Process Pop-Up: A Tale of Two Narratives: Judeo-Christian Perspectives on Creation and Salvation
The Christian grand narrative familiar to most people in Western Christianity is a story of Fall and Redemption. Organized around Augustine’s 4th century doctrine of “original sin,” the Fall/Redemption grand narrative begins with the concept that humankind and all of creation exist in a pervasive state of corruption from which only God in Christ can deliver them.
There is, however, an earlier Christian grand narrative that emerged from ancient Jewish and Christian traditions prior to the 4th century. This grand narrative tells the story of Creation/Restoration. It focuses on the concept of divine guidance and creaturely response in creating life that enacts God’s vision to restore shalom/peace among all aspects of creation.
Therefore, Western Christianity features two grand narratives. One highlights sin and the need for redemption. The other highlights God’s earthly aim for the restoration of shalom. The narrative Christians choose to live by determines how they approach life theologically, spiritually, and faithfully in the moment-by-moment interactions of each and every day.
After giving a brief introduction to each of the narratives, Dr. Gayle Hansen Browne will address the following topics:
- The Roots and Evolution of the Creation/Restoration Narrative
- The Roots and Evolution of the Fall/Redemption Narrative
- A Comparison of Perspectives On Major Christian Themes
- Creation
- Sin
- Judgment
- Salvation
- Why the Story Christians Tell Makes a Difference
Quote
“There is a difference between the ancient Jewish spiritual tradition, from which early Christianity emerged, and the Greco-Roman spiritual tradition, which has dominated Western spirituality since the fourth century. The ancient Jewish/early Christian spirituality emerges from a grand narrative of creation and restoration. The Greco-Roman spirituality emerges from a grand narrative of fall and redemption.”
Gayle Hansen Browne, Wild Geese Rising: Living Prayer as Moment-by-Moment Contemplative Action
About the Speaker
Gayle Hansen Browne
The Rev. Gayle Hansen Browne, ThD, is a teacher, spiritual director, retreat leader, open and relational theologian, writer, Episcopal priest, and mindfulness guide. She is the author of Wild Geese Rising: Living Prayer as Moment-by-Moment Contemplative Action. Her published essays include “Praying and Singing in the Language of Love” (in Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God) and “Amipotence in Action” (in Amipotence, Vol. 2). Dr. Browne also writes a monthly reflection called Beholding and Befriending Life, which offers a brief meditation and prompt for mindful living at https://gaylehansenbrowne108.substack.com
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