What famous quote does this course continue to consider and who is its author?
The unexamined life is not worth living"
Socrates
How do we change culture?
make more of it
What does the phrase "behavior is diagnostic" mean?
I pursue what I love
How does behavior relate to belief?
beliefs generate values, which serve as the basis for behavior and motivation
beliefs > values > perceptions and attitudes > behavior
What are values? Beliefs?
values: abstract concepts that reveal desires and pursuits; standards by which we order our lives and make choices
beliefs: ideas, principles, and teachings we hold to be true; generate values
What ultimately generates beliefs?
worldview
What is one's "noetic structure?
the total of all experiences and knowledge - arranged uniquely
What is the sorting mechanism for one's noetic structure?
worldview
What does it mean when we assert that ontology precedes epistemology?
there is something real and self-existent before we seek to understand
How does James Sire respond to the criticism that "worldview" can be too cerebral?
adds "orientation of heart
What is the biblical meaning of "heart?
central defining element of the human person
How does Philippians 2:5-11 inform us of Jesus' view of his life and his relationship to the world? How should this influence followers of Jesus?
concern for self is replaced by deep concern for "the other." we need to take on his heart, embrace his worldview
What does 1 John 1:1-4 tell us about the writer's view of the life and teachings of Jesus?
Writer is overjoyed, Jesus showed them how to live the best life and we can have it too
What is "a theology of creation" as it relates to human vocation?
we were created to create, cultivate, form, fill
What is the failure of Western Christianity?
unwillingness to embody the character and purpose of Jesus
What are the seven major questions that comprise one's worldview?
1. Prime Reality - God, gods, or naturalism?
2. Metaphysics - closed universe or something beyond physical world?
3. Anthropology - accidents of biological evolution or image of God?
4. History and Eschatology - purpose of existence? Are we going somewher
What did Jesus teach concerning worldview? (Matt. 6:19-24)
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"
"If your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness"
"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the othe
Is worldview what you say you believe? If not, how is worldview determined?
No; it is determined by what you value
What are the two kinds of values?
authentic
aspirational
What does Dr. John Demartini advocate as the better thing to pursue rather than passions? Why?
Passions are often impulsive and instinctual - seeking a "buzz." It is better to pursue highest values- living out the best form of you as an integrated being.
What is Jesus' will for our lives? What is the "freedom" Jesus offers?
I have come that you might have life to the fullest...you will know the truth and the truth will set you free
What does Ephesians 2:10 tell us about the nature of our lives in God's plans?
For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
What do values need to be in order to be meaningful?
need to be from self, not others
---meaning comes from conviction
How can reviewing your life story help with the identification of values?
Moments in your life can be connected to values and help you identify them
In what sense are the "whys" of your life decisions "cultural artifacts?" Why assess these?
If you can identify why you do something, you have an artifact that is a result of a belief
Your whys produce your behaviors. Assessing them can help you identify what you truly believe about how the world is or should be.
What are the "value incubators" in your life (as presented in class)?
1. family system
2. early church or non-church experience
3. personal experiences
4. individuals encountered
5. cultural influence
6. peers
7. media
8. regional distinctive
9. educational influence
What questions might be involved in identifying one's "true self?
1. when and where were you most fully alive?
2. what moment brought you the most satisfaction
3. what activity most fully brings you alive?
4. for what have you been affirmed most?
5. when and where did you feel you were contributing the most?
6. What mem
What was meant in class by "operation system" as opposed to an app?
worldview isn't something that you can turn on and off; it is the system by which all other things operate
What is involved in the human construct?
1. will - your capacity to choose
2. mind - thoughts and feelings; the way we are conscious of things
3. body - our realm, physicality
4. soul - integration of all into functioning whole
What is the purpose and function of "the soul" as presented in class?
capacity to integrate all the parts into a single, whole life
How might "salvation" be defined in the context of "soul alignment?
salvation is the realignment of the soul
Christ died to allow for dikaiosune - in what sense? What does this mean in relation to "justice?
Christ died to restore us to justice - dikaiosune as way of life - the ultimate good
What is the invitation of Jesus according to Matthew 11:28-30 (read The Message version as in PowerPoint)?
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.
What are our basic needs? How does the Bible narrative respond to those?
1. identity
You are the beloved of God (right where you are)
You are complete in Jesus Christ
The world has no say on "who" or "whose" you are
2. purpose
give one's self away, be creative
3. security
no place for worry in God's creation
4. community
full
What two "new life seeking" snapshots were considered in class?
1. John 3: Nicodemus
he could not get what Jesus had from where he was; he had to start over
2. Peter
did not accept the script that the Christ would be killed
How do the values of Jesus contrast those of the world?
world - have power, self-advantage, personal freedom, destroy enemies, rest by not working, live until you die
Jesus - service at the lowest, give away what you have for the other, be enslaved to God to be free, love enemies, through working find rest, di
What is the difference between a life that pursues "needs" and the life that embodies "values?
needs are filled for me, values are fulfilled by me
if primary value is filling needs:
- tolerate self-sacrifice of putting needs on hold or give resentfully or not at all
- when receiving, either feel guilty or exploit others since world exists to serve
Should needs be ignored? Why not?
Needs are real and cannot be ignored
What is "sin" according to NT Wright's extended quote (from Simply Christian).
missing an opportunity to live
What is "Christian holiness" according to NT Wright?
not a matter of denying something good, but of growing up and grasping something even better
What is the "fully human role" according to NT Wright?
It is time, in the power of the Spirit, to take up our proper role, our fully human role, as agents, heralds, and stewards of the new day that is dawning
What did George Spain spend his live doing?
used his expertise in psychology to serve the marginalized
Who is Jamie Dailey and what does he do?
bluegrass musician
Who is Fredric Blankfein and what has he done as a vocation?
assistant film director/producer
Note the following comments from Threaded Discussions (both sections):
If you really believe in something, put your life on the line for it" (Spain)Blankfein's refusal to participate in projects based on his beliefs.Blankfein demonstrated you can create change wherever you are based on your values."Friends are like flowers,
What is the heart of what it means to be a Christian culture maker? (p. 189)
Embracing paradox of not being able to change the world, but transforming culture
What does the Old Testament teach us about the use of power?
power cannot force cultural transformation
What is the purpose of the living water spoken of in the Old and New Testaments? What does it do?
bring creation back to life in the desert of human rebellion; give NEVER ENDING LIFE
What is "the Great Reversal?
story of powerlessness overcoming distorted power
How is God different from other ancient gods in God's concern for the poor, widows, and orphans?
the pagan gods did not care for the weak
What was the culmination of the convergence of power and powerlessness?
crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus
What was Jesus' ultimate demonstration of power?
laying down his life for us
In what sense are we artifacts of the resurrection of Jesus (those of us who identify as followers of Jesus)?
Because we believe in the resurrection, we live by following Jesus in giving ourselves away for the benefit of others
What does the Messiah teach and demonstrate to us on the appropriate use of power?
life is found in giving oneself away
What did Jesus say was his job description (Luke 4:18-29)? How does this tie into Philippians 2:5-13?
bring good news to the poor; proclaim that the captives will be released, the blind will see, the oppressed will be set free
Philippians 2 says to have the same attitude as Christ, using what you have to benefit others
What does Philippians 2:12 and 13 have to do with living our life in culture? What is God at work doing in us?
Keep working on finding your specific calling; God is working to help you find your "summum bonum." He delights in your adventure to find "the good works" pre-programmed into your DNA
What is our personal challenge in terms of God's gift to the world of "living water?
join God in the work God is doing; be the water that brings life
What is the idea of 3, 12, and 120?
3 is the ideal size for a small group of confidants, and it's helpful to have larger concentric circles of influence (12 and 120)
would be a good for churches to use this setup for life direction advice
How does this apply to the story of Jesus?
His selection for "inner group" is sketchy - why did he choose Peter, James, and John? They are not particularly exceptional, but he pours time into them anyway.
Selection of the rest of group of 12 disciples is more surprising. Why would you invite a zea
How is the original sin described in this presentation? Why?
declaration of human autonomy - it broke community in human/divine; man/women; humanity/creation
Who does Crouch characterize as "children of grace?" Why is this an important observation?
Not strivers or legacies- those who never expected what they got (like getting into Harvard)
Why is gratitude a necessary characteristic of a God-centered worldview?
attitude of receiving versus taking
grateful for what we receive from God, not entitled to it
every creative capacity we have has been given as a gift that we did not earn or were entitled to
What does "prodigal" mean?
wastefully extravagant
What application does Crouch make of the parable of the sower apply to our lives in terms of what we choose to do?
we all run the risk of seeing the cultural goods we produce flatly rejected, see initial success and then wither, or survive but not thrive. we can't control that, but we can pay attention to the fruit of our cultural work. if God is at work in every sphe
How are we encouraged to encounter closed doors and painful experiences?
can be our greatest blessing
In what sense does this course reinforce the important idea that there is no secular/sacred divide in vocational callings?
All legitimate vocations have potential to be manifestations of God's continual creative activity in the world.
What is the relationship between grace and discipline?
Grace is divine multiplication of our efforts, but should not be lessened by laziness. Grace is not a shortcut - it is a blessing to embrace and burn "like rocket fuel."
"The disciplines that undergird any effort at culture making are an essential path to
What is the relationship between grace and failure?
Grace is not an exemption from failure - but grace sustains hope in the midst of failure
Where does Fredick Buechner believe our calling is found?
where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
What is Crouch's message from Rembrandt's "Artist in his studio?
We make of life what we choose. We are holding the brush, the canvas is illuminated and stands waiting - we are the artists - life is what we make it to be