response week 3 Thomas
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
500
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by Dig-a-Kuhl
Thomas Thomas, I enjoyed reading your discussion post. We both took the creation story as a key proof for interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual ecologies. We share an understanding regarding the creation story as evidence of the profound interconnectedness between physical and spiritual ecologies orchestrated by God. You emphasized the hand that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit took in the very act of creation and I how God created this system good.
It is implied that up until man sinned creation was an absolutely harmonious ecosystem. Stephen Lowe and Mary Lowe state that “the ecological motif makes clear that God designed his
creation to thrive and flourish within the verdant confines of a natural ecosystem intended to maximize growth and support reproductive abilities.” 1
That before the introduction of sin by humanity, creation existed as an entirely harmonious ecosystem, showcasing the intricate balance
and interconnectedness inherent in God's design. This mutual perspective from the creation story illuminates the profound interplay between the physical and spiritual realms in the divine plan. As we delve deeper into this perspective, it prompts contemplation on the consequences of human actions and the potential for restoration. It is recognized that the disruption caused by sin stands as a stark reminder of how without the return of the Risen King humanity cannot maintain this system in a harmonious manner. Sin has set this ecosystem into a collision course with the heavens and the earth as we know it now, meeting with a fiery judgement. (See II Peter 3). However, it also offers hope, as the creation story hints at the redemption and the restoration of that initial harmony. In essence, our shared understanding of the creation story enriches our appreciation of the profound interdependence between the physical and spiritual ecologies in the divine narrative, inviting us to reflect on the role Jesus second coming has on this world and the new kingdom and the new harmonious ecosystem He will bring. Paul underscores the notion that creation, while currently marred by the consequences of sin, eagerly anticipates its redemption and restoration through the divine plan. This connects back to the disrupted harmony caused by sin in the created ecosystem.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Rom 8:19-21 English Standard Version)
Just as humanity's actions disrupted the harmony between physical and spiritual ecologies, this scripture illustrates that God's plan includes the renewal of creation, bringing it back into the divine order and harmony that was initially intended. This reinforces the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual realms, where both await the culmination of God's redemptive
work.
1
Stephen D. Lowe, and Mary E. Lowe. Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online Education
. (Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018), 37
Bibliography
Lowe, Stephen D., and Mary E. Lowe. 2018. Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online Education
. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic.48
Hello Gail,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your discussion, and it's evident that we share some common insights. Particularly noteworthy is our mutual recognition of how the Apostle Paul used the metaphor of the human body to elucidate the functioning of individuals within the body of Christ, the church. Both of us drew upon 1 Corinthians 12:12 to illustrate this point effectively
Gail I liked your final argument which I did not really include in my discussion so I will expand on yours. You can incorporate Colossians 2:6-7 into your discussion by emphasizing how
it aligns with Lowe's assertion that God didn't establish separate laws of growth for the physical and spiritual aspects of life.
2
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (English Standard Version). Colossians 2:6-7 underscores the idea of spiritual growth being rooted and built up in Christ, like how ecological connections and nutrient exchanges are essential for physical growth. As the physical body requires physical nutrients, the
spiritual body requires spiritual nutrients, as you've mentioned. This scripture emphasizes the importance of being rooted in Christ (spiritual nutrients) for spiritual advancement, mirroring the
concept of interconnectedness and exchange between the physical and spiritual realms. It illustrates that both aspects of growth, natural and spiritual, rely on connections and nutrients to thrive and function properly.
In conclusion, our shared understanding reaffirms the profound harmony and interconnectedness within God's creation, demonstrating how the spiritual and physical realms coalesce in their dependence on connections and nutrients for growth. Your addition thought on how pray, reading the Bible, praise, worship, and fellowship are like nutrients enriches this argument, underscoring the divine wisdom that unites these aspects of our existence. Thank you for your valuable insights.
Based upon your reading and study of
Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age
, Introduction, and chapters 1-4, what biblical evidence would you offer someone who
rejects the interconnected and interactive nature of the physical and spiritual ecologies God created?
Respond to two other students and identify points of similarity and dissimilarity in your response to the question.
2
1 Stephen D. Lowe, and Mary E. Lowe. Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online Education
. (Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018), 42
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help