book is Recovering the Scandal of the Cross by Joel Green and Mark Baker.
I've been on a spiritual/theological journey over the last few years which has taken in a number of key areas of the Christian faith. I think this is a good thing. I was talking with my dad last week and I asked him if his thoughts about God have changed over his years of ministry. He told me that anyone who, at 60, still thinks the same way as they did when they were 20 have either put their brains to bed at an early age, or have taken a long journey that has brought them full circle. I must remember that and tell my son many years form now.
One of the issues for me is the question of why did Jesus have to die. Perhaps this is a question you have asked/are asking too. In fact, just to bring my dad back into the picture again, I can remember genuinely asking my father this question when I was a teenager. Something else I should say at this point is that I don't (yet?) have a full and final answer. As an aside, however, I smiled at the very matter-of-fact response that one teenager gave when asked this question on the streets of Dublin. I was emailed a Youtube video of a group of enthusiastic evangelists who, um, confronted, yes that's the word, a group of teens armed with a microphone, a video camera and some tough questions. When asked, why did Jesus die?, the boy quickly retorted: because he lost so much blood. I wanted the evangelists (ie. one who brings good news) to respond with the correction that Jesus most likely suffocated. That was the humiliating way crucifixion was meant to work - usually over a period of days. Instead they took the theological route that made me twinge.
Over the last couple of years I have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the view of Christ's death, that I probably would have predominately held, which goes something like this: You and I are so damned awful that we deserve one hell of a beating. (Please forgive my use of some literal terminology in that last sentence.) The theory then goes on to say that God sent his son to earth in order to take that punishment that billions of people deserve. (How does that work anyway?) I won't expound on what I find so troubling about that, suffice to say I find it troubling. Now don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that we, as a people, have "fallen" below the fullness of life that God originally intended for us. My proof for that is me. There is not one who can make it through life without eventually needing redemption of some sort - whether that is acknowledged or not is another matter.
So in my reading I was presented with another view that brought fresh insight - the idea of Jesus being a ransom for many. I had always thought that it was in some way linked with the above. No, I shouldn't say thought. I presumed. Well it isn't. But will you forgive me for a second time if I wait until tomorrow to share what I discovered? The time stamp at the end of the post only says what time I started writing and not what time it actually is now! Plus this is getting a bit long and I have only just made an introduction. My main point won't be this long!
(The reflection continues here.....)
I should say at this point, I'm doing a bit of theological reflection. If you want to read along, you're welcome. Maybe it will be helpful for you too. If theology (the study of God/knowing God) is not your thing, I understand. I hope to see you at a future post.
Usually on Monday evenings I head off to the supermarket to do the weekly shop, but as today was a Bank Holiday (public holiday) I didn't - mainly for two reasons: 1) We ordered pizza tonight. 2) Quite frankly I didn't want to go grocery shopping. Anyway, post-pizza I was free to head out to Moda for coffee and reading. The book I began is one I bought ages ago, but hadn't got around to it yet. My plan was to read it during Holy Week. Better late than never, eh? The book is Recovering the Scandal of the Cross by Joel Green and Mark Baker.
I've been on a spiritual/theological journey over the last few years which has taken in a number of key areas of the Christian faith. I think this is a good thing. I was talking with my dad last week and I asked him if his thoughts about God have changed over his years of ministry. He told me that anyone who, at 60, still thinks the same way as they did when they were 20 have either put their brains to bed at an early age, or have taken a long journey that has brought them full circle. I must remember that and tell my son many years form now.
One of the issues for me is the question of why did Jesus have to die. Perhaps this is a question you have asked/are asking too. In fact, just to bring my dad back into the picture again, I can remember genuinely asking my father this question when I was a teenager. Something else I should say at this point is that I don't (yet?) have a full and final answer. As an aside, however, I smiled at the very matter-of-fact response that one teenager gave when asked this question on the streets of Dublin. I was emailed a Youtube video of a group of enthusiastic evangelists who, um, confronted, yes that's the word, a group of teens armed with a microphone, a video camera and some tough questions. When asked, why did Jesus die?, the boy quickly retorted: because he lost so much blood. I wanted the evangelists (ie. one who brings good news) to respond with the correction that Jesus most likely suffocated. That was the humiliating way crucifixion was meant to work - usually over a period of days. Instead they took the theological route that made me twinge.
Over the last couple of years I have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the view of Christ's death, that I probably would have predominately held, which goes something like this: You and I are so damned awful that we deserve one hell of a beating. (Please forgive my use of some literal terminology in that last sentence.) The theory then goes on to say that God sent his son to earth in order to take that punishment that billions of people deserve. (How does that work anyway?) I won't expound on what I find so troubling about that, suffice to say I find it troubling. Now don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that we, as a people, have "fallen" below the fullness of life that God originally intended for us. My proof for that is me. There is not one who can make it through life without eventually needing redemption of some sort - whether that is acknowledged or not is another matter.
So in my reading I was presented with another view that brought fresh insight - the idea of Jesus being a ransom for many. I had always thought that it was in some way linked with the above. No, I shouldn't say thought. I presumed. Well it isn't. But will you forgive me for a second time if I wait until tomorrow to share what I discovered? The time stamp at the end of the post only says what time I started writing and not what time it actually is now! Plus this is getting a bit long and I have only just made an introduction. My main point won't be this long!
(The reflection continues here.....)
Sunday 23 March 2008
Easter - A Big Joke
We celebrated Easter today by inviting a few friends around to our house for brunch - croissants, bacon rolls, fresh fruit salad, freshly baked muffins and cinnamon raisin bread (I love my wife!!) After a little egg hunt for the children we sat around the table with tea and coffee and I led a short reflection on the message of Easter. I'm sorry you couldn't make it today (you're welcome next Sunday), so here's the gist of what I said, for what it's worth:
Over the years and across different traditions, the meaning of Easter has been expressed in a variety of ways. One that particularly stands out for me was when C.S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, asked some children to write a poem about Easter. One little girl responded by writing a poem entitled, ‘Chocolate Eggs and Jesus Risen’. Now, some may spend the day consuming the chocolate, while others just focus on the resurrection. I certainly think there is room for both – after all Easter is meant to be a celebration and it’s proven that there is nothing like chocolate for making you feel good!
That idea of celebration is captured in different Christian traditions. I particularly like the tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church who have been known to begin their worship on Easter Sunday by telling jokes. Perhaps this echoes the words of St Paul who wrote, ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?’ (1 Cor.15:55). I think I can picture a wry smile on Paul’s face as he writes these words. Someone else once said that the resurrection was God’s biggest joke. You either get it or you don’t.
Now, it doesn’t take two thousand years of science to tell us that dead people don’t come back from the grave and yet there is something about the events of Easter that cause millions of people to believe otherwise – and also present the possibility of a future hope. Perhaps that’s a discussion for another day...
But whatever our perception or understanding of what today may be, the theme of hope, new beginnings, and life are worthy aspects to celebrate.
Happy Easter. God bless you!
Over the years and across different traditions, the meaning of Easter has been expressed in a variety of ways. One that particularly stands out for me was when C.S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, asked some children to write a poem about Easter. One little girl responded by writing a poem entitled, ‘Chocolate Eggs and Jesus Risen’. Now, some may spend the day consuming the chocolate, while others just focus on the resurrection. I certainly think there is room for both – after all Easter is meant to be a celebration and it’s proven that there is nothing like chocolate for making you feel good!
That idea of celebration is captured in different Christian traditions. I particularly like the tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church who have been known to begin their worship on Easter Sunday by telling jokes. Perhaps this echoes the words of St Paul who wrote, ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?’ (1 Cor.15:55). I think I can picture a wry smile on Paul’s face as he writes these words. Someone else once said that the resurrection was God’s biggest joke. You either get it or you don’t.
Now, it doesn’t take two thousand years of science to tell us that dead people don’t come back from the grave and yet there is something about the events of Easter that cause millions of people to believe otherwise – and also present the possibility of a future hope. Perhaps that’s a discussion for another day...
But whatever our perception or understanding of what today may be, the theme of hope, new beginnings, and life are worthy aspects to celebrate.
Happy Easter. God bless you!
Monday 17 March 2008
Prayer of St Patrick
Happy St Patrick's Day to you!
I won't be heading in to the city for the parade today. Instead I think I will celebrate a bit of Irishness this evening at a coffeehouse with a book of Irish myths and legends.
For a few local thoughts about Paddy's Day check out Dublin Mom.
In the meantime, here's the prayer from the man himself. This version was transcribed by Mrs C.F. Alexander and was first used on 17th March 1889. Mrs Alexander is also known for such hymns as 'Once in Royal David's City', 'There is a Green Hill Faraway', and perhaps most notably for 'All Things Bright and Beautiful.'
St Patrick's Breastplate
(The Lorica)
I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever,
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan River;
His death on cross for my salvation;
His bursting form the spiced tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet 'Well done' in judgement hour;
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles word,
The patriarchs' prayers, the prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, his might to stay,
His ear to harken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hands to guide, his shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptations force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all the love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One, and One in Three.
Of whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord!
I won't be heading in to the city for the parade today. Instead I think I will celebrate a bit of Irishness this evening at a coffeehouse with a book of Irish myths and legends.
For a few local thoughts about Paddy's Day check out Dublin Mom.
In the meantime, here's the prayer from the man himself. This version was transcribed by Mrs C.F. Alexander and was first used on 17th March 1889. Mrs Alexander is also known for such hymns as 'Once in Royal David's City', 'There is a Green Hill Faraway', and perhaps most notably for 'All Things Bright and Beautiful.'
St Patrick's Breastplate
(The Lorica)
I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever,
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan River;
His death on cross for my salvation;
His bursting form the spiced tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet 'Well done' in judgement hour;
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles word,
The patriarchs' prayers, the prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, his might to stay,
His ear to harken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hands to guide, his shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptations force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all the love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One, and One in Three.
Of whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord!
Sunday 9 March 2008
Another One!
Ok, I know I said I was going to stop playing this silly game, but for some reason I can't stop myself. (That sounds terribly worrying!)
I took the kids on a short train ride this weekend into Blackrock. On of the first things I noticed when coming out of the station was a new Starbucks. I couldn't resist it. I had to check it out. (Like it was going to be any different than any other Starbucks?)
The store is located in a former Post Office which makes it the biggest Starbucks I've been into in Ireland - a bit more space than usual. As far as views from a coffeehouse go, there is a great view from the deck out the back which looks out across Dublin Bay. (Before that sounds too ideal check out this photo of Ireland's biggest eye sore right on the Bay). Unfortunately the queue was pretty long and very slow, but I'd committed myself - I have this silly game, don't I?
The site must have cost them a fortune and I'm sure it will take years to turn a profit even at Starbucks prices. But, and I've said this before, the alleged tactics of Starbucks is to open a store in a coffee dense area with the goal of eventually drowning out the competition. Such is the cut throat world of commerce and a reason that I struggle with going to Starbucks in the first place. Like I said, I can't help myself. (Oh man, I really do have a problem.)
On the way back to the station I passed a local independent cafe. It had a sign on the wall showing it was for sale. Must be a coincidence...right?
I took the kids on a short train ride this weekend into Blackrock. On of the first things I noticed when coming out of the station was a new Starbucks. I couldn't resist it. I had to check it out. (Like it was going to be any different than any other Starbucks?)
The store is located in a former Post Office which makes it the biggest Starbucks I've been into in Ireland - a bit more space than usual. As far as views from a coffeehouse go, there is a great view from the deck out the back which looks out across Dublin Bay. (Before that sounds too ideal check out this photo of Ireland's biggest eye sore right on the Bay). Unfortunately the queue was pretty long and very slow, but I'd committed myself - I have this silly game, don't I?
The site must have cost them a fortune and I'm sure it will take years to turn a profit even at Starbucks prices. But, and I've said this before, the alleged tactics of Starbucks is to open a store in a coffee dense area with the goal of eventually drowning out the competition. Such is the cut throat world of commerce and a reason that I struggle with going to Starbucks in the first place. Like I said, I can't help myself. (Oh man, I really do have a problem.)
On the way back to the station I passed a local independent cafe. It had a sign on the wall showing it was for sale. Must be a coincidence...right?
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