Bob,
This latest post of yours has really clarified for me where you stand on
this issue of historicity, and I agree wholeheartedly with you about the
mystery surrounding these events and the grounding in actual historical
events. The 100% certainty that many search for is obviously a myth, but one
does not need to fall into the other extreme of rejecting all evidence
because that level of certainty cannot be obtained. I still, however, take
issue with Borg on his denial of the continuity between the historical,
crucified Jesus and the Resurrected Christ. That is not to say that he is
necessarily any less a Christian, but simply that we have a deep
disagreement. Logically, his position makes little sense to me, which was
what led me to the question of why bother preaching the gospel, given his
premises.
BTW, I too am equally impressed with the thought of Aquinas.
Blessings to you on most Holy of weeks, and may we all remain focused on the
Passion and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus the Christ!
Adrian.
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Schneider [mailto:rjschn39@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2002 9:17 AM
To: asa@calvin.edu
Subject: Living with Mystery (was BIBLE: Marcus Borg)
I want to thank Howard Van Till for his kind words of affirmation, and
George Murphy for his thoughtful perspective (and theological references) on
the historicity of the resurrection. As we approach the most important
festival day of Christian faith, the day on which we especially celebrate
it, the resurrection seems like a fitting topic for readers of our ASA
discussion group to meditate on. Let me add a few more thoughts.
I appreciate that the notion of "faith seeking understanding" guides so
much of our desire to make sense of biblical revelation. I became a
medievalist in my youth because I was bowled over by the brilliance of
Aquinas' philosophical and theological writings, which so exemplified this
dictum; I made my acquaintance with Anselm, Abelard, Bonaventure, and others
who did likewise. One could add the names of the great Reformers to this
list. I still honor them, as I do all who humbly seek that understanding.
And, I am also all too aware of the dark side of this search, in which
"certitude" replaces "understanding" and becomes the measure of faith, in
which the "formulation about" occupies the judgment seat and declares who is
in or out, orthodox or heterodox, and what is "the Christian way" of
thinking about everything from the Bible to scientific paradigms.
I believe in the reality of the resurrection of Jesus and believe that
this reality is grounded in a historical event, but I am content to let my
understanding of it be wrapped up in the mystery of it. Not that
understanding doesn't matter, but it seems to me, as I have come to live
with mystery, that it still remains darkly mirrored and will only be fully
disclosed when we are face to face. And that is sufficent for me.
Bob Schneider
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