This session will be led by Jay Lorenzen. Click the speaker info tab above for information on the speakers.
Many theologians see the Bible as “a grand-story, a master-narrative or metanarrative” that explains “the way the world as it actually is.” This grand story consists typically of four chapters: Creation, Fall, Redemption (Jesus), Restoration or New Creation. N.T. Wright’s adds a helpful twist by seeing this “metanarrative” as God’s 5 Act Play: Creation, Fall, Israel, Redemption (Jesus) and Restoration/New Creation. Unfortunately, the evangelical church member often envisions just two chapters: Fall and Redemption. In other words, we’re lost sinners (chapter 2), Jesus forgives us/saves us and we get to go to heaven when we die (chapter 3/act 4).
What do we miss when we fail to grasp the whole story line? What do we miss, for example, by not appreciating chapter 1 (Creation) and chapter 4/5 (Restoration/New Creation)?
If God’s individual and cosmic mission (Missio Dei) is “redemption of the whole creation”, what implications does that have for us as the “sent” people of God?
