Tonight, we are continuing with our discussions of Richard Rohr’s Immortal Diamond: Searching for Our True Self. We will be discussing Chapter 3 “What Dies and Who Lives” and Chapter 4 “The Knife Edge of Experience.” In Chapter 4, Rohr begins with the idea that “metaphor is the only possible language available in religion” to talk about things theological. p.68. One of the great joys I have in reading books from the first few centuries of Christianity is how the writers see all of creation and all of Scripture metaphorically and symbolically. For them, it is a recognition of the inadequacy both of our language and of our ability to fully conceive of and grasp the fullness of God. For the early Church, God as ultimate transcendence could only be known through metaphorical language or symbols because this was the only means to describe the indescribable. If you think about the Invisible Man of science fiction, he can only be “seen” by his coverings that give him a shape. This is how our language about God works. If you wish to go more in-depth on the symbolic language of God in the early church, I have attached the chapter on “Symbolism” from the book Theophany which explores the teachings of Pseudo-Dionysius, a fifth-century Syrian Christian.
The other major idea of this chapter is the universal pattern of resurrection demonstrated in Christ. Rohr’s concern is that when we reduce Jesus to simply a historical figure, then we miss out on the greater understanding of the universal Christ in whom we all live, and move, and have our being. Acts 17:28. When Paul gives us that great theological hymn in Philippians 2:3-11 of the cosmic descending and ascending Christ, he does so as an example and pattern for us. Phil. 2:5, 13. Or in Romans, when Paul speaks of Jesus Christ as the new Adam (Rom. 5:12-21), his underlying point is that just as we all are descended from Adam, so too will we all be descended from Jesus Christ.. The Resurrection is nothing short of the story of the Alpha and the Omega of all existence and history who makes all things new. Rev. 21:5-6. And because it is his story, it is ours as well.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is chicken cacciatore in a Cajun rue with vegan red beans and rice. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here. Please bring a friend.
Then as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:18-19