NEWS: THEME FOR THE YEAR
Theme for the Year
The Year of Christian Community
Human beings are relational creatures. If given a terminal diagnosis, we spend our final days with loved ones and make amends with those from whom we are separated. When we introduce ourselves to others, we share who we are by discussing our relationships at home, school, work and church. Our superheroes increasingly work together in groups, and even those who are “rugged individuals” always have a sidekick, romantic interest, or secret life in normal human society. ConsiderTomHanks’ character in the 2000 movie “Castaway” who copes with living on a deserted island by making friends withWilson the volleyball.
It should not surprise us that we are relational beings. Scripture teaches, and the early church consistently confirmed, that the one God of the Christian faith is also an eternal divine community of Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:14). We, too, were created by God to live in community. Although the exact meaning of the “image of God” is vague in scripture, a number of contemporary scholars conclude that it at least affirms our capacity to relate well, and are actually relating well, with God and other people. According to the Great Commandment, the Christian life is fundamentally one of loving God and loving others (Matt. 22:34-40). While sin disrupts our community with God and others, one of the primary New Testament images of salvation is reconciliation (Eph. 2:14-18).
God also saw fit that Christians would participate in the church.To call the church a community would be redundant, as the Greek term ekklesia means “assembly” or “gathering.” The title of Dan Kimball’s popular book on “emerging generations” announces that They Like Jesus but not the Church, but such a stance is not an option for the Christian.The church is a community of worship, mission and spiritual formation where we both shape others and are shaped by others in subtle, yet profound, ways. Even deep disagreements with sisters and brothers become opportunities for our own spiritual growth, as we are forced to deeper levels of prayer, love and commitment to God and his people.The Christian who sets out alone will soon wither in faith, while simultaneously depriving others of encouragement and an example of Christian discipleship.The first believers, in contrast, were characterized by communion with God, fellowship with other believers, and a measure of respect and influence with those in the larger society (Acts 2:42-47).
Harding University Graduate School of Religion fulfills a unique role as a community of learning, ministerial training, and spiritual formation.We continually experience the power of community to strengthen faith andmold lives.This year, we invite you to join us as we explore and commit ourselves to community with God and the people of God, and as we eagerly await the new creation when God will dwell with us and we will be God’s people (Rev. 21:3).
Dr. Mark E. Powell
Associate Professor of Theology
