Home | Theology
TOWARD A CHRISTIAN WORLD VIEW A recent study concluded that only about twenty-five percent of professing Christians evidenced a viable world view. A world view consists of a comprehensive perspective, incorporates some of its more problematic aspects, invests life with meaning, and enables persons to effect constructive change. Initially, a world view is comprehensive. It resembles climbing to the top of a high overlook, from which one can see to the far horizon. The vista is thus not obscured by some immediate concern. This recalls Blase Pascal’s classic wager. If we decide that there is no God and there is, we have much to lose. If we conclude that God exists and he does, we have much to gain. If we determine that God exists and he doesn’t, we have still made the most of life. There are, in any case, problem areas. I recently considered a prime example in Pain As a Means of Grace (Wipf & Stock). In brief, I reasoned that our capacity for pain is commensurate with that of pleasure. The more of the one, the more of the other. I explored this topic in greater length with paradise lost, the Job narrative, Jesus’ passion, the voice of the martyrs, and a more reasoned approach. This serves as a companion volume to C. S. Lewis’ popular text The Problem of Pain. The further task of investing life with meaning, in preparation for constructive change, is taken up in a still more recent work Space/Time Odyssey (Eloquent Books). Space is what we move around in: left to right and the reverse, forward and backward, and up and down. We see birds flying in the air, and cows walking around in a field. It sometimes seems inviting, other times intimidating, but generally taken for granted. Time appears related to duration. I calculated as a child that it took me about ten minutes to walk to school. That is, unless a predictably mean tempered dog caused me to assume a more indirect route. Even so, we are told that time proceeds at a different rate for a space traveler than one left behind on earth. Were this not sufficiently confusing, the perception of time differs according to our vantage point. For instance, whether we are on a speeding train or watching it from a road crossing. Space and time also coexist in relationship to one another. As such, they provide a continuum through which we make our way. It appears as if a long voyage, which I defer to as an odyssey. It helps to know our destination, what we may encounter along the way, and the means at our disposal. Scripture provides a prized guideline in these regards. As affirmed by the psalmist, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (119:11). This, in turn, introduces us to the nation of a sacred canopy—a term coined by the prominent sociologist Peter Berger. It implies viewing life as if within a sacred setting. In graphic terms, the Almighty declares: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool” (Isa. 66:1). The sacred canopy contrasts sharply with the imagery of life as a jungle, along with the survival of the most fit. As for the latter, it substitutes a culture of death for a culture of life. Abortion for convenience also provides a modern counterpart to child sacrifice. Life is eminently good from a biblical perspective, providing it conforms to God’s gracious intent. Therein lies the problem, as evidenced by man’s tragic fall and exclusion from paradise. A subsequent series of narratives portrays a world created and sustained by a benevolent deity, while inhabited by self-indulgent, violent, and unrepentant individuals. Only a relative few solicit the Lord’s approval, and this in qualified terms. This gives rise to the imagery of the two ways: that of the righteous and wicked. As for the former, it resembles a tree planted by a stream. As for the latter, it is likened to chaff which the wind blows away (cf. Psa. 1). It remains to trace the course of salvation history from its beginning to consummation. Along with this, to reflect on spacial consideration as appropriate to the discussion. For instance, one chapter is devoted to what Raphael Patai designates as a culture continent. If in any other words, a region where persons have much in common. Whereas Patai lists twenty-five characteristics of Middle Eastern culture, I have opted for twelve that seem more significant. As an example, I explore the implications of the dawn of a new day. In geographic terms, the Semitic people of antiquity faced in an easterly fashion. Initially, this appears to recall their origin. Accordingly, the purpose for which they were created. Finally, it served as a needed point of reference whereby to meet the demands of life. Consequently, the psalmist affirms: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (118:24). It was said of the patriarchs, “While persons of faith, they were not always faithful.” We can readily identify with them in this regard, since we are all works in progress. It was said of the prophets, “It was their unenviable task to fine-tune the monarchy to its covenant ideals.” In this regard, they took sin more seriously than the general populace. Following the exile, they fostered hope in the return of the chosen people and the consummate rule of the Almighty. It was said of the apostles, “They served as Christ’s emissaries, to cultivate a fledgling fellowship and proclaim the gospel to all nations.” The results were truly astonishing in spite of formidable obstacles and violent opposition. In the course of tracing salvation history, I devoted two chapters to the geographical setting of biblical narrative. I am indebted in this regard to having led several study tours to the Holy Land, and then living in Jerusalem for four years—allowing me to travel around the countryside. This, too, brings to mind the allusion to the land as the fifth gospel, since it throws so much light on its four counterparts. All things considered, we are encouraged to make the most of our space/time odyssey. Cf. publication website: http://www.ourchurch.com/member/p/publications
Article Source: http://www.christianarticledirectory.org
publication website: www.ourchurch.com/member/p/publications
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
