Theology for Troubled Believers: A Lenten Journey 5. Responding to God Sunday, April 17, 2011 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor Presenter: David Monyak

Theology for Theology for Troubled Believers:Troubled Believers:A Lenten JourneyA Lenten Journey

5. Responding to God5. Responding to God

Sunday, April 17, 201110 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor

Presenter: David Monyak

March 13 and March 20: The Nature of God.March 13 and March 20: The Nature of God. Topics: Introduction to Theology. The Holy One of Israel. The Topics: Introduction to Theology. The Holy One of Israel. The

Maker of Heaven and Earth. The Limits of Science. What is Maker of Heaven and Earth. The Limits of Science. What is Meant by “God”Meant by “God”

March 27: SufferingMarch 27: Suffering Topics: Nature as a Witness and Innocent Suffering. Innocent Topics: Nature as a Witness and Innocent Suffering. Innocent

Suffering and Life Beyond Death. Suffering from Nature and Suffering and Life Beyond Death. Suffering from Nature and Extreme Human Cruelty.Extreme Human Cruelty.

April 3: The Divine Sacrifices.April 3: The Divine Sacrifices. Topics: The Sacrifice in Creation. Incarnation as Sacrifice. The Topics: The Sacrifice in Creation. Incarnation as Sacrifice. The

Temptations in the Wilderness. The Sacrifice of the Cross.Temptations in the Wilderness. The Sacrifice of the Cross. April 10: The New Life in God.April 10: The New Life in God.

Topics: The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Life. Jesus as Topics: The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Life. Jesus as Lord and Jesus as Servant. Revelation and Faith.Lord and Jesus as Servant. Revelation and Faith.

April 17: Responding to God.April 17: Responding to God. Topics: The Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Topics: The Holy Spirit, the Church, and the

Sacraments. Sin, Evil, and Hope for the Future.Sacraments. Sin, Evil, and Hope for the Future.

ReferenceReference

Theology for a Theology for a Troubled Believer. Troubled Believer. An Introduction to An Introduction to the Christian the Christian Faith.Faith. Diogenes Diogenes Allen, 2010. Allen, 2010. Chapters 16, 17Chapters 16, 17

ReferenceReference

Theology for a Troubled Believer. An Theology for a Troubled Believer. An Introduction to the Christian Faith.Introduction to the Christian Faith. Diogenes Allen, 2010Diogenes Allen, 2010

Lord Jesus Christ, you said that you are the Way, the Lord Jesus Christ, you said that you are the Way, the

Truth, and the Life.Truth, and the Life.

Help us not to stray from you, for you are the Way;Help us not to stray from you, for you are the Way;

nor to distrust you, for you are the Truth;nor to distrust you, for you are the Truth;

nor to rest on any other than you, as you are the nor to rest on any other than you, as you are the

Life.Life.

You have taught us what to believe, what to do, You have taught us what to believe, what to do,

what to hope, and where to take our rest.what to hope, and where to take our rest.

Give us grace to follow you, the Way, to learn from Give us grace to follow you, the Way, to learn from

you, the Truth, and live in you, the Life.you, the Truth, and live in you, the Life.Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, 1467-1536Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, 1467-1536

Priest and Theologian, Christian HumanistPriest and Theologian, Christian Humanist

This week:This week:Responding To GodResponding To God

The Church:The Church:A Colony of A Colony of

HeavenHeaven

A Colony of HeavenA Colony of HeavenBirth of the ChurchBirth of the Church

The Church began on the day of The Church began on the day of PentecostPentecost The apostles receive the Spirit with the authority and The apostles receive the Spirit with the authority and

power to carry out their power to carry out their missionmission as as apostlesapostles = = messengers.messengers.

Their Their missionmission had been given to them by Jesus. The had been given to them by Jesus. The result of their witness is a new community, the result of their witness is a new community, the ChurchChurch..

On the Day of Pentecost itself, Peter’s proclamation of On the Day of Pentecost itself, Peter’s proclamation of Jesus as Savior and Lord causes some three thousand Jesus as Savior and Lord causes some three thousand people to be baptized, and they devote themselves people to be baptized, and they devote themselves “to “to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers”breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). (Acts 2:42).

A Colony of HeavenA Colony of HeavenA Community of Common PropertyA Community of Common Property

At first within the community, all possessions At first within the community, all possessions are held in common and are distributed to all are held in common and are distributed to all as they have need. as they have need. In part, this practice was possible because of an In part, this practice was possible because of an

expectation that Jesus would soon return and fully expectation that Jesus would soon return and fully establish the kingdom.establish the kingdom.

Although a community of common property did Although a community of common property did not continue, genuine community remains an ideal, not continue, genuine community remains an ideal, and it is approximated by the church’s care for the and it is approximated by the church’s care for the needy of the world.needy of the world.

A Colony of HeavenA Colony of HeavenInauguration of the KingdomInauguration of the Kingdom

The failure of Jesus to return quickly, as the early The failure of Jesus to return quickly, as the early church expected, did not lead to a severe crisis:church expected, did not lead to a severe crisis: The death of some believers before Jesus’ return The death of some believers before Jesus’ return

apparently troubled some of the Christians in Corinth apparently troubled some of the Christians in Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:12-56), but in general the delay of (1 Corinthians 15:12-56), but in general the delay of Jesus’ return did not cause a crisis of faith.Jesus’ return did not cause a crisis of faith.

This was because the early Christians believed This was because the early Christians believed that the kingdom of God that the kingdom of God had already come had already come with with the ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of the ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.


That is: the kingdom of God had already been That is: the kingdom of God had already been inauguratedinaugurated with the ministry, death, with the ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, and the gift resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spiritof the Holy Spirit

The The fullfull establishment of the kingdom of God establishment of the kingdom of God would not happen would not happen untiluntil Jesus’ return. Jesus’ return.

Jesus brought the dawning of the kingdom of Jesus brought the dawning of the kingdom of God, and Jesus’ followers live God, and Jesus’ followers live betweenbetween Jesus’ Jesus’ inauguration of the kingdom of God and its inauguration of the kingdom of God and its consummation.consummation.


Christians thus believed they were already Christians thus believed they were already living living “in the last days” “in the last days” (Acts 2:17), or last (Acts 2:17), or last eon, characterized by the beginning presence eon, characterized by the beginning presence of of final realityfinal reality, the kingdom of God., the kingdom of God. EschatologicalEschatological = concerning ultimate or final = concerning ultimate or final

things, such as the destiny of humanity.things, such as the destiny of humanity. The Church was an The Church was an eschatological community eschatological community

living in the light and from the power of the living in the light and from the power of the kingdom of God.kingdom of God.

A Colony of HeavenA Colony of HeavenAn Eschatological CommunityAn Eschatological Community

As Paul put it in his Letter to the Philippians, As Paul put it in his Letter to the Philippians, the local church of which they were a part was the local church of which they were a part was a a colony of heaven colony of heaven (3:20)(3:20) The city of Philippi was in fact literally a The city of Philippi was in fact literally a colonycolony of of

Rome, founded as a Roman settlement in Greece Rome, founded as a Roman settlement in Greece for retired legionnaires. Its inhabitants lived as for retired legionnaires. Its inhabitants lived as much like Romans as possible, even though they much like Romans as possible, even though they were far from Rome.were far from Rome.

A Colony of HeavenA Colony of HeavenAn Eschatological CommunityAn Eschatological Community

The church as an The church as an eschatological communityeschatological community—a —a community that lives in the light and from the community that lives in the light and from the power of the power of the kingdom of Godkingdom of God—gives its —gives its members a new identity:members a new identity: ““If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation;

everything old has passed away; see, everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” everything has become new!” (2 Cor. 5:17).(2 Cor. 5:17).

This new identity created a new pattern of This new identity created a new pattern of relationship with others in the church, breaking relationship with others in the church, breaking down barriers between people.down barriers between people.

A Colony of HeavenA Colony of HeavenA Radical New CommunityA Radical New Community

The breaking down of barriers showed the The breaking down of barriers showed the radical nature of the new community:radical nature of the new community: The admission of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the The admission of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the

church on equal footing with Jewish Christians has church on equal footing with Jewish Christians has been called a “sociological miracle.”been called a “sociological miracle.”

Galatians 3:23-29: Galatians 3:23-29: “There is no longer Jew or “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise.”offspring, heirs according to the promise.”

Baptism and the Baptism and the EucharistEucharist

Baptism and the EucharistBaptism and the EucharistChildren of the Same FatherChildren of the Same Father

Through baptism into Christ, we are related to Through baptism into Christ, we are related to Jesus’ Father as our Father and are privileged Jesus’ Father as our Father and are privileged to address God as Jesus taught us pray: to address God as Jesus taught us pray: “Our “Our Father in heaven” Father in heaven” (Matt. 6:9). (Matt. 6:9).

Our relations to each other are as Our relations to each other are as children of children of the same Fatherthe same Father, who takes precedence over , who takes precedence over our earthly parents and establishes us as our earthly parents and establishes us as brothers and sisters.brothers and sisters.

Baptism and the EucharistBaptism and the EucharistChildren of the Same FatherChildren of the Same Father

Our union with Christ is strengthened and Our union with Christ is strengthened and renewed with every celebration of Jesus’ renewed with every celebration of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension in the death, resurrection, and ascension in the EucharistEucharist (= “thanksgiving”), or (= “thanksgiving”), or Holy Holy CommunionCommunion..

Baptism and the EucharistBaptism and the EucharistNature of the Eucharistic Bread and WineNature of the Eucharistic Bread and Wine

One of the most contentious issues over Holy One of the most contentious issues over Holy Communion is the nature of the bread and Communion is the nature of the bread and wine in Communion. In what sense are they wine in Communion. In what sense are they the body and blood of Christ?the body and blood of Christ?

In the early church all theologians were In the early church all theologians were “realist”“realist”: all believed that the consecrated : all believed that the consecrated elements of bread and wine were the body and elements of bread and wine were the body and blood of Jesus.blood of Jesus.

Baptism and the EucharistBaptism and the EucharistNature of the Eucharistic Bread and WineNature of the Eucharistic Bread and Wine This has been understood in two different ways.This has been understood in two different ways. The first makes a distinction between the visible The first makes a distinction between the visible

elements or elements or sacramentumsacramentum (the bread and wine) (the bread and wine) and what they and what they signify and mediate signify and mediate by God’s by God’s power: the power: the resres (the body and blood): (the body and blood): The bread and wine are The bread and wine are signssigns of a reality (the body and of a reality (the body and

blood) that is somehow actually present, though the blood) that is somehow actually present, though the reality is apprehended only by faith.reality is apprehended only by faith.

This was the view of such great theologians of the This was the view of such great theologians of the early church as Athanasius, Tertullian, and early church as Athanasius, Tertullian, and Augustine.Augustine.

Baptism and the EucharistBaptism and the EucharistNature of the Eucharistic Bread and WineNature of the Eucharistic Bread and Wine

The second interpretation was a later tendency The second interpretation was a later tendency to explain the identity as being the result of an to explain the identity as being the result of an actual conversion actual conversion of the bread and wine, so of the bread and wine, so that they that they becomebecome the the actualactual body and blood of body and blood of Christ.Christ.

Baptism and the EucharistBaptism and the EucharistEucharist as a Eucharist as a AnamnesisAnamnesis

Holy Communion includes a remembrance of Holy Communion includes a remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection—an Christ’s death and resurrection—an anamnesisanamnesis—recalling a past event in such a way as to —recalling a past event in such a way as to bring it before us, so that the past becomes a bring it before us, so that the past becomes a reality in the present.reality in the present.

Baptism and the EucharistBaptism and the EucharistA Celebration of the CommunityA Celebration of the Community

Holy Communion is a celebration of the community, Holy Communion is a celebration of the community, the body of Christ, the people of God, the body of Christ, the people of God, It is not just a “collection” of isolated, personal acts.It is not just a “collection” of isolated, personal acts.

In Holy Communion we In Holy Communion we togethertogether are in communion are in communion with Christ and, because of this communion, we are in with Christ and, because of this communion, we are in communion with each other.communion with each other.

Sharing a community meal within the “colony of Sharing a community meal within the “colony of heaven,” the eschatological community, anticipates a heaven,” the eschatological community, anticipates a just sharing of all the gifts of creation in justice and just sharing of all the gifts of creation in justice and love”love” This is why the worship service ends with a challenge, such This is why the worship service ends with a challenge, such

as as “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit

The Holy SpiritThe Holy SpiritGod Present PersonallyGod Present Personally

After Jesus ascends to the Father, the After Jesus ascends to the Father, the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit remains as a presence that comforts, strengthens, and remains as a presence that comforts, strengthens, and encourages the church and each believer (John 14:18, encourages the church and each believer (John 14:18, 26; 15:26; 16:14). 26; 15:26; 16:14).

God the Holy Spirit God the Holy Spirit is the way God is present to us is the way God is present to us individually and personally. As Basil the Great (339-individually and personally. As Basil the Great (339-379 A.D.) put it:379 A.D.) put it: After the likeness of the sunbeam, whose kindly After the likeness of the sunbeam, whose kindly

light falls on him who enjoys it as though it shone light falls on him who enjoys it as though it shone for him alone, yet illumines land and sea and for him alone, yet illumines land and sea and mingles with the air. So too, is the Spirit to mingles with the air. So too, is the Spirit to everyone who receives It, as though given to him everyone who receives It, as though given to him alone, and yet It sends forth grace sufficient and alone, and yet It sends forth grace sufficient and full for all humankind, and is enjoyed by all who full for all humankind, and is enjoyed by all who share It.share It.

The Holy SpiritThe Holy SpiritActive Power of the TruthActive Power of the Truth

The The Holy Spirit’s Holy Spirit’s activity also enables Jesus’ activity also enables Jesus’ followers to understand more fully Jesus’ followers to understand more fully Jesus’ teachings, and inspires obedience to them as the teachings, and inspires obedience to them as the “active power” of truth:“active power” of truth: Simon Weil (1909-1943): Simon Weil (1909-1943): There is a great There is a great

difference between a truth which is difference between a truth which is recognized as such and introduced and recognized as such and introduced and reviewed in the mind as such, and a truth reviewed in the mind as such, and a truth which is active in the soul [the whole person] which is active in the soul [the whole person] and endowed with the power to destroy within and endowed with the power to destroy within the soul those errors that are clearly the soul those errors that are clearly incompatible with it. The active power of the incompatible with it. The active power of the truth is the truth is the pneuma hagion pneuma hagion [Holy Spirit], the [Holy Spirit], the divine energy.divine energy.

The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit“Wounds” Caused By the Spirit“Wounds” Caused By the Spirit

Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) suggested the Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) suggested the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit, the Active Power of the Truth, , the Active Power of the Truth, “batters” our ego, our self-centeredness, our “batters” our ego, our self-centeredness, our evil inclinations, our indifference, and our evil inclinations, our indifference, and our conformity to the ways of the world, and so conformity to the ways of the world, and so “wounds” us.“wounds” us.

The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit“Wounds” Caused By the Spirit“Wounds” Caused By the Spirit

Julian specifies three wounds in particular:Julian specifies three wounds in particular: 1. 1. The wound of contritionThe wound of contrition. Repentance and . Repentance and

continuing repentance for our disobedience.continuing repentance for our disobedience. 2. 2. The wound of compassionThe wound of compassion. Love for neighbor, . Love for neighbor,

wrings our heart because love involves our sorrow wrings our heart because love involves our sorrow for human distress.for human distress.

3. 3. The wound of longingThe wound of longing. As love for God . As love for God increases, we suffer a longing for the fullness of increases, we suffer a longing for the fullness of God’s presence in the kingdom, as does a lover for God’s presence in the kingdom, as does a lover for the beloved.the beloved.

The Holy SpiritThe Holy SpiritSummarySummary

By means of the By means of the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit, by means of the , by means of the Active Power of Truth Active Power of Truth within us: within us: We are led us into Christ’s truth by the destruction of We are led us into Christ’s truth by the destruction of

those errors incompatible with God’s Word; and thusthose errors incompatible with God’s Word; and thus We are brought closer to the fullness of Christ in our We are brought closer to the fullness of Christ in our

lives.lives. Within the Church, the eschatological community, Within the Church, the eschatological community,

the “colony of heaven,” the the “colony of heaven,” the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit, the , the Active Power of TruthActive Power of Truth, inspires activities for the , inspires activities for the building up of the church and the spreading of its building up of the church and the spreading of its life.life.

The Power of Sin The Power of Sin and Eviland Evil

Power of Sin and EvilPower of Sin and EvilFailing To Conform Our Lives to ChristFailing To Conform Our Lives to Christ

Despite of being part of the body of Christ and Despite of being part of the body of Christ and having the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, having the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, we fail to conform our lives to Christ (= to live we fail to conform our lives to Christ (= to live Christlike lives)Christlike lives)

Paul, Romans 7:18-20: Paul, Romans 7:18-20: I can will what is I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.sin that dwells within me.

Power of Sin and EvilPower of Sin and EvilDefinition of Evil and SinDefinition of Evil and Sin

Evil Evil and and sinsin can be understood only in relation can be understood only in relation to:to: God, as understood in the light of Jesus, the true God, as understood in the light of Jesus, the true

human being that we fail to be. human being that we fail to be. the kingdom of God, the future that God has in the kingdom of God, the future that God has in

store for us.store for us. SinSin and and evilevil = that which is opposed to the = that which is opposed to the

will of God.will of God. They are thus profoundly They are thus profoundly theological termstheological terms

Power of Sin and EvilPower of Sin and EvilThe Fall and Original SinThe Fall and Original Sin

What accounts for our own (and Paul’s) What accounts for our own (and Paul’s) “tendency” to sin?“tendency” to sin?

Among the ancient Jews, the idea of a “fall” Among the ancient Jews, the idea of a “fall” arose. Their reasoning: arose. Their reasoning: God creates only good.God creates only good. Therefore the inherent tendency to sin does not Therefore the inherent tendency to sin does not

belong to human nature as it was created. belong to human nature as it was created. So some time after the creation, there must have So some time after the creation, there must have

been a “fall,” causing a corruption of human nature been a “fall,” causing a corruption of human nature and the inherent tendency to sin.and the inherent tendency to sin.

Power of Sin and EvilPower of Sin and EvilThe Fall and Original SinThe Fall and Original Sin

Allen notes scholars have suggested this idea Allen notes scholars have suggested this idea of a “fall” arose only after the return of the of a “fall” arose only after the return of the Jews to Palestine from their exile in Babylon Jews to Palestine from their exile in Babylon in the sixth century.in the sixth century.

The Jews then looked for confirmation for this The Jews then looked for confirmation for this view in the Scriptures:view in the Scriptures: Some found it in the story of the lustful angels that Some found it in the story of the lustful angels that

sexually assaulted mortal women in Genesis 6:1-4.sexually assaulted mortal women in Genesis 6:1-4. However this interpretation of the origin of sin However this interpretation of the origin of sin

((“original sin”“original sin”) was largely replaced by finding ) was largely replaced by finding the fall in the story of Adam and Eve.the fall in the story of Adam and Eve.

Power of Sin and EvilPower of Sin and EvilModern Version of “Original Sin”Modern Version of “Original Sin”

Allen proposes a modern version of the origin of Allen proposes a modern version of the origin of sin (= “original sin”) consistent with a the modern sin (= “original sin”) consistent with a the modern understanding of life evolving over time:understanding of life evolving over time:

Because of our needs as contingent beings, we are Because of our needs as contingent beings, we are easily distracted by the material world, which is easily distracted by the material world, which is closer to us and attractive, and many of its goods closer to us and attractive, and many of its goods meet many of our needs. meet many of our needs.

So a people or a “pre-people” in our evolution So a people or a “pre-people” in our evolution turned their attention and efforts in the direction turned their attention and efforts in the direction of the material world and so lost their orientation of the material world and so lost their orientation to God and God’s purposes.to God and God’s purposes.

This This orientation away from God orientation away from God = “= “original sinoriginal sin.”.”


This disorientation led to disorder among This disorientation led to disorder among appetites and desires, and affected the sense of appetites and desires, and affected the sense of judgment as to what is good, right, true, and judgment as to what is good, right, true, and honorable.honorable.

Networks and other social relationships developed Networks and other social relationships developed that were not as God intended.that were not as God intended.

By being formed and shaped by the inherited By being formed and shaped by the inherited social network, each individual was “weakened” social network, each individual was “weakened” in their ability to wrestle with the temptations to in their ability to wrestle with the temptations to which their nature as finite creatures subjected which their nature as finite creatures subjected them to. them to.

The “original sin” was thus perpetuatedThe “original sin” was thus perpetuated


Individuals are born without an awareness of God, with Individuals are born without an awareness of God, with a “neutral” orientation (neither towards nor away from a “neutral” orientation (neither towards nor away from God)God) Allen rejects Augustine’s idea we are born with the Allen rejects Augustine’s idea we are born with the

inherited guilt inherited guilt of the Adam and Eve’s “original sin.”of the Adam and Eve’s “original sin.” However, as we grow and mature and reach the age of However, as we grow and mature and reach the age of

reason, we “buy into” the values of the flawed social reason, we “buy into” the values of the flawed social networks with their orientations away from God, and at networks with their orientations away from God, and at that point become guilty of “original sin” ourselves.that point become guilty of “original sin” ourselves.

We walk away from God by pursuing earthly goods and We walk away from God by pursuing earthly goods and in seeking to meet our needs for security and in seeking to meet our needs for security and significance apart from God.significance apart from God.


God calls us back in many ways. God’s Spirit, God calls us back in many ways. God’s Spirit, the “Active Power of Truth” for example, the “Active Power of Truth” for example, makes us aware of:makes us aware of: the inability of finding any lasting satisfaction in the inability of finding any lasting satisfaction in

the things of this world,the things of this world, The inability to make ourselves secure in this The inability to make ourselves secure in this

world,world, The futility of our efforts to establish significance The futility of our efforts to establish significance

in this world.in this world.


If we repent—turn around, orient ourselves towards If we repent—turn around, orient ourselves towards God—we can start to become aware of God.God—we can start to become aware of God. The Greek word for “repentance” is The Greek word for “repentance” is metanoiametanoia, which , which

means turning around in life and reorienting one’s entire means turning around in life and reorienting one’s entire outlook to Godoutlook to God

No longer is God behind us, so to speak, but now we No longer is God behind us, so to speak, but now we face toward God.face toward God.

But even when repentant, we still are not But even when repentant, we still are not fullyfully oriented oriented on God, since we are on God, since we are distantdistant from God through having from God through having walked away from God by our evil thoughts and walked away from God by our evil thoughts and actions. actions.

Our understanding is still clouded, and our motives are Our understanding is still clouded, and our motives are not fully ordered on God. not fully ordered on God.


Since we are now facing in the direction of God, Since we are now facing in the direction of God, we are we are justifiedjustified = regarded as = regarded as righteousrighteous by God, by God, but we are still not fully conformed to God’s will. but we are still not fully conformed to God’s will.

Some of us have walked Some of us have walked furtherfurther into evil than into evil than others. So we have others. So we have differentdifferent distances to walk to distances to walk to return to God: return to God: Some people who have repented and begun their walk Some people who have repented and begun their walk

toward God are still more evil than some people who toward God are still more evil than some people who have not repented, but who have not walked as far have not repented, but who have not walked as far away from God as some repentants had done. away from God as some repentants had done.

So it is not surprising that there are some non-So it is not surprising that there are some non-Christians who, for a time at least, lead better lives Christians who, for a time at least, lead better lives than some Christians.than some Christians.

Partners with Partners with GodGod

Partners with GodPartners with GodAdam and Eve’s ResponsibilitiesAdam and Eve’s Responsibilities

The story of Adam and Eve is helpful not only as a The story of Adam and Eve is helpful not only as a story demonstrating the nature of sin, but also is story demonstrating the nature of sin, but also is extremely valuable for its insights into our relation to extremely valuable for its insights into our relation to God.God.

Adam and Eve are charged with ruling over the animals Adam and Eve are charged with ruling over the animals and caring for God’s garden or paradise.and caring for God’s garden or paradise.

Although Adam and Eve thus have responsibilities, Although Adam and Eve thus have responsibilities, they are they are limitedlimited in their knowledge of the effects of in their knowledge of the effects of their actions for good or evil.their actions for good or evil.

But they are clearly told to leave the fruit of the tree of But they are clearly told to leave the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil alone – even though it the knowledge of good and evil alone – even though it might give them knowledge that they need.might give them knowledge that they need.

Partners with GodPartners with GodAdam and Eve’s ResponsibilitiesAdam and Eve’s Responsibilities

They must therefore act on the garden and the They must therefore act on the garden and the animals as best they can, but animals as best they can, but withoutwithout full full knowledge of the consequences of their deeds. knowledge of the consequences of their deeds. That is: That is: they must trust in God’s providential care they must trust in God’s providential care

that things will turn out well and, if things do not that things will turn out well and, if things do not seem to be working out as they think they should, seem to be working out as they think they should, to continue to have faith in God’s providence.to continue to have faith in God’s providence.

Adam and Eve were thus called to seek to Adam and Eve were thus called to seek to meet their responsibilities for creation as meet their responsibilities for creation as partners with Godpartners with God..

Partners with GodPartners with GodOur Daunting SituationOur Daunting Situation

We too are called to meet our responsibilities as a We too are called to meet our responsibilities as a partner with Godpartner with God..

We must make every effort to act responsibly, to learn We must make every effort to act responsibly, to learn from experience, to succeed. from experience, to succeed.

But we must balance our efforts with an acceptance of But we must balance our efforts with an acceptance of our ultimate dependence on God’s providence. our ultimate dependence on God’s providence.

We can go wrong either by:We can go wrong either by: an overdependence, so that we neglect our responsibility an overdependence, so that we neglect our responsibility

for the future, orfor the future, or by losing faith in God’s providence, and so in effect reject by losing faith in God’s providence, and so in effect reject

God from our lives, as individuals, as a colony of heaven, God from our lives, as individuals, as a colony of heaven, and as a society. and as a society.

Our situation is a Our situation is a dauntingdaunting one. one.

Partners with GodPartners with GodAdam and Eve’s Daunting SituationAdam and Eve’s Daunting Situation

It was daunting for Adam and Eve, who were It was daunting for Adam and Eve, who were perhaps tempted to eat of the fruit of the tree perhaps tempted to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil so they of the knowledge of good and evil so they could better fulfill their responsibilities could better fulfill their responsibilities without having to trust God’s providence.without having to trust God’s providence.

Partners with GodPartners with GodHope for the FutureHope for the Future

The undetermined and uncontrolled future is a source The undetermined and uncontrolled future is a source of anxiety for us. We have responsibilities to meet.of anxiety for us. We have responsibilities to meet.

We are tempted to:We are tempted to: go it alone (like perhaps Adam and Eve in eating of the go it alone (like perhaps Adam and Eve in eating of the

fruit)fruit) or to become wholly passive and let God sort everything or to become wholly passive and let God sort everything

out without us. out without us. But But partnershippartnership is the way God has specified for us, a is the way God has specified for us, a

much more much more demandingdemanding path to follow: path to follow: We are neither to think and act as if we can fully control We are neither to think and act as if we can fully control

our fate and make ourselves secure, nor to despair of trying our fate and make ourselves secure, nor to despair of trying to improve our situation.to improve our situation.

We are to have We are to have hopehope for the future, a future lived according for the future, a future lived according to God’s way.to God’s way.

Documents

Theology for Troubled Believers: A Lenten Journey 5. Responding to God Sunday, April 17, 2011 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor Presenter: David Monyak