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One of Austin Seminary's College of Pastoral Leaders cohorts, we are a group of seven women PC(USA) pastors who love to laugh, pray, play, and study together. And of course, drink margaritas. Here are our musings on Eugene Peterson's books about spiritual theology.
Spirited Women
The Reverends
Tracie Bullis,
Esther Choi,
Ashley Griffith,
Faith Jongewaard,
Donna McClellan,
Laurel Neal,
Shannon Weisenfels
Books
- Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places
- Eat This Book
- The Jesus Way
Reading Schedule
Eat This Book
Week of Nov. 4 - pp. x-11
Week of Nov. 11 - pp. 15-22
Week of Nov. 18 - pp. 23-36
Week of Nov. 25 - pp. 37-58
Week of Dec. 2 - pp. 59-77
Week of Nov. 4 - pp. x-11
Week of Nov. 11 - pp. 15-22
Week of Nov. 18 - pp. 23-36
Week of Nov. 25 - pp. 37-58
Week of Dec. 2 - pp. 59-77
Conference Calls
- December 6, 2007 1:30 p.m. ET
- January 10, 2008 1:30 p.m. ET
- February 7, 2008 1:30 p.m. ET
- March 3, 2008 1:30 p.m. ET
3 comments:
I think this section on Freedom and Necessity says something about the humanity of Jesus--that perfect humanity, that humanity as God intended humanity to be. I think the Temptations of Christ were temptations to be MORE than human--to not live within the "necessities" of being human, to live outside the boundaries which limit all other humans--so if you are hungry, just magically make bread, and don't wait to be fed the way other humans must. Don't be limited bythe "necessity" of gravity--just leap off the Temple and prove you are more than...Adam, interestingly enough, was created free and boundaried-- something we seem to want to forget in a search for some sort of "spirituality" which is outside the world we, by necessity as humans, must live in, are placed in. I'm thinking as I write, so hope this holds together...Let's see if I can still get it to post...
Page 79 Peterson says: "This command, which presumes the freedom to obey or disobey, is the first command given in our Scriptures. It defines us as creatures of freedom: We can decide which road to travel; we are not pre-determined. We have the capacity to say, "Yes, I'll do that," or "No, I don't think I'll do that." We are not doomed to living out, as some of our friends say, our karma. We are the only part of the creation that has this ability, the only creatuer that can say no--or yes."
Seems like this section could be really helpful for reflection when people come to us, as they often do since we're Presbyterian pastors--and want to talk about predestination and being puppets on a string. . . here Peterson gives a great description of freedom as something to embrace and celebrate. And God doesn't leave us flailing in that freedom, in God's grace and wisdom He provides boundaries (necessities)to protect us and to help us enjoy those freedoms He's given us. Of course I'm in the mode of working on understanding the power and need for limits and boudaries, the balance of our God-given freedom and the boundless grace of God and then, too, there's the law set out for our protection and so that we can be free to flourish and thrive in God-honoring ways.
I also like the reminder that we can say "Yes" or "No" in countless ways to various choices and beautiful options out there. There's a notion among some "conservative Christians"(?I hate to use labels, so forgive the imperfections of this one!)that God has "the perfect" fill in the blank for you. . . is this THE ONE, (ie, job, house, spouse, college, etc) for you and me. This seems almost silly, narcissistic anyway. God is present in and can and will bless various options in our lives. In other words, we could have many jobs which are in God's will, so long as we continually foster an awareness and attentiveness to God's direction in our lives. . . make sense?
Ashley, I totally agree with you about the false idea that there is only ONE single option out there that God will bless and that it's our job to find out what it is. I was talking with a friend this past weekend and she is so stressed about making a big decision in her life because she doesn't know which way God is leading her. She is so convinced that God will speak to her and give her a direct sign, as he's always done in her life. While I do believe we must pray and ask for wisdom and discernment, I also believe God has given us the freedom (within boundaries) to exercise choice, and that as you said, he is present in and will bless various choices!
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