Bishop Barron on The Fall

Summary

The script explores the concept of 'The Fall' as Act II in the grand theodrama of creation. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin, which is the appropriation of the Divine Life, rather than receiving it as a gift. The speaker illustrates how humanity's attempt to define good and evil leads to chaos and dysfunction, drawing parallels from biblical stories and historical events. The message is a call to recognize and embrace our inherent imperfections to truly flourish according to God's will.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The script emphasizes the importance of Act II in the 'Theodrama', which is 'The Fall', suggesting it's crucial for understanding the full narrative of creation and sin.
• 🙏 G.K. Chesterton's quote about everyone being in the same boat and seasick illustrates the universality of the human condition, including the struggle with sin.
• 🚫 The idea that humans are perfectable through mind or will alone is rejected; instead, sin is acknowledged as a compromise of what God intends for us.
• 🍀 The concept of sin is explored as the act of turning oneself into God, or inappropriately taking on the role of determining good and evil.
• 🎁 The Divine Life is presented as a gift that must be received and given, not something that can be taken or owned.
• 🌬️ The act of receiving and giving the Divine Life is likened to breathing; it must be a continuous cycle of intake and output.
• 📖圣经故事 references, such as the widow of Zarephath and the woman at the well, are used to illustrate the principle of giving to receive the Divine Life.
• 🏺 The prodigal son's story is cited as an example of the desire to appropriate the Divine Life, leading to emptiness and separation from God.
• 🏛️ A Supreme Court decision is mentioned to critique the modern notion of liberty that can lead to the appropriation of the Divine Life and the definition of one's own existence.
• 🔮 The consequences of the appropriation of the Divine Life are outlined as various forms of human dysfunction, such as hatred, violence, and division.
• 📚 Blaise Pascal's quote is used to warn against the danger of self-deification, which can lead to a descent into bestiality rather than angelic nature.

Q & A

What is referred to as Act II in the context of the script?

Act II refers to 'The Fall', which is a significant part of the narrative of human existence, highlighting the impact of sin and its consequences on humanity.

Why is it important not to forget Act II according to the speaker?

Forgetting Act II would result in an incomplete and ineffective telling of the story of humanity, as it omits the reality of sin and its effects, which are central to the narrative.

What does G.K. Chesterton's quote about being seasick signify?

The quote signifies the universal human experience of struggling with the consequences of sin, suggesting that everyone is affected by it.

What does the speaker mean by 'sin has compromised us'?

The speaker means that sin has tainted human nature without completely destroying it, altering the way humans relate to God's intentions for them.

What is the 'Divine Life' as per the script?

The 'Divine Life' is described as a gift from God, existing in a form of mutual giving between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

How does one receive the Divine Life according to the speaker?

One receives the Divine Life by not attempting to appropriate it for oneself but by receiving it as a gift from God and then giving it away.

What is the significance of the story of the widow of Zarephath in the context of the Divine Life?

The story illustrates the principle of giving to receive; the widow's act of giving to Elijah in a time of scarcity leads to an abundance of resources, symbolizing the abundance that comes from giving the Divine Life away.

What does the speaker mean by 'adoratio'?

Adoratio refers to the act of receiving the Divine Life directly from God, like breathing in, and then giving it away as it comes in.

How does the speaker link the concept of sin to the story of the prodigal son?

The speaker links sin to the prodigal son's desire to take his inheritance early, symbolizing the human tendency to want to appropriate the Divine Life for oneself rather than receiving it as a gift.

What does the phrase 'great emptiness' signify in the context of sin?

The 'great emptiness' signifies the spiritual void that results from attempting to appropriate the Divine Life for oneself, leading to a state of disconnection from God.

How does the speaker connect the concept of sin to the decision in Casey v. Planned Parenthood?

The speaker connects sin to the decision by highlighting the court's assertion of personal liberty to define one's own existence, which he equates to the sin of appropriating the Divine Life.

What does Blaise Pascal's quote about making oneself into an angel signify?

Pascal's quote signifies the irony that in trying to elevate oneself to divine status, one actually descends into a state of beastliness, reflecting the consequences of sin.