Random Notes

Jesus. Do we create Him? Yes. In us. The question, though, is whether or not there is an objective, or at least unified, reality behind this creation. We bring our humanity to Him, to this 'image' of Him and through 'Him' to the Father. But are we taking what is already within us and projecting it, if you will, onto this Jesus, creating an image? I think that's always a risk. The question is what is projected back to us, as in a mirror. Is there anything there? 

Or is it all just wishful thinking, a creation of our own making, a group delusion and manifestation, the power of the crowd to manufacture a mythology that is therefore able to be taught back to a group? Or is the fact of its existence a sign that it is in fact independent of us, something to discover, something already present that we, in a sense, stumble across? Is it truly something that is revealed to us? This requires humility, continually, to lay it down and surrender, 'sacrifice', it before Him. It is through Him we find out who we are as He infuses our humanity with His deified Humanity. 

My life is not that extraordinary. There is nothing shocking about it, nothing radical, nothing ridiculous, nothing extreme. What is perhaps most extraordinary is how ordinary it is. I think I spent most of my youth trying to create something extraordinary, an expression of self-identity, a rebelliousness, a protective sheath around my wounded youth. But it was a reaction out of pain out of uncertainty out of hurt rather than a true assertion of self-identity based on a Clear Vision. 

The Word, creator of all, is present in everything, including intimations within all religious traditions, all music and all expressions from the soul. It is this 'voice' that wishes to burst forth and we are its instrument. Nature and creation all 'sing' but it is from within and through our humanity that this 'voice' is most true. Theology is not a bad word. Dissociate theology from religion. Passage about Trinity as a hedge and other similar verses about theology as a bridge. Thinker? Always questioning? God. Word. Father. Son. Spirit. Jesus. Lord. Trinity. Apophatic approach. Comfortable enough to listen, not to debate to win or be right. To allow others the room to explore on their own, to question. 

Bad or confusing/ambiguous theology in worship songs. Theology is not a bad word and is, in fact, where the mind naturally gravitates to when contemplating the mystery of God. The church has, in its history, paved the way toward answering any and all questions we may have. 

There is nothing new under the sun. It may be new to us but the church protects us from thinking we are unique in the course of history which can, in its worst manifestation, lead to a cult-like dictatorship and following.