Wow this is brilliant Jonathan. It makes so much sense. God was wanting Adam and Eve to develop by process of ongoing divine friendship and the gift of relationship and with-ness, but they looked to bypass the most precious thing- the offer of the gift of relationship- of Presence - in order to gain the power of infinite knowledge by short cut. What a slap in the face to God! Makes me pause to ask, how do I scorn His offer of relationship ?
This was so helpful! Forgive me for just restating what you said so much better, but it helped to solidify the truth of what you said by writing it out again! Thank you! Blessings to you 😊
Lynnette, your response struck a chord with me. I love how you captured the essence of my post and took it even further by bringing in the relational aspect. The drama that unfolded in the garden wasn't just about knowledge but about relationship, about 'with-ness,' as you put it. You didn't just restate; you expanded the discussion in a significant way. Thanks so much for diving in and contributing your wisdom.
This quote is very helpful. More of an Orthodox mindset versus our modern evangelical teaching of we were once great and perfect now we begin from a fallen hopeless state…would love to lean or learn more of how to integrate the power of Christ in us as we grow and mature in Christ. Actually probably already stated turning to face God through a willing spirit (obedience)!
As St. Irenaeus explained:
“Though created in a state of innocence and did not know good and evil, infant humanity had the natural capacity to grow into full maturity in God. “You shall be like God,” though spoken by the serpent, was indeed the promise of God – but to be actualized through obedience, not disobedience. The serpent offered a shortcut.”
Hi Karen ... I'm delighted to hear that the quote resonated with you. Your observation about the Orthodox mindset versus modern evangelical teaching is spot-on. The Orthodox tradition often emphasizes the concept of "theosis," which aligns well with the idea of growing and maturing in Christ. It's a perspective that I find deeply enriching and one that I think offers a more holistic understanding of Christian transformation.
St. Irenaeus' words are a powerful reminder that our journey toward God is not a sprint but a marathon. The "shortcut" offered by the serpent is a temptation I succumb to over and over. Currently, I'm trying to learn from that. I'm not sure if I'm deluded and need to try harder. Or if this whole process of temptation is "tenderizing" me, growing empathy within, and causing me to deepen in patience while I actively-wait for transformative healing. While I may grapple with uncertainties about the process unfolding within me, I'm definitely sure that the whole process is covered in mercy.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I'm eager to hear more of your thoughts as we continue the journey together.
Wow this is brilliant Jonathan. It makes so much sense. God was wanting Adam and Eve to develop by process of ongoing divine friendship and the gift of relationship and with-ness, but they looked to bypass the most precious thing- the offer of the gift of relationship- of Presence - in order to gain the power of infinite knowledge by short cut. What a slap in the face to God! Makes me pause to ask, how do I scorn His offer of relationship ?
This was so helpful! Forgive me for just restating what you said so much better, but it helped to solidify the truth of what you said by writing it out again! Thank you! Blessings to you 😊
Lynnette, your response struck a chord with me. I love how you captured the essence of my post and took it even further by bringing in the relational aspect. The drama that unfolded in the garden wasn't just about knowledge but about relationship, about 'with-ness,' as you put it. You didn't just restate; you expanded the discussion in a significant way. Thanks so much for diving in and contributing your wisdom.
–Jon
This quote is very helpful. More of an Orthodox mindset versus our modern evangelical teaching of we were once great and perfect now we begin from a fallen hopeless state…would love to lean or learn more of how to integrate the power of Christ in us as we grow and mature in Christ. Actually probably already stated turning to face God through a willing spirit (obedience)!
As St. Irenaeus explained:
“Though created in a state of innocence and did not know good and evil, infant humanity had the natural capacity to grow into full maturity in God. “You shall be like God,” though spoken by the serpent, was indeed the promise of God – but to be actualized through obedience, not disobedience. The serpent offered a shortcut.”
Hi Karen ... I'm delighted to hear that the quote resonated with you. Your observation about the Orthodox mindset versus modern evangelical teaching is spot-on. The Orthodox tradition often emphasizes the concept of "theosis," which aligns well with the idea of growing and maturing in Christ. It's a perspective that I find deeply enriching and one that I think offers a more holistic understanding of Christian transformation.
St. Irenaeus' words are a powerful reminder that our journey toward God is not a sprint but a marathon. The "shortcut" offered by the serpent is a temptation I succumb to over and over. Currently, I'm trying to learn from that. I'm not sure if I'm deluded and need to try harder. Or if this whole process of temptation is "tenderizing" me, growing empathy within, and causing me to deepen in patience while I actively-wait for transformative healing. While I may grapple with uncertainties about the process unfolding within me, I'm definitely sure that the whole process is covered in mercy.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I'm eager to hear more of your thoughts as we continue the journey together.