This document discusses saving the world by addressing four global emergencies: the environment, poverty, peace, and religion. It suggests we need a new framing story and highlights Jesus' message of the kingdom of God, which presents an ultimate non-dual reality beyond divisions. It then summarizes passages from Acts that depict Paul and Silas spreading this message and encountering people like Lydia and a slave girl who could predict the future, culminating in their imprisonment and an earthquake leading to the jailer's salvation.
God created the world as good, but humanity has filled it with evil and injustice through rebellion against God. Jesus responds that God loves humanity in its lostness and invites all to follow a new path by becoming Jesus' disciples. Through this, individuals can participate in transforming the world beginning now, in response to the crises of planet, poverty, peace, and humanity's condition. This is the good news or gospel that Jesus brings.
The document discusses how churches can become agents of hope by focusing on discipleship and spiritual formation. It argues that Jesus proclaimed a new story of God's kingdom of service, forgiveness, inclusion and sacrifice rather than domination, revolution, scapegoating or accumulation. Churches should train disciples to embody this story through spiritual practices with the Holy Spirit's power. The key is believing the gospel, accepting disciple-making as the mission, seeing faith as a way of life practiced in community, and starting small spiritual formation.
The document discusses how liturgy and Christian faith can help address four crises: planetary crisis (prosperity), poverty crisis (equity), peace-making crisis (security), and religious crisis (spirituality). It argues that conventional views see humanity as sinful and doomed, while an emerging view is that God wants to heal and transform humanity. Public worship through liturgy can bond people to a biblical narrative of hope and transformation from the individual to the global level.
This document discusses the formation of disciples through spiritual practices. It suggests that disciples of Jesus are formed through intentional practices like fasting, meditation, study, service, and identifying with Jesus, rather than through creating "Christians" or focusing on the church. The early disciples saw themselves as learners in Jesus' way who were being transformed into his image through such practices.
The document discusses two views of the human situation - a conventional view and an emerging view. It then compares how Jesus may have responded to questions about the crisis under each view. The conventional view is that humanity is doomed to hell due to imperfection, while the emerging view is that humanity has rebelled and filled the world with evil. Jesus' message under the conventional view is about individual salvation, while under the emerging view it is about transforming the human condition and following a new path.
1) The document compares conventional and emerging views on Jesus' message and how it relates to global problems.
2) Under the conventional view, humanity is doomed to hell for sins, but Jesus offers salvation for believers. The emerging view sees humanity in desperate trouble, with Jesus offering transformation by following him.
3) The top global problems are described as the general human condition and issues like living under Roman rule and competing religious sects in Jesus' time. Jesus' message offers rejection of what people have been told and a new path of discipleship.
The document discusses two views of the human situation and the questions Jesus sought to answer. The conventional view sees humanity as doomed to hell due to imperfection, while the emerging view sees humanity in desperate trouble due to rebellion and sickness. Jesus responds by saying God loves humanity and invites all to follow a new path of transformation through discipleship.
Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 15 in saying "The poor you will always have with you." The passage from Deuteronomy instructs Israelites to remit debts every seven years and not be tight-fisted toward the needy. It warns against viewing the needy with hostility near the year of remission and promises God will bless the generous. Jesus' quote acknowledges there will always be poverty in the world and an obligation to aid the poor.
God created the world as good, but humanity has filled it with evil and injustice through rebellion against God. Jesus responds that God loves humanity in its lostness and invites all to follow a new path by becoming Jesus' disciples. Through this, individuals can participate in transforming the world beginning now, in response to the crises of planet, poverty, peace, and humanity's condition. This is the good news or gospel that Jesus brings.
The document discusses how churches can become agents of hope by focusing on discipleship and spiritual formation. It argues that Jesus proclaimed a new story of God's kingdom of service, forgiveness, inclusion and sacrifice rather than domination, revolution, scapegoating or accumulation. Churches should train disciples to embody this story through spiritual practices with the Holy Spirit's power. The key is believing the gospel, accepting disciple-making as the mission, seeing faith as a way of life practiced in community, and starting small spiritual formation.
The document discusses how liturgy and Christian faith can help address four crises: planetary crisis (prosperity), poverty crisis (equity), peace-making crisis (security), and religious crisis (spirituality). It argues that conventional views see humanity as sinful and doomed, while an emerging view is that God wants to heal and transform humanity. Public worship through liturgy can bond people to a biblical narrative of hope and transformation from the individual to the global level.
This document discusses the formation of disciples through spiritual practices. It suggests that disciples of Jesus are formed through intentional practices like fasting, meditation, study, service, and identifying with Jesus, rather than through creating "Christians" or focusing on the church. The early disciples saw themselves as learners in Jesus' way who were being transformed into his image through such practices.
The document discusses two views of the human situation - a conventional view and an emerging view. It then compares how Jesus may have responded to questions about the crisis under each view. The conventional view is that humanity is doomed to hell due to imperfection, while the emerging view is that humanity has rebelled and filled the world with evil. Jesus' message under the conventional view is about individual salvation, while under the emerging view it is about transforming the human condition and following a new path.
1) The document compares conventional and emerging views on Jesus' message and how it relates to global problems.
2) Under the conventional view, humanity is doomed to hell for sins, but Jesus offers salvation for believers. The emerging view sees humanity in desperate trouble, with Jesus offering transformation by following him.
3) The top global problems are described as the general human condition and issues like living under Roman rule and competing religious sects in Jesus' time. Jesus' message offers rejection of what people have been told and a new path of discipleship.
The document discusses two views of the human situation and the questions Jesus sought to answer. The conventional view sees humanity as doomed to hell due to imperfection, while the emerging view sees humanity in desperate trouble due to rebellion and sickness. Jesus responds by saying God loves humanity and invites all to follow a new path of transformation through discipleship.
Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 15 in saying "The poor you will always have with you." The passage from Deuteronomy instructs Israelites to remit debts every seven years and not be tight-fisted toward the needy. It warns against viewing the needy with hostility near the year of remission and promises God will bless the generous. Jesus' quote acknowledges there will always be poverty in the world and an obligation to aid the poor.
The document compares a conventional view of Christianity with an emerging view. Under the conventional view, humanity is doomed because of Adam and Eve's sin, and Jesus' message is about how individuals can be saved from hell. The emerging view sees humanity as sick and lost, and Jesus' message as offering a new path of transformation by following him and participating in world change. The document goes on to discuss two questions from Brian McLaren's book about the top global problems and what Jesus' message says to address them.
The document compares the conventional and emerging views of Jesus' message in relation to global problems. The conventional view sees humanity as doomed to hell unless individuals believe Jesus died for their sins. The emerging view sees Jesus addressing the "mess" of human suffering by inviting people to follow a new path of transformation through discipleship. Global problems mentioned include those from the UN's top 15 challenges like sustainable development, water scarcity, population issues, and reducing diseases. The message of Jesus is presented as offering a response to these crises that involves rejecting harmful teachings and working to positively transform the world.
This document discusses compassionate economics and whether its vision can spread widely. It begins with some preliminary thoughts and an apology for the current state of the modern extractive, industrial, colonial and consumerist economy. It then discusses views of the economy, society and environment. Several quotes note issues with treating the earth and resources as things to exploit without limits. The document discusses postmodern economic models that are regenerative, focused on services/recycling, promote local and fair trade, and aim for steady state economies. It also includes comparisons of conventional and emerging views on theological and economic issues. Overall, the document critically examines the current economic system and explores more compassionate and sustainable alternatives.
The document discusses reframing religious beliefs for the new millennium by asking new questions rather than making statements. It presents 10 questions that are transforming Christianity, including questions about the biblical narrative, the nature of God, Jesus, the gospel, and how to have hopeful yet inclusive discussions about theology without dividing. The questions are intended to create conversations that lead to new understandings rather than static positions.
This document discusses Christian identity in a multi-faith world and presents two options - a strong-hostile identity or a weak-benign identity. However, it argues there is a better third option of a strong-benevolent Christian identity centered on Jesus' story of the kingdom of God. Jesus came with an alternative story of open hands rather than clenched fists that promoted service, reconciliation, inclusion and generosity rather than domination, revolution, purification and competition. Embodying Jesus' story requires rethinking doctrines, liturgies and missions to move away from stories that divide and promote hostility.
This document discusses the Islamic concept of life after death and its importance. It explains that believers will be judged by God based on their deeds, both good and bad, and rewarded with either heaven or hell. Non-believers deny the afterlife, while some believers think certain people will receive special treatment. True believers accept responsibility for their actions and strive to please God, knowing worldly gains are temporary but the afterlife is eternal. Belief in the afterlife shapes one's morals and motivates good behavior and avoidance of wrongdoing.
This document is a summary of a presentation by Dr. Peter Hammond on how to know there is a God. It argues that there is a God-shaped vacuum in humans that can only be filled by the eternal Creator. It provides examples from science like the complexity of the eye and astronomy that point to intelligent design. It also argues that rejecting God leaves life without meaning and exposes one to darkness of heart. The conclusion is that God reveals himself through creation and in Jesus Christ despite being rejected by some.
This document provides an overview and analysis of Matthew 12:22-29, where Jesus heals a demon-possessed blind and mute man. It discusses how unbelievers were deceived into doubting and being deluded about Jesus' power, facing damnation as a result, while believers realized Jesus fulfilled prophecies as the Messiah and brought release from demons. The summary examines the perceptions of both believers and unbelievers in response to Jesus' miracle, and how his actions demonstrated the arrival of God's kingdom.
Sovereignty, Free Will, and Salvation - Limited AtonementRobin Schumacher
The document discusses the doctrine of limited atonement, which is the Calvinist view that Jesus's death was intended to save the elect alone, rather than all of humanity without exception. It provides biblical support for this view by noting that not all people will be saved, despite passages that say Christ died for the world, and that God must therefore limit the application of Christ's atonement. If the atonement applied to all people without exception, then all people would be saved. But the atonement is only effective for those who believe, which God sovereignly enables, so the atonement is limited in its application to the elect.
The document discusses four challenges to mission: historical, doctrinal, liturgical, and missional. It then discusses whether mission needs to mean competition, describing a "World Fair of Religions" where different religious groups aggressively promoted their own faith. The document critiques the competitive and propagandistic nature of this event.
- Exorcism is the practice of evicting demons or spiritual entities believed to possess a person or place. It involves rituals and invoking God or other religious figures to cause the entity to depart.
- Exorcism is practiced in Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. In Christianity, Catholic priests perform formal exorcisms invoking Jesus Christ. In Hinduism, mantras and fire sacrifices are used. In Islam, Quran verses are recited by sheikhs.
- While some believe in demonic possession, science views exorcism as a misdiagnosis of mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Exorcisms have led to abuse and death in some cases when medical treatment was denied.
This document discusses transforming Christianity and questions that are reshaping the faith. It addresses the biblical narrative, God, Jesus, the gospel, the church, sexuality, the future, pluralism, and how to pursue these questions with humility, love and peace. It argues for a multi-narrative understanding of the Bible that creates space for good stories to emerge, rather than a totalizing metanarrative that legitimates domination. It also discusses moving beyond atonement theories focused on sacrifice or substitution to one centered on reconciliation and self-giving love.
This document discusses the challenges and opportunities for Christians to develop identities and practices that are benevolent toward other religions rather than hostile. It explores how historical events, doctrines, liturgies and missions have often divided people in the past but could be reinterpreted to bring people together. The document advocates for Christians to move beyond either strongly opposing or weakly engaging other faiths, and instead model hospitality, solidarity, and building understanding across religious differences.
This document provides a summary of the First Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, which is the Resurrection. It contains several passages from writings reflecting on the Resurrection, including its significance, how Christ's body was transformed with gifts like clarity and agility, and how he appeared first to his mother Mary. The document encourages keeping watch in prayer and sharing in the joy of Christ's Resurrection.
Lord's Messages for His Children (from The New Revelation)Simona P
The document provides excerpts from messages given by the Lord to His children on various topics. The messages encourage doing good, spreading benefactions, and drawing nearer to God. They warn that evil will grow if not stopped, and that a limit is set to evil. They advise the rich and powerful to not amass power at the expense of others. They caution against losing oneself in fleshly desires.
This document discusses the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God at the Jabbok river on the night before he was to meet his brother Esau. During their wrestling match, Jacob prevails and refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. He is then given a new name, Israel, and survives the encounter with a limp. The next day, Jacob arranges his family in order to appease Esau and is surprised when Esau embraces him warmly.
1. The document discusses the Knowledge Book, which contains secrets from ancient periods and unveils truths to help humanity understand the source of its problems and depressions.
2. It explains that the Knowledge Book has been given to humanity through Mevlana, who acts as a pen for the Golden Age, to help awakened consciousnesses discover the truth.
3. The document provides information about cosmic dimensions like the Dimension of Allah and explains hierarchies of powers like the Preeminent Power, the Almighty, and the Initial Power/Cosmic Brain in relation to Allah. It describes steps for humanity to approach Allah through increasing consciousness.
Three key conclusions can be drawn from the text:
1) The prisoners at the Puerto Montt prison rioted because they were no longer allowed to watch violent television programs after 7pm. Prison authorities believed that exposure to media violence negatively impacted prisoners' mental state and increased violent behavior.
2) Humans are influenced by external stimuli. If the stimuli are positive, human behavior will be positive, but if stimuli are negative or violent, it can lead to negative or violent behavior. Experts say "garbage in, garbage out" - what we allow into our minds shapes our thoughts and actions.
3) Exposure to media and societal violence in current times has created a culture that enables all kinds of
The document discusses Jesus' ability to raise the dead both physically and spiritually. It summarizes a passage from the Bible about the coming resurrection, where Jesus says all who are dead will hear his voice and rise from their graves - those who did good will rise to eternal life, and those who did evil will rise to be condemned. The document then provides commentary on the resurrection and its significance, emphasizing that it will happen suddenly for all people and is a central tenet of Christianity that believers should focus on as a certainty.
The US Postal Service is facing major financial challenges due to declining mail volume as more communication and business is moving online. The agency lost $8.5 billion in 2010, more than projected, as first-class mail volume fell sharply. While the Postal Service has made major job and cost cuts, it is seeking permission from Congress for service reductions and relief from healthcare benefit payments to address its financial deficits. However, advocates believe the agency can adapt to new technologies and will remain a necessary service, even as communication methods continue to evolve.
The documents discuss the past, present, and future of mainline Protestant churches. In the past, mainline churches were privileged and powerful but became marginalized after the 1970s. Another narrative is that mainline churches were courageous in addressing issues like science, race, poverty, and human sexuality. The documents explore potential for reinvention and rebirth through a new, emerging, missional form of Christian faith. Emerging churches may help mainline churches transition from a sideline to a mainstream role by embracing flexibility, diversity, and new forms of leadership and identity.
The document discusses 4 major global challenges: 1) problems facing the planet like climate change, 2) poverty, 3) lack of peace, and 4) tensions between different religions. It argues that humanity has strayed from God and caused injustice in the world. However, God wants to heal humanity and invites people to reject what they've been told and follow Jesus instead, which can begin transforming the world for the better.
The document compares a conventional view of Christianity with an emerging view. Under the conventional view, humanity is doomed because of Adam and Eve's sin, and Jesus' message is about how individuals can be saved from hell. The emerging view sees humanity as sick and lost, and Jesus' message as offering a new path of transformation by following him and participating in world change. The document goes on to discuss two questions from Brian McLaren's book about the top global problems and what Jesus' message says to address them.
The document compares the conventional and emerging views of Jesus' message in relation to global problems. The conventional view sees humanity as doomed to hell unless individuals believe Jesus died for their sins. The emerging view sees Jesus addressing the "mess" of human suffering by inviting people to follow a new path of transformation through discipleship. Global problems mentioned include those from the UN's top 15 challenges like sustainable development, water scarcity, population issues, and reducing diseases. The message of Jesus is presented as offering a response to these crises that involves rejecting harmful teachings and working to positively transform the world.
This document discusses compassionate economics and whether its vision can spread widely. It begins with some preliminary thoughts and an apology for the current state of the modern extractive, industrial, colonial and consumerist economy. It then discusses views of the economy, society and environment. Several quotes note issues with treating the earth and resources as things to exploit without limits. The document discusses postmodern economic models that are regenerative, focused on services/recycling, promote local and fair trade, and aim for steady state economies. It also includes comparisons of conventional and emerging views on theological and economic issues. Overall, the document critically examines the current economic system and explores more compassionate and sustainable alternatives.
The document discusses reframing religious beliefs for the new millennium by asking new questions rather than making statements. It presents 10 questions that are transforming Christianity, including questions about the biblical narrative, the nature of God, Jesus, the gospel, and how to have hopeful yet inclusive discussions about theology without dividing. The questions are intended to create conversations that lead to new understandings rather than static positions.
This document discusses Christian identity in a multi-faith world and presents two options - a strong-hostile identity or a weak-benign identity. However, it argues there is a better third option of a strong-benevolent Christian identity centered on Jesus' story of the kingdom of God. Jesus came with an alternative story of open hands rather than clenched fists that promoted service, reconciliation, inclusion and generosity rather than domination, revolution, purification and competition. Embodying Jesus' story requires rethinking doctrines, liturgies and missions to move away from stories that divide and promote hostility.
This document discusses the Islamic concept of life after death and its importance. It explains that believers will be judged by God based on their deeds, both good and bad, and rewarded with either heaven or hell. Non-believers deny the afterlife, while some believers think certain people will receive special treatment. True believers accept responsibility for their actions and strive to please God, knowing worldly gains are temporary but the afterlife is eternal. Belief in the afterlife shapes one's morals and motivates good behavior and avoidance of wrongdoing.
This document is a summary of a presentation by Dr. Peter Hammond on how to know there is a God. It argues that there is a God-shaped vacuum in humans that can only be filled by the eternal Creator. It provides examples from science like the complexity of the eye and astronomy that point to intelligent design. It also argues that rejecting God leaves life without meaning and exposes one to darkness of heart. The conclusion is that God reveals himself through creation and in Jesus Christ despite being rejected by some.
This document provides an overview and analysis of Matthew 12:22-29, where Jesus heals a demon-possessed blind and mute man. It discusses how unbelievers were deceived into doubting and being deluded about Jesus' power, facing damnation as a result, while believers realized Jesus fulfilled prophecies as the Messiah and brought release from demons. The summary examines the perceptions of both believers and unbelievers in response to Jesus' miracle, and how his actions demonstrated the arrival of God's kingdom.
Sovereignty, Free Will, and Salvation - Limited AtonementRobin Schumacher
The document discusses the doctrine of limited atonement, which is the Calvinist view that Jesus's death was intended to save the elect alone, rather than all of humanity without exception. It provides biblical support for this view by noting that not all people will be saved, despite passages that say Christ died for the world, and that God must therefore limit the application of Christ's atonement. If the atonement applied to all people without exception, then all people would be saved. But the atonement is only effective for those who believe, which God sovereignly enables, so the atonement is limited in its application to the elect.
The document discusses four challenges to mission: historical, doctrinal, liturgical, and missional. It then discusses whether mission needs to mean competition, describing a "World Fair of Religions" where different religious groups aggressively promoted their own faith. The document critiques the competitive and propagandistic nature of this event.
- Exorcism is the practice of evicting demons or spiritual entities believed to possess a person or place. It involves rituals and invoking God or other religious figures to cause the entity to depart.
- Exorcism is practiced in Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. In Christianity, Catholic priests perform formal exorcisms invoking Jesus Christ. In Hinduism, mantras and fire sacrifices are used. In Islam, Quran verses are recited by sheikhs.
- While some believe in demonic possession, science views exorcism as a misdiagnosis of mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Exorcisms have led to abuse and death in some cases when medical treatment was denied.
This document discusses transforming Christianity and questions that are reshaping the faith. It addresses the biblical narrative, God, Jesus, the gospel, the church, sexuality, the future, pluralism, and how to pursue these questions with humility, love and peace. It argues for a multi-narrative understanding of the Bible that creates space for good stories to emerge, rather than a totalizing metanarrative that legitimates domination. It also discusses moving beyond atonement theories focused on sacrifice or substitution to one centered on reconciliation and self-giving love.
This document discusses the challenges and opportunities for Christians to develop identities and practices that are benevolent toward other religions rather than hostile. It explores how historical events, doctrines, liturgies and missions have often divided people in the past but could be reinterpreted to bring people together. The document advocates for Christians to move beyond either strongly opposing or weakly engaging other faiths, and instead model hospitality, solidarity, and building understanding across religious differences.
This document provides a summary of the First Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, which is the Resurrection. It contains several passages from writings reflecting on the Resurrection, including its significance, how Christ's body was transformed with gifts like clarity and agility, and how he appeared first to his mother Mary. The document encourages keeping watch in prayer and sharing in the joy of Christ's Resurrection.
Lord's Messages for His Children (from The New Revelation)Simona P
The document provides excerpts from messages given by the Lord to His children on various topics. The messages encourage doing good, spreading benefactions, and drawing nearer to God. They warn that evil will grow if not stopped, and that a limit is set to evil. They advise the rich and powerful to not amass power at the expense of others. They caution against losing oneself in fleshly desires.
This document discusses the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God at the Jabbok river on the night before he was to meet his brother Esau. During their wrestling match, Jacob prevails and refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. He is then given a new name, Israel, and survives the encounter with a limp. The next day, Jacob arranges his family in order to appease Esau and is surprised when Esau embraces him warmly.
1. The document discusses the Knowledge Book, which contains secrets from ancient periods and unveils truths to help humanity understand the source of its problems and depressions.
2. It explains that the Knowledge Book has been given to humanity through Mevlana, who acts as a pen for the Golden Age, to help awakened consciousnesses discover the truth.
3. The document provides information about cosmic dimensions like the Dimension of Allah and explains hierarchies of powers like the Preeminent Power, the Almighty, and the Initial Power/Cosmic Brain in relation to Allah. It describes steps for humanity to approach Allah through increasing consciousness.
Three key conclusions can be drawn from the text:
1) The prisoners at the Puerto Montt prison rioted because they were no longer allowed to watch violent television programs after 7pm. Prison authorities believed that exposure to media violence negatively impacted prisoners' mental state and increased violent behavior.
2) Humans are influenced by external stimuli. If the stimuli are positive, human behavior will be positive, but if stimuli are negative or violent, it can lead to negative or violent behavior. Experts say "garbage in, garbage out" - what we allow into our minds shapes our thoughts and actions.
3) Exposure to media and societal violence in current times has created a culture that enables all kinds of
The document discusses Jesus' ability to raise the dead both physically and spiritually. It summarizes a passage from the Bible about the coming resurrection, where Jesus says all who are dead will hear his voice and rise from their graves - those who did good will rise to eternal life, and those who did evil will rise to be condemned. The document then provides commentary on the resurrection and its significance, emphasizing that it will happen suddenly for all people and is a central tenet of Christianity that believers should focus on as a certainty.
The US Postal Service is facing major financial challenges due to declining mail volume as more communication and business is moving online. The agency lost $8.5 billion in 2010, more than projected, as first-class mail volume fell sharply. While the Postal Service has made major job and cost cuts, it is seeking permission from Congress for service reductions and relief from healthcare benefit payments to address its financial deficits. However, advocates believe the agency can adapt to new technologies and will remain a necessary service, even as communication methods continue to evolve.
The documents discuss the past, present, and future of mainline Protestant churches. In the past, mainline churches were privileged and powerful but became marginalized after the 1970s. Another narrative is that mainline churches were courageous in addressing issues like science, race, poverty, and human sexuality. The documents explore potential for reinvention and rebirth through a new, emerging, missional form of Christian faith. Emerging churches may help mainline churches transition from a sideline to a mainstream role by embracing flexibility, diversity, and new forms of leadership and identity.
The document discusses 4 major global challenges: 1) problems facing the planet like climate change, 2) poverty, 3) lack of peace, and 4) tensions between different religions. It argues that humanity has strayed from God and caused injustice in the world. However, God wants to heal humanity and invites people to reject what they've been told and follow Jesus instead, which can begin transforming the world for the better.
The document discusses the emergence of new forms of church and Christianity. It argues that diversity, not uniformity or division, may be God's goal. Various levels and types of church are learning from one another, and people now inhabit different levels at once. Both existing and emerging churches will continue changing and relating in new ways. The future remains open-ended.
The document discusses several factors important for evangelism and transformation in a secular society:
1. The relational factor - Count conversations, not just conversions. See evangelism as a relational process rather than a conquest. People will not become Christians unless they meet and know Christians.
2. The narrative factor - It's about their story, your story, and God's story. When faith is presented as a redemptive story and way of life, rather than a system of beliefs, people see something unique and hopeful.
3. The communal factor - The greatest message of the gospel is a community that lives by it. Churches must become missional communities of disciple-making where belonging precedes
The document discusses the use of the Bible to justify slavery in the antebellum American South. It provides 5 main arguments that pro-slavery advocates used: 1) the inferiority of blacks, 2) that slavery created a Southern paradise, 3) that slavery has always existed throughout history, 4) that abolitionists were evil and fanatical, and 5) extensive Biblical justification citing passages from both the Old and New Testaments. It examines how the Bible was interpreted in sermons to tell slaves to obey their masters, and quotes former slaves who refused to hear such passages. It questions how the Bible has been used for evil ends and how interpretations can perpetuate injustice today.
This document discusses the complex relationship between Christianity, race, and sexuality throughout history. It describes how Christianity has been used to justify the oppression and harm of racial and ethnic groups, including the genocide of Native Americans, transatlantic slavery, and colonialism. It also discusses how Christian doctrines and leaders have promoted anti-Semitism, homophobia, and the subjugation of women. However, the document argues that Jesus taught a radical message of inclusion and justice for the marginalized that has often been undermined or ignored.
The document discusses the transition from the modern to the postmodern world. Some key aspects of this transition include moving from exclusivity to inclusivity, from claims of inerrancy to allowing for correction, and viewing changes in conclusions similar to how science updates models over time based on new evidence. It also addresses the challenges of developing a Christian identity in a postmodern, multi-faith world.
This document summarizes two contrasting views of the human situation and Jesus' message according to conventional and emerging perspectives. The conventional view sees humanity as doomed due to Adam and Eve's sin, while the emerging view sees humanity as sick but able to be healed by God. According to the conventional view, Jesus' message was about individual salvation from hell through belief, while the emerging view presents Jesus as offering transformation and participation in world transformation through following him as disciples.
Immortality & the Ultimate Re-boot:
The New Heavens and Earth or genonmic technologies homo evolutes?
- Presentation given to National Conference, CRF 2009 Aust.
The document discusses 4 major global issues facing humanity: 1) threats to the planet like climate change, 2) poverty, 3) lack of peace due to conflicts, and 4) tensions between different religions. It frames these issues as symptoms of humanity rebelling against God and becoming lost, confused and spiraling downward without divine intervention. The document suggests Jesus came to answer the crisis by inviting people to reject what they've been told and follow a new path of transformation through discipleship, which could begin addressing the mess of the human condition and building a better world.
This document discusses envisioning a new kind of Christian faith by rethinking foundational questions in less combative ways. It presents 10 questions transforming Christianity, including the biblical narrative, God's nature, Jesus' identity, and the church's purpose. The goal is not winning arguments but finding inclusive answers through humility, love, and peace to build a hopeful future where one age succeeds another with new possibilities.
This document discusses four stages of faith development:
1. Simplicity - A dualistic view where things are right or wrong with no gray area. Identity is in authority figures.
2. Complexity - A pragmatic view where there are many ways to succeed. Identity is in causes and achievements.
3. Perplexity - A relativistic view where everyone has an opinion and nothing is certain. Identity is in solitude.
4. Humility/Harmony - An integrated view seeking truth and fulfillment through service and relationships. Identity is in community. The document observes that leaders often only lead people in their own stage of development.
This document discusses the challenges and opportunities for Christians to develop identities and relationships with those of other faiths in a pluralistic world. It examines how Christians have historically built strong identities through hostility toward others, but argues this now threatens global solidarity. It proposes Christians build identities based on hospitality rather than hostility. It explores how doctrines can divide or heal, and how rituals like baptism could promote inclusion over exclusion. The document advocates for mission that focuses on compassion rather than proselytism or assimilation.
The document outlines a biblical narrative framework consisting of Creation, Crisis, Calling, Captivity, Conquest, Conversation, Christ, Community, and Consummation/Celebration. It discusses these stages as an alternative to traditional understandings and explores their implications. Key figures and events are situated within this framework to provide context for understanding God's unfolding story throughout history.
Prayer is discussed as a way of life that involves different types of prayers for different seasons and situations. The types of prayers discussed include prayers of invocation, thanksgiving, praise, confession, petition, intercession, aspiration, outrage, lament, meditation, consecration, and contemplation. Maintaining an ongoing prayer life involves turning to God in all circumstances through these various forms of prayer.
This document summarizes and compares acts of religious violence throughout history, including:
- The 9/11 attacks which killed over 2,600 people and led to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Christian crusades against Muslims and Jews in the 11th-13th centuries which killed an estimated 900,000 people.
- Wars between Protestants and Catholics in Europe from 1524-1648 which destroyed economies and killed millions.
- The Holocaust in which millions of Jews were killed in Nazi concentration camps solely due to their religion.
- 2002 riots in Gujarat, India where over 790 Muslims were killed in retaliation for an attack on Hindus.
It discusses how all major religions
This document summarizes a workshop on defending the Christian faith and worldview. It discusses how we got here through creation, examining two primary views of naturalism and Christianity. It explores implications of different ideas about creation and practical implications. It also covers Darwinism and the attacks on Christianity as well as intelligent design arguments. The workshop included a session on the philosopher C.S. Lewis and his defense of Christianity.
This document discusses the complex relationship between religion and violence throughout history. It notes that Christianity's early history involved using religious symbols and doctrines to identify insiders and outsiders, leading to exclusion and aggression. It examines how the scapegoat mechanism has been used to achieve political and religious unity through violence. The document then discusses the violent conquests of Christopher Columbus and the Spanish in the Americas, and the role Christianity played in legitimizing this violence and genocide against indigenous peoples. It also draws a parallel to the 4th century conquests of Constantine and how Christianity was spread through military domination and force. The overarching message is that religion has often been a tool for hostility and violence throughout history.
The document summarizes the creation stories and key figures from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It describes how all three Abrahamic religions share the same creation story of God creating the world over 7 days. It then discusses Adam and Eve living in the Garden of Eden until eating the forbidden fruit, which introduced original sin. Next, it covers Noah building the ark and restarting humanity after God's flood. The document then focuses on Jesus' life and role in Christianity, as well as the spread of Christianity under Constantine and the power of the Catholic Church. It concludes by mentioning the Crusades against Islam, the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther, and the resulting divisions in Christianity.
The document summarizes the creation stories and key figures from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It describes how all three Abrahamic religions share the same creation story of God creating the world over 7 days. It then discusses Adam and Eve living in the Garden of Eden until eating the forbidden fruit, Noah and the great flood, Jesus and his teachings and death, the spread of Christianity and conflicts with Rome and the Islamic world, and Martin Luther sparking the Protestant Reformation by nailing his 95 theses criticizing corruption in the Catholic Church.
Rejecting the Influence of Secular HumanismPeter Hammond
This document discusses the influence of worldviews and the need to reject secular humanism. It argues that everyone is influenced by a worldview that shapes their values and guides their life. The Bible presents a worldview that answers fundamental questions of life and reality. In contrast, humanist worldviews like rationalism, empiricism, and materialism reject biblical revelation. It's important to evaluate people's underlying beliefs and the practical implications of their worldview to avoid being deceived.
This document discusses human transformation and the future according to Penny Kelly's book. It describes Kelly's experiences during a 40-day fast that included increased light, traveling out of the body, and turning into light. Kelly recalls memories of an ancient advanced civilization and schools of consciousness from Mongolia. The civilization achieved immortality but suffered a great tragedy that reduced its development. Kelly assembles pieces of her experiences and memories to understand reality, consciousness, and how to achieve higher states of being and save humanity.
050a - CIVILIZATION AND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES, HYPOTHESIS OF COLLABORATIONS W...OrdineGesu
1. The document outlines the civil communities of the Order Jesus Redeemer and discusses the nature of man. It proposes alternative Christian communities that ban consumerism and promote sobriety, friendship, respect and positive thought.
2. It discusses the importance of awareness and conscience, stating that man limits himself to his own awareness and it is difficult to know ourselves without reflection. Religions must help people understand the truths of life.
3. It briefly defines conscience as feeling that man is pushed to live beyond himself. Self-knowledge and overcoming selfishness and egoism are keys to spiritual evolution, which is ensured for all men through laws like evolution, karma, reincarnation and forgiveness of sins.
The document discusses three possible futures for Christianity: continuing contraction, conservative resurgence, or pregnancy. It argues that pregnancy, characterized by theological and liturgical renewal, missional reorientation, and new ecumenical alliances, is the best future. For Christianity to experience pregnancy, it will require convergence between progressive Catholics, evangelicals, mainline Protestants, and other groups. Pregnancy will convert, cost, and change Christians, and will require a romance between social movements and institutions.
New Zealand: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith Worldbrianmclaren
This document discusses building strong Christian identity in a multi-faith world in a benevolent rather than hostile way. It argues that religious differences alone do not divide people, but rather the tendency to build identity through hostility towards others. It suggests moving beyond seeing doctrines as dividing "centering idols" and instead viewing them as "healing teachings" that can bind people together. The document advocates for specifically teaching one's own religious traditions to children to promote spiritual literacy and understanding of other faiths, rather than taking a vague non-religious approach.
New Zealand: The Bible, We Make the Road by Walkingbrianmclaren
This document discusses different approaches to reading and interpreting the Bible. It begins by outlining a spectrum from reading the Bible literally to reading it literally, and explores options such as reading it critically or post-critically. It then discusses metaphors for understanding the Bible as a constitution/contract or as a library/conversation. The document suggests that Jesus and Paul both read the Bible in dynamic ways, fulfilling or recontextualizing passages, and encourages reading it in the spirit of Jesus and Paul rather than taking an overly literal or innocent approach.
This document discusses 10 questions that are transforming Christian faith. The questions include: 1) What is the shape of the biblical narrative? 2) What is the Bible and how does it have authority? 3) Is God violent based on some biblical passages? 4) Who is Jesus and why does he matter? 5) Is the gospel a message of evacuation or transformation? 6) What do we do about the church? 7) Can issues of sexuality be addressed without division? 8) Can a more hopeful vision of the future be found? 9) How should other faiths be related to? 10) How can this quest be pursued in humility, love and peace? The document argues these questions can create new conversations and lead to transforming
This document discusses how pro-slavery advocates in the antebellum American South used selective readings of the Bible to argue that slavery was justified and ordained by God. It provides examples from the 1864 book "Nellie Norton" which made extensive biblical arguments in defense of slavery. The document examines specific passages that were cited from the Old and New Testaments to claim the Bible supported slavery. It also discusses the broader theological justifications and rhetorical strategies used by pro-slavery advocates to assert the institution of slavery aligned with scripture.
This document discusses the book of Hosea from the Bible. It begins by providing context about the prophet Hosea and his marriage to Gomer, which was meant as an object lesson about Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Several key points are made:
- Hosea names his children Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Lo-ammi to symbolize God's punishment and rejection of Israel.
- However, God also promises to someday restore the people and give them new names and identities, showing his willingness to forgive and redeem.
- Hosea's marriage to Gomer, though difficult, represents how God loves and pursues even unfaithful people in
The document discusses how the Gospel writer John uses the Greek word "logos" to describe Jesus. Rather than conforming to Greek philosophical assumptions about logos, John presents Jesus as an alternative logos that confronts those assumptions. It goes on to say that according to John, the logos is not strife but love, not war but friendship. The document then examines how the Word became flesh through Jesus living among and ministering to people.
The document discusses lessons learned from parenting and hopes for a new faith curriculum called Faith Forward. It shares that daily prayer, connecting faith to life experiences, acts of service, sharing struggles, and surrounding children with community helped. It also notes that unexplained exposure to fundamentalism and not preparing for Christian diversity did not work. The author hopes Faith Forward will develop curriculums around love, God, contemplation, justice, and involving children in the Christian community from an early age.
This document discusses the relationship between social movements, institutions, and communities. It notes that both movements and institutions are needed, as movements inject new values and ideas but risk fading without institutions to conserve gains. Movements challenge institutions to progress, while institutions can stagnate without movements. The document also discusses the biblical concept of communities and examines how movements and institutions can both benefit and harm communities. It calls for a theology that considers the interdependence and tensions between these three spheres.
The document discusses bringing together different religious groups to encourage one another, plan collaborative efforts, and discuss important issues. It emphasizes building relationships, mutual inspiration, rest and fun, and targeted conversations. The groups mentioned include progressive Catholics, socially engaged and ethnic churches, missional mainline Protestants, and progressive evangelicals. It encourages sharing stories without judgment and being open to the Spirit. A bible passage on humility and unity is included. The overall message is about fostering understanding and cooperation across religious differences.
Proslavery advocates in the antebellum American South developed elaborate arguments attempting to justify slavery using the Bible. The primary biblical argument was that slavery was sanctioned and regulated in both the Old and New Testaments. Proslavery writers cited passages such as those in Leviticus and Ephesians to argue that God ordained slavery. Abolitionists also used the Bible but interpreted its teachings as condemning slavery and upholding the equality of all people. How the Bible is interpreted and applied is important, as interpreting it in a way that claims absolute certainty can contribute to violence.
The document outlines four stages of faith development:
1) Simplicity - characterized by dualistic thinking and dependence on authority figures
2) Complexity - focused on effectiveness and success, with authorities seen as coaches
3) Perplexity - a relativistic stage where little is seen as certain and authorities are distrusted
4) Harmony - an integrated stage seeking wisdom through service and mutual relationships
It notes strengths and weaknesses at each stage and observes that leaders often guide others within their own stage of development. The goal is not to rush through stages but learn from each one.
barrington presbyterian christian identity in a multi faith worldbrianmclaren
This document discusses Christian identity in a multi-faith world. It begins by posing the question of whether peace can exist among people of different faiths who are passionately committed to their beliefs. It then examines how Christians have traditionally formed strong identities based on hostility toward other religions rather than hospitality. The document advocates for Christians developing an identity characterized by benevolence toward other religions through embracing doctrines as healing teachings rather than dividing centering idols. It explores four challenges - historical, doctrinal, liturgical, and missional - and how Christians can reimagine practices and approaches to build understanding across faiths.
The document discusses the shifts that churches must make to remain credible and relevant in a postmodern world. It argues that churches need to transition from exclusivity to inclusivity and solidarity; from claims of inerrancy to humility; from rigid doctrine to consistent methodology focused on community building, healing, rituals, and spiritual formation; and from hierarchical structures to networks that promote accountability, collaboration, and influence from the margins. The goal of these postmodern shifts is to transform identity and behavior through mission and practices that work for the common good.
The document discusses the concept of "the hyphen" in relation to churches and pastors. It explores how churches have transitioned from premodern to modern to postmodern eras and how pastors navigate their roles as employees of institutions, members of communities, and participants in movements for change. It emphasizes that both institutions and movements are needed for progress, as institutions conserve past gains and movements propose new ways forward. A key challenge is how pastors can live within this tension of the hyphen.
The document discusses strategies for addressing Conflicted Religious Identity Syndrome (CRIS). It proposes a 5-part treatment plan to help people reconcile their religious identities in a way that is not strongly hostile towards others. The treatment plan involves addressing challenges related to history, doctrine, liturgy, mission, and spirituality. It also discusses approaches like focusing on common ground between faiths while also acknowledging their meaningful differences. The goal is to help people develop a strong religious identity in a benevolent rather than hostile manner.
This document discusses different approaches to interfaith dialogue:
The Anonymous Member Approach treats other faiths as if they are one's own faith. The Incarnational Approach emphasizes understanding other faiths from within. The Common Ground Approach finds similarities between faiths.
The Incommensurable Approach recognizes fundamental differences between faiths. It discusses how different faith traditions address different problems.
The document advocates for a Neighborly/Common Good Approach, where people of different faiths work together for the greater good, as good neighbors, despite their differences.
The document discusses several topics related to religion and spirituality, including how ideas of God have evolved over time through ongoing discussion. It examines six marks or characteristics of a true religion as fulfilling its purpose by reconnecting people to themselves, their families, communities, the world, environment, and God. Public worship is discussed as a way to foster both spiritual and community formation through meaningful rituals and messages that inspire people.
The document discusses the shift in Christianity from saving outdated traditions and institutions to giving birth to new models and nurturing fragile life. It argues that the Kingdom of God is about justice, peace and joy, not rituals, hierarchies or disputes. Various experimental faith community models are presented as signs of hope for Christianity to be reborn, including pub theology, dinner groups, spiritual direction and digital models. The overall message is that the future of Christianity is undetermined and will be shaped by choices to light fires of hope starting from within.
The document discusses the idea that there is no single definitive interpretation of the Bible, but that meaning emerges through ongoing discussion and examination of tensions within the text. It presents four options for reading the Bible - innocently literal, critically literal, innocently literary, and critically literary - and argues that a faithful critical literary approach best allows for serious consideration of the text while acknowledging its human origins. The overall shape of the biblical narrative is presented as one of creation, liberation, and reconciliation.
23. Mission in a world in crisis:
Planet - unsustainable way
of life
Poverty - growing gap
between rich minority &
poor majority
Peace - spread of weapons
Religion - not helping with
#1-3
24. 4 global emergencies...
1. Planet
The Human
Conventional View
God created the world as perfect,
Emerging View
God created the world as good, but
Situation: What but because our primal human beings – as individuals, and as
2. Poverty
is the story that
ancestors, Adam and Eve, did groups – have rebelled against God and
we find not maintain the absolute filled the world with evil and injustice
ourselves in? perfection demanded by God, like a terrible disease. God wants to save
God has irrevocably determined humanity and heal it from its sickness,
that the entire universe and all it but humanity is hopelessly lost and
contains will be destroyed, and confused, like sheep without a shepherd,
the souls of all human beings – wandering farther and farther into
except for those specifically lostness and danger. Left to themselves,
3. Peace
exempted – will be forever human beings will spiral downward in
punished for their imperfection sickness and evil.
in hell.1
Basic Since everyone is doomed to Since the human race is in such desperate
Questions: What hell, Jesus seeks to answer these trouble, Jesus seeks to answer this
questions did questions: how can individuals question: what must be done about the
Jesus come to be saved from eternal mess we’re in? The mess refers both to
answer? punishment in hell and instead the general human condition and its
go to heaven after they die? How specific outworking among his
4. Religion
can God help individuals be contemporaries: living under domination
happy and successful until then? by the Roman empire, and divided into
various competing sects.
Jesus’ message: Jesus says, in essence, “If you Jesus says, in essence, “Other people and
How did Jesus want to be among those groups – including your own religious
respond to the specifically qualified to escape leaders - are leading you farther and
crisis? being forever punished for your farther astray. I have been sent by God
sins in hell, you must repent of with this good news – that God loves
your individual sins and believe humanity, even in its lostness and sin.
that my Father punished me on God graciously invites everyone and
the cross so He won’t have to anyone to question and reject what they
punish you in hell. Only if you have been told and instead follow a new
believe this will you go to path. Trust me and become my disciple,
heaven when everyone else is and you will be transformed, and you will
banished to hell.”2 This is the participate in the transformation of the
good news. world, which is possible, beginning right
now.”3 This is the good news.
1
Of course, there are many modern western non-religious ontologies and framing stories too,
plus Eastern ontologies and framing stories – both religious and irreligious.
2
This reflects a Calvinistic Evangelical protestant version of the message. The popular Roman
Catholic version might say, “You must believe in the teachings of the church and follow its
instructions, especially those regarding sacraments.” The popular mainline or liberal Protestant
25. Heat
Solar Energy
Prosperity
Resources
Waste
Equity Security
Societal Machine
The Ecosystem
26. Heat
Solar Energy
Prosperity
Resources
Waste
Equity Security
Societal Machine
The Ecosystem
Framing Story
27. Heat
Solar Energy
Prosperity
Resources
Waste
Equity Security
Societal Machine
Gospel/Good News
Jesus’ message of the kingdom,
kindom, reign, commonwealth, dream, Framing Story
ecosystem, family, network, or
movement of God....
28. Seeing Acts in a
fresh way ...
Luke and Acts as one ongoing story:
Acts of Jesus, Acts of the Risen Christ
through the apostles
29. Seeing Acts in a
fresh way ...
Kingdom of God -
the ultimate non-dual reality:
God & Creation
Us & Them
Now & Forever
Personal/Spiritual and Public/Political
30. 11 From Troas we put out to
sea and sailed straight for
Samothrace, and the next day
we went on to Neapolis. 12
From there we traveled to
Philippi, a Roman colony and
the leading city of that district
of Macedonia. And we stayed
there several days.
31.
32. 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the
city gate to the river, where we expected
to find a place of prayer. We sat down and
began to speak to the women who had
gathered there. 14 One of those listening
was a woman from the city of Thyatira
named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She
was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened
her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15
When she and the members of her
household were baptized, she invited us to
her home. "If you consider me a believer in
the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my
house." And she persuaded us.
33. 16 Once when we were going to
the place of prayer, we were met by
a female slave who had a spirit by
which she predicted the future. She
earned a great deal of money for
her owners by fortune-telling. 17
She followed Paul and the rest of
us, shouting, "These men are
servants of the Most High God, who
are telling you the way to be
saved."
34. 18 She kept this up for many
days. Finally Paul became so
annoyed that he turned around
and said to the spirit, "In the
name of Jesus Christ I
command you to come out of
her!" At that moment the spirit
left her.
35. 19 When her owners realized that
their hope of making money was
gone, they seized Paul and Silas and
dragged them into the marketplace to
face the authorities. 20 They brought
them before the magistrates and
said, "These men are Jews, and are
throwing our city into an uproar 21
by advocating customs unlawful for
us Romans to accept or practice."
36. 22 The crowd joined in the attack
against Paul and Silas, and the
magistrates ordered them to be
stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After
they had been severely flogged, they
were thrown into prison, and the jailer
was commanded to guard them
carefully. 24 When he received these
orders, he put them in the inner cell
and fastened their feet in the stocks.
37. 25 About midnight
Paul and Silas were
praying and singing
hymns to God, and the
other prisoners were
listening to them.
38. 26 Suddenly there was
such a violent
earthquake that the
foundations of the
prison were shaken.
41. At once all the prison doors flew
open, and everyone's chains
came loose. 27 The jailer woke
up, and when he saw the prison
doors open, he drew his sword
and was about to kill himself
because he thought the
prisoners had escaped. 28 But
Paul shouted, "Don't harm
yourself! We are all here!"
42. 29 The jailer called
for lights, rushed in and
fell trembling before
Paul and Silas. 30 He
then brought them out
and asked, "Sirs, what
must I do to be saved?"
43. 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord
Jesus, and you will be saved—you and
your household." 32 Then they spoke the
word of the Lord to him and to all the
others in his house. 33 At that hour of
the night the jailer took them and
washed their wounds; then immediately
he and all his household were baptized.
34 The jailer brought them into his house
and set a meal before them; he was filled
with joy because he had come to believe
in God—he and his whole household.
44. 35 When it was daylight, the
magistrates sent their officers to
the jailer with the order:
"Release those men." 36 The
jailer told Paul, "The
magistrates have ordered that
you and Silas be released. Now
you can leave. Go in peace."
45. 37 But Paul said to the
officers: "They beat us
publicly without a trial, even
though we are Roman
citizens, and threw us into
prison. And now do they
want to get rid of us quietly?
No! Let them come
themselves and escort us
out."
46. 38 The officers reported this to the
magistrates, and when they heard that
Paul and Silas were Roman citizens,
they were alarmed. 39 They came to
appease them and escorted them from
the prison, requesting them to leave
the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came
out of the prison, they went to Lydia's
house, where they met with the
believers and encouraged them. Then
they left.
47. The gospel of the kingdom of God
engages with
a colony of the empire of Caesar
Begins with the marginal
Rescues the vulnerable
Infuriates the oppressors
Loves the enemy
Confronts injustice
Sings, prays, and evangelizes
48. Internal spiritual formation in the way
of Jesus ...
is expressed through participation with
the Spirit
in the liberation of children, women,
and men ...
starting with the weakest and least
and continuing to those in power.