Bøger af Dr Clark

Luke's narrative of Jesus was presented to Christians who had already heard and read stories of Jesus and the birth of this new movement, Christianity. Luke seemed to rewrite the story of Jesus similar to ancient epics of the history of a nation, a movement, and the tale of a hero. Jesus and the church emerged in occupied Judea, a nation that was not only oppressed but was in exile. Occupied Judea, however, struggled for power and honor and in turn, for marginalized people who needed God. Jesus, the epic hero, journeyed to earth and Jerusalem to free those on the margins of society. This epic story lives on today in a church that also has heard the story of Jesus, but has forgotten that the friend of sinners calls Christians to also reach those who are marginalized by our occupied culture. Luke invites Christians to emerge as a movement that seeks and saves those ostracized by our communities.

When Paul came to Corinth he found a culture emerging from the ashes of Roman power. As Julius Caesar rebuilt the fallen city he brought Roman culture to this Greek community. Likewise, Paul's message of salvation in Jesus rebuilt the fallen lives of people dominated by a culture of power. This power was displayed in violence, discrimination, sexuality, and spirituality. As this city emerged from the ashes of humiliation the church emerged, by God's hand, from of the humiliation of Jesus and the cross.Today the church emerges in a culture of power, humiliation, and fear. Paul's challenge for the church is to be mature and practice unconditional love. This love is permanent. This love develops and empowers others. This love causes us to be in relationship with God and others. Through this love God's people see face to face. The church can emerge to radiate love, peace, and empowerment.

Mystics are those who are seeking a definite, direct experience. They are not satisfied with dogma, traditions, or the theoretical study of metaphysics. Rather, they seek a practice that will lead them to a numinous experience of the Ultimate. They yearn, not for faith, or belief but for a sure knowing of the truth of existence. True mystics know that their paradigm must be practical, because it ultimately affects their success or failure. The practical mystic looks forward to and embraces change. She knows that each change is another step in the great evolutionary plan. By looking forward we become pro-active co-creators rather than reactive pawns in the great cosmic dance. Thus, we become aware of the purpose of all life. We know that we have a cosmic destiny to fulfill. We know that we are created by God to complete the plan in our own unique way. Mysticism is intensely practical. It is a positive paradigm for growth and achievement. When we change our paradigm, we change our world. It is to aid this transformation that this book is offered.