The writing of Scott Berkhimer has always helped to stretch my thoughts, I'm suggesting that we recover a theology of wild imagination, prophetic, poetic and metaphorical , one that has its roots in the Old Testament promises of a New Creation and looks forward to mercy, justice, and shalom reigning forever. I want to hear about death passing away, about all things being made new, about oppressive empires being toppled and the poor and oppressed being lifted up. I want to hear about the restoration of the Image of God in humanity and about our final return to our true purpose. I want to hear about the restoration of right relationships between us and God, each other, and Creation itself. I want to hear, not about our escaping to some home far away in the clouds, but rather about home coming to us, right here, in the middle of the mess that we've made, when God takes what is broken and restores it to what it was intended to be all along. The real, lfe-filled theology of the gospel is not about escape - it is about the Kingdom's fullness finally breaking into the present, resulting in the restoration of all things as they were always intended to be. And that's a narrative that makes the other version seem all pale and hollow, a pretender masquerading as something grand and glorious.
From The Weary Pilgrim
Technorati Tags: Church: Emerging Church: Mission: Spirituality
Beautifully put. No comment needed indeed.
so . . . . . why am I commenting? Not sure. Guess just for the sake of a cheer and offering of "thanks" for the encouragement. Which should probably be given to "The Weary Pilgrim" as well.
Posted by: Brandon | 28/04/2006 at 18:15