On Wed, 08-1-07 10:30 am
Answers: (1) I don’t think it’s orthodox, although I’d stop short of calling it heretical. (2) The quote is from Gregory A. Boyd, founder and senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, MN, and an open theist (the latter doesn’t make him wrong about everything, of course, but it does flavor his view of things). It appears in The Myth of a Christian Nation, pp 67-69.
Question: Do the following statements (not necessarily the author of the statements) pass muster1 with regard to orthodoxy? Why or why not?
According to the biblical narrative and church tradition, at some point in the primordial past, Satan managed to deceive humanity and co-opt us into his rebellion against God, seizing the world and making humanity his slaves. Jesus came into this world not only to take it back and free earth’s inhabitants but also to put an end to the war altogether. . . .
Now, through his death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished the task for which he came. He defeated the kingdom of darkness and set humanity free. In principle, therefore, the world has already been reconciled to God (2 Cor 5.14-21; Col 1.15-20). In principle, the wall of sin that separates humanity along ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and tribal lines has been destroyed. In principle, all have already died in Adam and been made alive in Christ (1 Cor 15.22; 2 Cor 5.14). In principle, we are already one new humanity in Christ (Eph 2.14-15). In principle. Yet Scripture as well as our own experience make it painfully clear that what is true in principle has not yet been manifested as accomplished fact (see, for example, Heb 2.8). . . .2
The author then explains that Jesus Christ is “the first fruit of the new humanity (Rom 8.29, Col 1.18)” and that we are also first fruits.2 He continues
To be these first fruits, we must allow the kingdom to grow in us and through us. When we genuinely repent (turn from) our idolatrous allegiances to the world and submit to God’s loving rule, the kingdom gets planted in our innermost being . . . We learn how to walk in freedom from violence, self-centeredness, materialism, nationalism, racism, and all other false ways of getting life. . . .
As we grow in Christlikeness, we grow as conduits of the kingdom, increasingly manifesting the fact that we are ‘first fruits.’ Through our Christlike love, others are brought under the influence of the kingdom until, in time, it is planted in them and the process taking place in us begins to take place in them.
Bonus Question: Who is the author and in what work do these quotes appear?
1Or, as we like to say in Texas, “pass mustard.”
2Emphasis in the original writing.
I’d say orthodox. The Bible does talk about “in heaven” and “on earth” concepts. E.g., in Eph. Paul says, “we are seated at the right hand of God …”. Does this mean that if we turn to our left we see God? Or is Paul talking about an “in heaven” concept that will one day be fully realized? I can think of several authors who noticed and expounded on this concept, Watchman Nee and his position vs condition concept, George Ladd and the “already but not yet” of the kingdon.
George Ladd is my guess for the author in his N.T. Theology.
N.T. Wright is a reasonable guess – but not correct. I suspect Wright might have some disagreements with the true author, but likely both would be quite irenic about their differences.
With regard to orthodoxy, I wonder about how we are to understand such statements as
Dr. Mike, things are standing a bit still. Is everything well in Middle Earth or are the Orcs bothering you?
[From "Chris Poor"]
First time visitor, referred from a link at Kamp Krusty…
I can’t make a direct reference to any book, but this sounds a lot (a LOT) like most of the books and pamphlets published by the Watchtower (Jehovah’s Witnesses)…
Maybe it’s just me, but whenever I read something from certain organizations (JW, Worldwide Church of God, Mormonism, etc), they all tend to sound very similar. And this one fits the bill. Out of context, it might sound orthodox to some, but I’d love to know the context.
As for my own opinion on the orthodoxy, I would question whether humanity was ever ‘enslaved’ by Satan, as opposed to deceived, and slaves to sin. I notice that neither quote really mentions forgiving sin as part of Jesus’ ‘mission accomplished’. Sin is mentioned as something that comes between men, but nothing about the relationship with God.
I disagree with the interpretation that says that ALL have already died and been reconciled to God. There is a point to Christianity as a distinct movement. Those who accept Christ are reconciled, they have died to sin, etc. Scripture says very little regarding non-believers being reconciled – don’t happen apart from Christ, period.
“…The Kingdom is planted in our inmost being…” (as opposed to the Holy Spirit) and the reference to “…idolatrous allegiances to the world…” sealed it for me. This is JW stuff, probably from “You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth” or somesuch pub.
Do I win a Prize?
You Gotta tell us where it is from!
Chris:
First place prize was a copy of Boyd’s book, Escaping the Matrix; second place was two copies of Boyd’s book, Escaping the Matrix.
Sorry, but you came in third.