For centuries the story of the prodigal son has been called “the gospel in the Gospel.” If across the centuries this is the way the church has seen this parable, how is it that the atonement appears to be missing in the story? If the cross is essential for forgiveness, why does it seem to be absent in this parable?

If this kind of question intrigues you…stay tuned! I’m going to be updating my front page with a series of reflections from Kenneth Bailey’s The Cross and the Prodigal: Luke 15 Through the Eyes of Middle Eastern Peasants.


Monday, October 27, 2008

Frustrations that drive my theologizing

Prep for theological discussion at conference 2006…approaching communities with a vision of God’s kingdom (“may your kingdom come…”). Two (2) frustrations that drive my theological reflections…

1) The prevalent gospel out there seems like a “floating gospel”; out of touch with the world; “spiritualized” and removed from real-life realities.

2) The prevalent church life removes its members from the world and from each other; an “anonymous” church; no time, space or energy for genuine relationships in the church, nor for deep, relational ministries. Church members relate to each other in church meetings (separated from the world; and separated from relationship with each other).
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