A Vocabulary of Suffering: Idolatry

Note: in this sermon, we reference a few different videos which you can watch on YouTube. We recommend you do so before listening, to avoid spoilers!

1. Selective Attention Test

2. Whodunnit?

In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.

A Vocabulary of Suffering: Satan

In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.

A Vocabulary of Suffering: Sin

In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.

Reclaiming Christian Language for Suffering

In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.

The Transformation of God

In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. This incarnation of the Infinite is full of surprises. Perhaps most surprising is that we see God, in Jesus, not being served but serving; not being sacrificed to but becoming sacrifice. Rather than seeing God as a guest who we attend to and serve, the incarnation encourages the sight of God inviting, feeding, and befriending—climactically providing a supper of self-giving for every person. The way of Jesus, then, invites us into similar transformation—from guests who find warm welcome at Jesus’ Common Table to partners passionate about making warm welcome for others.