34. Tensions Between Classical Thought and Christianity
Contemplating Culture: A Missionary Walk Through A Secular AgeShow Notes
In this episode we look at 6 tensions between classical Greek thought and Orthodox Christianity as they played out in the aftermath of the Enlightenment: i) the importance of the body, ii) what of our lives is important when we reach our ultimate end, iii) the sense of the individual in eternity, iv) the importance of contingency and the unfolding of history, (v) the importance of the emotions, and vi) the human person as one who is capable of divine communion.
For each of these, we've formulated a reflection question for you to think and/or discuss and/or pray about: i) Is the body part of the highest good, or a hindrance to it? ii) Is the whole story of ups and downs of someone's life important in the end, or just where you end up? iii) Is the individual retained in the end or lost in the gathering of eternity? iv) Has God pre-written the story, or does it unfold as different events and choices are made? v) Does God have emotion? If we're moving towards being like God, what should be the place of our emotions? vi) Are we created and saved to go to heaven, or to be in personal communion with the divine?
References: -Pages of A Secular Age, Charles Taylor: (275-280)
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