The Inevitability of Death: A Lenten Theological Reflection
Mar 21, 2023
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In this podcast, the host offers a theological reflection on the hope of the Resurrection. They explore the significance of death in storytelling, the resurrection in early Christianity, and the hope of resurrection in 2nd Temple Judaism. They emphasize the meaning of death and the Christian perspective on eternal life, encouraging listeners to continue doing good.
The theme of the inevitability of death adds depth and meaning to narratives.
Understanding the resurrection hope requires situating it within the second temple period and embracing the hope for eternal life and vindication.
Deep dives
The Inevitability of Death as a Theme in Stories
In a 1968 interview, J.R.R. Tolkien identified the essential theme of all great stories as the inevitability of death. This theme resonates with the human experience and adds depth and meaning to narratives.
Reframing the Message of Easter
The host explores the message of Easter in its ancient context, questioning the avoidance of historical church practices such as Ash Wednesday. The podcast suggests that understanding the resurrection hope requires situating it within the second temple period, where questions of theodicy and hope for vindication emerged.
Resurrection Hope and Its Significance
The hope of resurrection is not about avoiding the pain and tragedy of life or seeking psychological anesthesia. Rather, it is a hope for eternal life and vindication. It is an affirmation that Babylon is not king, but a slain lamb is, and it encourages Christians to persist in doing good, even in the face of death.
As we approach the end of Lent and move into what Christians often call "Holy Week", I wanted to offer a short theological reflection on the intended message of the hope of the Resurrection to the earliest Christians - a message that is often misunderstood today.
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