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Lenses

Thought Leaders Series: 2018

Through much studies and reflection I have come to realise that leaders of most known faith traditions were trying to reshape the minds of their audience in light of the socioeconomic challenges upon them in their era.

For example, Jesus was trying to move the Jews away from some of the yokes in Judaism by challenging and deconstructing existing institutions and doctrines. But in an attempt to consolidate his philosophy, ‘Christians’ end up with similar institutions and doctrines over again.

So I conclude that largely the lenses through which these Texts are read are vitally important. When institutions and doctrines are built through faulty lenses, we end up with myopic citizens.

Healingsprings fellowship: Human Capital Development

http://www.healingsprings.org.uk

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The Power of Stories in Shaping and Reshaping our Worldview

Thought Leaders Series: 2018

The primary reason why we hold on doctrinal problems is largely because of our Sunday school experience.

For example, the idea of an angry God who requires the brutal death and blood of his incarnate son in order to reconcile with his creation is a major doctrine in Christian settings.

Consequently, any idea which contradicts or challenges this position fundamentally disrupts our understanding of the divinity of Jesus and perhaps most important, our understanding of how the world works.

This is because stories passed on at an early age are both powerful and dangerous. They are in fact some of the most difficult mindsets to unlearn.

Even when we are presented with better arguments and facts, we still find it immensely painful to detach from them. As such we end up upholding them simply for sentimental reasons.

Healingsprings fellowship: Human Capital Development

http://www.healingsprings.org.uk

Reachout | Revive | Recover

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Today @ Healingsprings fellowship

In previous weeks, we established that unlike traditional doctrine that the Old Testament was written by Moses, it was in fact written retrospectively.

Most scholars agree that the recording, redaction and compilation started during the Exile and it was completed after the Exile.

The primary goal was to galvanise the people towards a metaphysical and physical identity, and for the purposes of nationhood.

Last week in my lecture on Exodus chapters 4-6 we also treated a concept known as The Evil Eye, sometimes referred to in Hebrew literature as The Eye of Evil.

In the Bible, The Evil Eye is synonymous with envy, jealousy and some forms of covetousness. Within the commonwealth of Israel we see lots of examples: Esau and Jacob, Rachel and Leah, Joseph and his brothers, David and Uriah, David and Absalom, Saul and David; and the list goes on.

We also see it in the hostility they face from gentile nations. Thus, the Israelites saw themselves as victims to The Evil Eye, because of their unique relationship with Yahweh. In the course of my lecture I explored what it meant for us today, and the internal and external effect.

In line with this thought, and as part of my recap, I will be drawing lessons from an incident in the book of Samuel between Michal (the projector of the evil eye) and King David (the receiver of the evil eye); with a focus on the repercussion of her action.

Seminar questions will centre broadly around the following theme:

  • what were the redactors trying to convey through the story?

  • how did the story serve the community in their nation building project?

  • what lessons can we deduce from the story?

  • examples of people today that have exemplified similar qualities

Core text: Exodus, chapters 4-6 NRSV

Join us at 3pm

St John the Evangelist Hall

Church Rd,

Sidcup DA14 6BX

Reachout | Revive | Recover

http://www.healingsprings.org.uk