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Peter Grach

Very interesting editorial referencing Paul Jones' notions of 'obsessio' and 'epiphania' - which are used to define one's theological world.

It seems a majority of the Israelites that left Egypt were of the 'obsessio' theological temperament. Their experiences of brokenness were probably profound after being in bondage for so long and having become 'conditioned' to experiencing slavery and hardship in Egypt until delivered by God through Moses.

P

Their prolonged, conditioned oppression may have created a fragmented sense of self, lacking any internalisation of wholeness with which to confront challenging circumstances.

Their experiences of epiphania, no doubt, were probably fleeting, episodic (when miracles took place), and fragile.

This seems to be the only way I can understand how so many found it difficult to believe after having seen and experienced so many miracles. For example, after seeing the waters parted at the Red Sea, they then (later) lacked the faith or confidence to enter the promised land after the spies (scouts) returned with a negative report ("We are as grasshoppers in their sight!").

I'm probably more of a Winter Christian, where I most likely expect trials, difficulties and tribulations to occur instead of positive, or good things. If something good happens - that is looked upon as something unusual, not to be enjoyed too much because for sure, something bad/negative, or some "sting" will follow to bring one "down-to-earth".

Again, trials or obsessio events/outlooks are often looked upon as necessary events to experience for the formation of character, patience, longsuffering, etc.

This reminds me of the 'funny' saying: "Sacking will continue until morale improves."

The trouble with obsessio theological outlooks is how it may affect one's view of God. God is normally seen/viewed as loving, kind, merciful, full of grace, compassion, understanding, and that is true and right.

However, when there is so much pain and suffering and disaster and evil in the world - a world He set up and created- it is difficult to understand how Infinite Love (God) can have made a world/universe where such activity/entities/happenings exist. The issue of THEODICY (the existence of evil) is the question here, I suppose.

I believe we (humans) were made imperfect, fallible, faulty, limited, subject to sin and failure.

1 Peter 1: 20 indicates God planned for sin to occur, and therefore all that followed thereafter.

1 Peter 1: 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, . . .

verse 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

verse 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you (NKJV).

I believe God's plan included the creation of a faulty, imperfect humankind that would sin and never be able to become "perfect", or "work" and change its ways from chaos, conflict and violence to peace, harmony and love.

It will take God's action, enablement, changing of man's heart and nature, from the "old man" to the "new man", ultimately to the formation of a 'New Creation' - fit for purpose, so to speak - to live with God in God's Kingdom, level and dimension (eg, the New Jerusalem).

Of course, God will renew, reconcile, restore and make all things right and good for everyone to enjoy, rejoice, give praise and worship to God in thankful appreciation and adoration (Revelation 21: 4-5).

In the meantime, when there are no miracles as Israel experienced under Moses, or whether I am not perceptive (or decisive) enough to recognise where God has, or is acting in my life, it can be difficult not to become 'obsessio' when trials, difficulties or tribulations are experienced ("Through much tribulation must one enter the Kingdom of heaven" - not sure of exact wording here-sorry).

One last point I find interesting: That is how a number of Bible characters "lost-it", or reached their limit, it seems, when trials and tribulations became too much.

Moses asked to be killed when he could no longer put up with the complaining and pressure of his fellow Israelite charges;

Job complained and wished he had never been born (as well as saying to his 3 'friends' that "God had wronged him": Job 19: 6 =not sure of verse number - sorry);

Jonah complained and wished he would die. He was unhappy Nineveh wasn't destroyed;

40% of the Psalms are Psalms of lament - plenty of "obsessio" there;

Habbakuk complained about the injustice where the rich were getting away with abusing the poor of society.

Paul asked 3 times that the "thorn" be taken away - until God actually communicated and said, "My grace is sufficient for you";

Jesus asked that "This cup be taken from me". Admittedly, He then said, "Your will be done".

I don't know why God has planned things to be this way. I would not have made it to be like this.

The 'compensating' hope and belief I have that helps somewhat is that one day God will make "all things new". The former things will be no more. All will be perfect and good and love.

Until then the struggle and fight goes on to overcome an "obsessio" theological outlook with more growth and increase in one's "epiphania" theological (outlook).

Regards,

Peter Grach

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Tom aka Volkmar's avatar

More winter than summer.

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