Jesus

This was originally a reply to Sayak's post below, but for some reason the website won't let me comment though I tried several times :( Well... here it is:

Thanks Sayak for the long and detailed post! :) I loved reading it and I love your dedication in pursuing Truth.

It was really interesting reading about the four aspects of worldviews (I'll refer to them as The World, Ethical Ideals, History, and Life). It seems like they certainly do encompass most worldviews. I thought it was really intriguing how you noted that Christianity seemed to boil down to a single aspect, which was history as it relates to the person of Jesus (life, death, and resurrection). I feel like you are onto something deep there... after reflecting on your post, I was so encouraged because it felt like there was something new here that I learned about the whole picture of Christianity! My thought is that it isn't that Christianity is boiled down to just history and that these historical facts about Jesus are more important than all other aspects of The World, Ethical Ideals, and Life. Rather, it is that the person of Jesus encompasses all four aspects! That is, you are right that everything seems to focus and depend on Jesus. However, as compared to (what I know about) other religions, Jesus was not just a historical person who lived and died. Rather, Jesus was one with the Father at the creation of the world, came in human form to participate among us in history, and was resurrected and still living today! He is even living and active in the very hearts and lives of his followers.

The World. To me, the world consists of nature and also the reality of human existence. I feel there is a deep connection to Jesus. He said that he was there at the beginning of time and that he is one with the Father. He said that the rocks will cry out if people remain silent to praise him. His whole life's purpose seems to echo with the problem of suffering and brokenness in the world. This one's still a bit hazy with me, just a feeling...

Ethical Ideals. When Jesus came to earth, he taught about how to live and in doing so, developed a new framework of ethical ideals. Murdering is not just the act of doing so, but also thoughts of hatred. Adultery is not just the act, but the thoughts of lust. He taught about compassion for your neighbor, love for your enemies. He taught that the greatest love was to lay down your lives for others. Not only did he teach so, but he also lived an example so that we could follow him.

Life. This is probably one of the most remarkable things. In fact, Jesus encompasses the life of his believers not just because they follow his teachings, but because he is alive and living in them! He said that he will dwell in our hearts and guide us into all truth. He said that as the father has given him all authority and power, he also gives us the same. He says that through Him, we can have life. We can have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

This whole discussion made me think of 1 Corinthians chapters 1-2. In it, Paul says that "Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." What does he mean? Later, he says, "And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." I think Paul is in fact talking about point 4: Life. The calling of a follower of Christ is in fact to "take up your cross and follow Him". It is only when we take up the cross in the difficulties that face us in life that we will realize that we have power. When we learn to walk the second mile, to love, and to trust; when we cry out to God to rescue us from sorrow; when we continue to follow His example in laying down our lives for others, it is then that we will see a demonstration of the Spirit and of power! These experiences allow us to build our faith on something that will not collapse when the winds and storms of life come. Paul seems to say that these are also the ones that testify to others.

I feel so glad that you posted your thoughts Sayak. I have been thinking about this general topic of 'The Cross' lately (it's going to be the next topic in IBS!) and struggling with it. I still feel like I know so little, both in the understanding, but especially in the Life of the cross. I realize that I live my Life so often without "carrying the cross". I realize that I rarely walk the second mile in my conflicts with others. I rarely respond to stress and worries with joy, thanksgiving, and trust. But praise be to Him who is our merciful and faithful high priest, who is bringing many sons to glory. I am confident that He will be working this in each of us in the following year and the rest of our lives! It will be exciting :) And we will experience more and more of the faith that rests not on wisdom, but on the Spirit and power!