The Ontological Root of Christianity
(Dont quote me on this: its mostly Michael Ramsden's thoughts)
As we analyse all different worldviews we see that they are either rooted pragmatically (in doing), epistemologically (in thinking), or existentially (in feeling). Many are based in a combination of the above, but we have no way of perfecting our thinking, or our actions, much less our feelings. No religion offers that... or so one could think.
Christianity is not rooted pragmatically, although knowing Christ should make our actions more like him.
Christianity is not rooted epistemologically although there is nothing more profound than knowing Christ.
Christianity is not rooted existentially although there is nothing more life-changing than meeting Christ.
Christianity is rooted ontologically! (that is in being)
It is rooted in the ontology of Christ: the New Testament says that Jesus is Truth, Life, the Way to God, the 'Bread of Life', and the Good Shepherd. Because it is rooted in this way, it is completed in Christ, and can never change unless Christ does (hence the importance of Heb 13:8!)
It is rooted in the ontology of people: we are made for relationship with God; we are not in this relationship; Jesus makes us Children of God so we are in his family! We cannot grow into or inherit this, it is a specific thing that Jesus does in everyone's life (for all those who call out to him).
It is because of our human ontology that we can act, think or even feel. It is because of our spiritual ontology that we can know God, feel God and live for God.
As we analyse all different worldviews we see that they are either rooted pragmatically (in doing), epistemologically (in thinking), or existentially (in feeling). Many are based in a combination of the above, but we have no way of perfecting our thinking, or our actions, much less our feelings. No religion offers that... or so one could think.
Christianity is not rooted pragmatically, although knowing Christ should make our actions more like him.
Christianity is not rooted epistemologically although there is nothing more profound than knowing Christ.
Christianity is not rooted existentially although there is nothing more life-changing than meeting Christ.
Christianity is rooted ontologically! (that is in being)
It is rooted in the ontology of Christ: the New Testament says that Jesus is Truth, Life, the Way to God, the 'Bread of Life', and the Good Shepherd. Because it is rooted in this way, it is completed in Christ, and can never change unless Christ does (hence the importance of Heb 13:8!)
It is rooted in the ontology of people: we are made for relationship with God; we are not in this relationship; Jesus makes us Children of God so we are in his family! We cannot grow into or inherit this, it is a specific thing that Jesus does in everyone's life (for all those who call out to him).
It is because of our human ontology that we can act, think or even feel. It is because of our spiritual ontology that we can know God, feel God and live for God.
posted by Dan | 5:51 AM
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