Theosis
– that is the topic for the day (or whenever it is that you listen to
this podcast). For this episode Jonathan is joined by Doug Perkins (Father
Anthon
y) who is the priest of St. Michaels Ukrainian Orthodox Church. If you
are going to talk about something mystical and Eastern then it is a good idea
to talk to someone from that tradition. You can check out his blog and podcast here.
Theosis is the
notion, or approach to becoming like God, divinization for the Western folks.
We are not suggesting that one becomes God, but rather that an individual can
grow to a place of holiness through the grace of God; sanctification for you
holiness movement folks. This concept does not work if one has a heavy view of
the brokenness and depravity of humanity especially one that harbors notions of
original sin. If we are born worthless and weighed down with sin, then how can
we ever hope that we could even begin to approach the holiness of God. The
notion of theosis suggests that it is
possible to grow in our divinity, in the goodness that we all have just by
being a part of God’s creation. Yes, we all tend to make bad decisions from
time to time getting in the way of the process. Sometimes they are really,
really bad decisions, but the
potentiality is still there to grow in the divine. For all of you existential
nuts out there you may find a correlation. The difference is that this is not
completely about simply making the right choices – God must be involved in the
process or else it is not possible.
Such an approach holds up the life of Christ as an example
to follow and the cross as the assurance of grace when we miss the mark. This
broadens the previous podcast episode which looked at the role of the cross and
the resurrection to the life of Christ. Now we are not only looking at the end
of Christ’s ministry but the entirety of his life. Salvation is found in the
cross and the resurrection, but also in living the way Christ calls you to
live. He shows us that way with his own life. The idea of theosis is often paired with knosis
which is the emptying of oneself. Empty yourself and take on the divine life
showed to us by Christ.
If you want to read a
fun, late 19th century take on this notion we recommend P.T.
Forysth’s The Person and Place of Jesus
Christ.
Railige
Christmas music! Bah. Boo. Put it away! No more decking
halls or looking for front teeth or sad songs about not being home for
Christmas. In church context stay in Advent, wait, don’t jump the gun, and stop
singing that blasted music!
Oh, and sleep. Try to get enough sleep. You need it, you
can’t live without it, so get to sleep. Maybe use a past episode to help you
snooze away.
Opening
the Word
Matthew 26:26-30
One of the standard “Last Supper” texts – Jonathan and Doug
discuss the different approaches they have towards the Lord’s Supper in their
tradition and both agree that it is not something to take lightly and offer to
just anyone. There is a shared understand within the community that makes the
moment holy. It isn’t just a meal.
Watcha’
Into?
Thanksgiving! Ok, a little late, but not too early to start
planning for next year’s turkey feast! Have it be about the gathering, the
people, the games, and the fun. And you probably shouldn’t play Risk – it will end with someone crying
and that isn’t what Thanksgiving is about. It’s about bankrupting people in the
game of Monopoly!
As always, please
review us on ITunes – it helps with our ratings and standings and helps other
people hear about the show. Let us know what you think!
Happy Advent!
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