Atonement theology implies that Jesus’ life, crucifixion, and resurrection are necessary to make it possible for humans to be “saved” from eternal suffering. From that perspective, the meaning of Jesus’ birth is that “the cavalry has come to rescue us from doom.” (I’ve always found the play on words between “cavalry” and “Calvary” to be interesting, but misleading. The liberal church has quite a difficult time with this kind of atonement theology, but does discrediting it then mean that the birth of Jesus as the son of God has no value? No, that position would be tantamount to throwing the baby (so to speak) out with the bathwater.
Healthy Liberal Theology needs Christmas! We need to celebrate the coming of the light into a world of darkness. We need to express our great joy in song about the birth of the “Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Prince of Peace” whose coming was foretold by the Hebrew Prophets. We need to give and receive in the healing spirit of generosity. And frankly, we need to hear and be moved by the stories.
We all know (or at least suspect) that the stories of Jesus’ birth are the kinds of mythological accounts that surround the birth of all great heroes and messiahs – just like we all know (or at least suspect) that Santa Claus would face practically impossible barriers to visiting all homes in the world in a twenty-four hour period. Still, we love the Santa stories because we know that they are true. How many wise thinkers have reminded us that stories do not have to be historically (or practically) factual in order to be true? Even after we are pretty sure about the logistical problems facing Santa Claus, we still know the story to be fundamentally true.
And so it is with the theology of Christmas and its stories of miraculous conception, angelic visitations, long mystical journeys, and world-transforming events. A good story is just that – good. So, at this time, I remind myself and you to set aside all skepticism, all disclaimers about historical accuracy, and enjoy the season. Sing songs, give and receive gifts, embrace family and friends, and prepare your heart be moved.
“For Unto you a child is born…”
May your Christmas be joyful, safe, and may it transform your life.
Wayne Gustafson
Ps. I will be away next week. The Blog will return on January 7, 2009.
Happy New Year
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment