Categories: uncategorized
Date: 01 January 2011 11:03:37
OT Gen 1:1 - 2:17 gives two different stories of creation. I really like the first one, although from v 27 some questions emerged. Looking at v 27 whilst the first part spoke of "man" and "him" the second part suggested both male and female in God's image. This gave the question of whether God is actually most clearly reflected amongst those who are gender queer. If we listen to their stories do we have something to learn about the nature of God? Also if we think about how we talk about gender queer people and attribute one gender to them, simply because it is easier would it help us be more comfortable about thegendered language we use about God?
In relation to v. 28 I was uncomfortable with the word "Rule".
Verse 29 made me wonder if we were designed to be vegetarians but then earlier in verse 24 it talked about God creating livestock as a seperate category. This whole thing about who was meant to eat what was further complicated in verse 30 when it talked about green plants being given to animals to eat. Where does the food chain fit into this?
I liked the idea given in 2:3 that rest is a sacred concept, although I really struggle to put this into practice - it may well be something I work to develop a better understanding of.
Then chapter 2 moved onto an alternative creation myth I felt more uncomfortable with. This is harsher and more materialistic with reference to precious metals and work rather than beauty and rest.
The days new testament reading was Matt 1: 1-25. This was the geneology bit and what I was struck by, yet again, was why alot of the noteable names in the story were great but were also dubious in various ways.
Moving onto verses 18 -25 I was disturbed by the fact Joseph appeared to have choices but Mary didn't. It was almost as if Mary is just a pawn in the game with male figures deciding her destiny. Over Christmas I watched Tony Jordans production of The Nativity and was struck by the position Mary was put in within the local community. I also remembered a story I heard from somebody who worked with sex workers who was asked, when they heard the Christmas story, if God was a rapist or abuser then? This uncomfortable question does remain. I have to say no....but what would have happened if Mary had said no? Did Mary have free will in this matter and did she really understand what she was saying yes to if she did have a choice? Additionally, with the power dynamic between the Holy Spirit and Mary was it right?
The final reading for the day was Psalm 1: 1-6. Wasn't too keen on this. Verse 3 said, "whatever he does prospers" about the righteous and further on it indicated that the Lord only cares about the righteous. This raises questions about who is righteous? Why does God judge people?
Overall my conclusion this morning was that going back to Genesis that so much of our theology and values flow from whether we are creation myth 1 or creation myth 2 people. I am most definately a creation 1 fluffy type.