I went to both of Wright’s lectures at Fremont Presbyterian Church. At this point I don’t remember the dates. The first lecture was followed by a panel of people from Fuller Theological and elsewhere, all Wright fans, who did not challenge Wright’s premises but rather raised incidental critiques of parts of his approach to Paul. There was an opportunity for questions from the audience after that. I stayed in my seat.
The evening lecture was on Wright’s perception of the gospels. In this one he moved into how we are challenged beyond saying “The Second Coming is close at hand, so save yourself!” We are stilled called to work for social justice. Why, because we are in the period of “life after death (to sin), i.e baptismal life. I agree with his message. We just come to it from very different perspectives.
In the end, I am reflecting on words by Brian Baker and Marcus Borg: So what? What if people believe different characterizations of the ‘Easter event’? This is not the important matter. What is important is what we do as Christians, as those who believe that the Lord is risen and live according to his message.
In the couple of months since my Wright saga, I have pondered this stuff. I can’t say that I’m resolved about it, but it does help when working with those who’s perspective is more literal in terms of the scriptures.
I too am full of “what if’s” and “why is that” I’m inquisitive and have to ask questions to understand…..this the ONLY way I can move on. If I don’t do this it’s like walking passed locked windows and doors and never even trying to unlock their mysteries or meanings and to simple walk blindly on in life.
J