What Is the Christian Story Really? | Jonathan Pageau

Summary

The video discusses the enduring influence of the Christian narrative, despite its diminishing visibility in public life. It explores how Christianity shapes ethics, morality, and the concept of personhood. The speaker explains the Christian story as God's love calling humanity to participate in the divine, emphasizing the transformative experience of theosis—where individuals become united with God. This process is seen as a profound personal transformation beyond ethical behavior, leading to a deepened existence and consciousness in God.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The Christian story is viewed as inevitable and foundational to our ethics, morality, and understanding of human personhood.
• 📚 Tom Holland and others recognize the narrative power of Christianity as it fades from the public sphere.
• 🔄 The Christian story involves a call to participate in the divine and to become more like Christ.
• ❤️ The love of God is seen as the force that holds the world together, with the incarnation showing how humans can partake in the life of God.
• 👑 Christians are called to reign with Christ, acting as principalities in the world and transforming it through love and holiness.
• 🌟 The lives of saints demonstrate this transformation, influencing those around them through their prayer and love.
• ⚖️ Theosis is a key doctrine in Orthodoxy, emphasizing the union of humans with God and their participation in His life.
• 🕊️ Theosis is seen as a real transformation into godliness, not just a metaphor or ethical change.
• 💡 Moments of light or spiritual clarity can offer glimpses of theosis, often experienced in prayer, liturgy, or profound personal relationships.
• 🤲 The process of theosis involves a transformation that leads to freedom from passions and a deeper understanding of one's true self in unity with God.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by 'the Christian story is inevitable'?

The speaker believes that the principles and narrative of Christianity are foundational to our understanding of morality, ethics, and human identity. As Christianity fades from the public sphere, its influence becomes more apparent and inevitable in shaping these aspects of society.

How does Tom Holland view the impact of Christianity on society?

Tom Holland notes that as Christianity is removed from the public sphere, its deep influence on our ethics, morality, and perception of humanity becomes clearer. He sees Christianity's narrative as integral to the foundation of these concepts.

What did G.K. Chesterton mean by 'the church has died many times but we follow one who knows the way out of the grave'?

G.K. Chesterton's quote suggests that the church has faced numerous challenges and declines throughout history, but it endures and revives because it follows Christ, who overcame death and provides a path to resurrection and renewal.

What is the core message of the Christian story according to the speaker?

The core message of the Christian story is that God loves humanity and invites us to participate in divine life. This participation is shown through the incarnation of Christ and calls believers to reign with Christ, transform reality through love, and become holy individuals who influence the world positively.

What does the speaker describe as theosis in Orthodox theology?

Theosis in Orthodox theology is the belief that God created the world so that creatures could be united with Him in love and participate in His life. This union with God, disrupted by the fall, is ultimately resolved through Christ, leading to the transformation of individuals into divine beings through participation in God's life.

How does the speaker describe moments of experiencing theosis?

The speaker describes moments of theosis as brief glimpses of light and unity, often experienced during prayer, liturgy, or profound personal connections. These moments feel like time and space vanish, providing a sense of divine presence, although they are fleeting and not permanent for most people.

How does Orthodox theology view the transformation of a person in relation to God?

Orthodox theology views the transformation of a person as a real, lived experience. It is not merely a forensic declaration or ethical change but an actual transformation of the person's consciousness and being, making them free, full, and united with God.

How does the speaker relate personal experiences with children to theosis?

The speaker relates personal experiences with children to theosis by describing moments of profound connection and love that seem to transcend time and space. These moments provide a glimpse of divine unity and the transformation that theosis aims to achieve.

What role does adoption play in Protestant theology in comparison to theosis?

In Protestant theology, adoption into God's family through the Spirit of the Son allows believers to participate in the love of the Father and the divine nature. While similar to theosis, it is often seen more as a forensic declaration and ethical change rather than a complete transformation of the person.

What is the significance of the transformation into God according to Orthodox theology?

The transformation into God in Orthodox theology signifies an actual change in the person's nature, making them divine through participation in God's life. This transformation leads to a higher state of existence, where the person becomes light, free from passions, and fully united with God's will and essence.