Relationships
… for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:27-28 (NIVUK)
Professor Peter Tse is an atheist, psychologist, and neuroscientist; his profession is to explore the inner universe of the mind and brain. In a discussion with the Christian professor John Lennox, Peter Tse made the point that a lot of the pain in our society is unnecessary since it arises from living in a way that we are not meant to live. He goes on to say that psychologists now understand essentially what makes people happy – it’s deep engagement or having deep connection either with your social network, your friends, or with yourself.
After spending two years in the peace corps in Nepal he concluded that people in the Third World are often rich in networks, friendships, love, and family, but poor in net worth whilst in the West we are rich in net worth but poor in networks: we live in the ‘third world’ of love, family, and friendships which causes the suffering of alienation. 1
This analysis by Professor Tse, based on his empirical research and experience, has great merit and, although he may not realise it, his work complements statements written in the Bible on this subject. However, his work does not consider the spiritual dimension of life.
In a world torn by strife and division, a relationship with God and understanding who God is, and following his way of life would go a long way to healing this fractured world.
The Bible reveals that God is not only loving but is love, and is relational, and has a family in two senses of the word. First, as creator God he is Father of us all, the whole of humanity irrespective of race, nationality, tribe, or clan. Also, both men and women are created in the image of God and are meant to be complementary to, rather than competitive with, each other. This sense of the family leaves no room for racism or prejudice in its various forms.
Secondly, through the redemptive work of Jesus, God also has a spiritual family. Christians are the adopted sons and daughters of the Father: he has a family which is the church. As the opening scripture states distinctions that often cause division in the world no longer have significance in the church. God has a family in both senses of the word, and this understanding should result in mutual respect between all peoples, and Jesus’s instruction to love your neighbour as yourself (Mark 12:31) applies whether they are inside or outside the church.
Prayer
Father, we thank you that out of love you have created life, and have called us into your spiritual family. In this present evil world inspire us to be part of the solution, and not the problem. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
1 The Veritas Forum: Making sense of the Universe, John Lennox and Peter Tse at Dartmouth
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Study by: Eddie Marsh About the author: |
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Grace Communion Sheffield
The Showroom and Workstation
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield S12BX
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Church services take place on Sundays 10.30 am, twice a month.
Please email the local congregational contact (see below) for dates.
Local congregational contact:
Christine Chamberlain
Email: sheffield@gracecom.church
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