Thursday, March 17, 2011

Belief...by Francis S. Collins

March 24 – Paul Brand & John Polkinghorne

Question 1.  Paul Brand certainly is not a “household brand” name (sorry for the bad pun…but hey, I’m not here this week to endure the groaning)!  I was struck by his sense of humility as a doctor, as well as his deep appreciation for the irreplaceable value of another person’s presence in times of crisis.  This guy is certainly not like House, the egotistical TV doctor.  I wished his article could have been longer (not to be confused, of course, with preaching).  His enduring story of Mrs. Twigg elicited warmth and respect.  Brand characterizes that drama “as a parable of the conflicting strains of human helplessness and divine power within us.  What mattered was my presence…willingness…and contact.”

Recall a time when you functioned in a similar role or situation…either as Mrs. Twigg or Paul Brand.  What particular emotions did you feel?  How did you relate to the person opposite you in that one-on-one moment?  What specific value did you place on that person, as well as yourself?

Question 2.  Brand goes on to relate this common experience to Jesus and his body, the Church.  “We are what Jesus left on earth.”  We are that body.  No one portrays this image more vividly and repeatedly than the Apostle Paul.  Brand’s closing example of the restoration of an English cathedral and its hand-less statue of Jesus further punctuates his point, “Christ has no hands but ours.”  What do you take from Brand’s writing as you examine your openness and availability to others?  Is there room for growth of “presence?”  If so, where?

Question 3.  John Polkinghorne is back, folks…including his gifted and lofty thoughts.  In his introduction on Faith, JP sets the stage initially by contrasting science and faith.  He acknowledges the differences of procedure, the similarities of intention, and the unavoidable tensions that emerge between the two communities.  He notes that “Scientists…live in the intellectual present.”  While, “Theologians have to live within a historical tradition.”  Why is this so?  What might this possibly mean? 

Question 4.  Moving on to God and Creator, JP discusses the stumbling blocks of conceptualizing God as the invisible Magician who tinkers with the universe…and of God’s nature as a cipher for the rational order of the universe.  He notes, “…the nature of faith is that it is a commitment and response to the real.”  In defining our aesthetic experiences in life, JP provides three criteria.  First, they refer to realms…that are culturally influenced.  Second, the acknowledgement of value plays an important role.  And third, "the status of value is fundamental to any metaphysical enterprise, such as the exploration of faith in God the creator.”  He concludes, “We are simply what we choose to make of ourselves.”  Lost yet? 

So…what is it about “truth,” whether scientific or theological, that precludes universal assent or agreement?  Is not truth, to a large degree, parochial both in its nature and its application?

Question 5.  In Perspectives on Reality, JP launches into a multi-faceted examination of metaphysics.  Specifically, he argues for monotheistic metaphysics…since “it provides the most satisfactory reconciliation of the views from the widest range of windows to which we have access.”  I have no specific question for us to ponder here.  Perhaps we could simply entertain the use of the more common term, “open-mindedness.”  But how open-minded should we be prepared to be…and at what risk?

Question 6.  In Window onto Reality: Light and Darkness, JP presents seven metaphysical windows whose views bear upon the question of belief in God the creator (pages 209-213).  These include: Cosmic order; cosmic fruitfulness; the dawning of consciousness; religious experience; moral evil; physical evil; and futility. 

Since these are inter-connected windows, examine both their individual and common values to us as Christians.  In essence, they form a narrative description of life as we’ve come to know it.  Consider one or two of these “windows” and consider why you’re drawn to look through them.  What is their value to you?  How do they work in unison with the other windows of reality?

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