The New England School of Theology

It was understandable, I guess, when the group seemed momentarily taken aback when I opened my Bible and suggested reading “the entire Christmas story.” You see, the night was already winding down at our church home-group meeting, and in the Gospel of Matthew that narrative runs a hefty 48 verses and in Luke it is longer still at 120 verses. No, I assured my friends, I wanted to read the entire Christmas story in one verse. (Well, technically two verses covering one sentence.) Though it does not mention shepherds or wise-men or inns or stables, it is nonetheless profound and compelling.

I’d like to share that verse here and then “unpack” it just a bit, section by section. It comes from the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians, chapter 4 verses 4-5: Continue reading →

“What would you think if I sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me?” Most of us know the tune and have probably sung or hummed it, even without thinking.  Perhaps in the shower, or just mindlessly thinking about nothing at work or driving, we’ll hum, “Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song and I’ll try not to sing out of key.”  And then, even as Christians, we continue with the chorus, “Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends, mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.”

With this Beatles song, however, the meaning of the words are taken out of the original context and given Continue reading →

When I say “I love you” to my wife or, even, to my kids, it means something distinctly different than when I say “I love you” to my friends, or neighbors, or to my cat.  Why is that?  It’s the same words.  Shouldn’t they carry the same meaning?  Well, of course not.  We all know this.  But why does the meaning of “I love you” mean something different?  Because the phrase carries content—referent points that are poured into the word of phrase—that gives it meaning.  We know that the content given to the phrase “I love you,” when used toward my wife and children, carries the idea of familial responsibilities: shelter, protecting, nurturing, discipline (at least for my children), romantic love (toward my wife), etc.  When used toward non-family members the content changes—it better not mean the same thing; similar perhaps, but certainly not the identical.

The same is true for most words we use—there are reference points given to the words (or word) that pour content into it, disclosing meaning.  This is especially true of words that are packed with content, that is meaning which stretches beyond the mere symbols, letters, and sounds of the word of phrase.  One such word carries content that needs more examination, especially for the Christian and the Christian community.  This word is “Gospel.” Continue reading →