FOCUS: There are three Biblical “macro-stories” that shape the whole of the Biblical narrative: Bondage and Liberation, Exile and Return, Sin and Forgiveness. Each representing a different facet of the human condition, they demonstrate what is necessary for the restoration of relationships on a variety of levels.
Re-Ligio-ed
Rootless. Alienated. Estranged. Meaningless. The human condition can be a desperate mix of questions about the basics of “being.” In fact, the longing for a sense of connection is at the root of the English word, “religion.” The Latin re-ligio means to re-link; to reconnect. To help reconnect, re-link, and restore people to relationship with one another and to the Divine is at the heart of religion’s intended purpose. Our stories, rituals, ceremonies and traditions grow out of our collective effort to systematize our understanding of just what it takes to be “religio-ed.”
At the heart of the Biblical tradition is the notion that truth doesn’t come to us primarily as fact, creed, or scripture. It is best conveyed through story. As our spiritual ancestors endeavored to sort out the process of reconnection, they did so by developing three major themes – what Marcus Borg calls Biblical “macrostories.” For the ancient Hebrews enslaved in Egypt, the problem was bondage. Since what was needed was liberation, the tale of the Exodus became one of the most important stories for ancient Israel. For those removed to Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem, the problem was exile. The solution was maintaining a sense of identity in a foreign land, and if possible, a journey of return. For those grounded in the institution and rituals of the Temple, the problem was sin and guilt. The solution was forgiveness. Individually and collectively, these stories serve as the thematic wellspring from which stream the major stories of the Biblical tradition.
To receive a complete copy of the text used for the session, please contact Pastor Marj at daytonfirstcong@gmail.com. It will be sent as an email attachment for your perusal as opposed to printing multiple pages, a stewardship practice. Because of copyright law, we are not able to make the materials available here. Another option would be to purchase a copy of Felten and Procter-Murphy's newly-released book, Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity from your local bookseller.
Questions to be considered in light of the video and readings:
Describe some of the characteristics of the Exodus story and how it speaks to the human need for liberation from bondage.
What are some of the “isms” and concrete expressions of bondage from which Carcaño has been liberated?
How does the Passover Seder affirm that the Exodus story is “true” about us?
List some of the cultural messages that, as a matter of course, subject us to bondage.
Describe some of the characteristics of the story of the Babylonian exile and how it speaks to the human need for a return from exile.
How do the “Priestly” story and Temple sacrifice speak to the human need for forgiveness from sin?
In what ways might the dominance of the Priestly story and the doctrine of the atonement diminish the broader Biblical message?
Bill Nelson claims that Jesus was against the sacrificial system of the Temple Cult of Israel. Explain.
As described by Borg, list the function and benefits of the three different stories in speaking to the diversity of the human predicament.
