Radical Emptiness - Theology

We are like a donut! The hole in the donut is radial emptiness aching to be filled.

We get off track and try to fill it up with $, prestige, degrees, Corvettes, sports; yet the emptiness endures. (This mystery for example is at the heart addiction.)

So in making peace with this emptiness, we find true happiness. Only God can fill it.

We are made, hot wired for God. Only God can fill this hunger.

Jesus is a persistent yes before God, a radical dependence on God. He dared to call him Abba.

We need to become like him. In this sense Jesus is the Son of God. He has become the revelation of God for us, who's given himself up for us.

Substitution theory: For centuries, one theory about Jesus has been taught as if it is the only theory and the only explanation based on faith. (This is false.) Substitution or atonement simply states that Jesus was sent by the father to ransom us back. That is, Adam's sin was so great (a human offense against the divine) that only a divine human could repair the damage. (Makes the father look like a sadist.)

Jesus gave himself for us not as a ransome sacrifice but as one who followed his dream all the way to the Cross. He spoke truth and could not, would not recant to save his own life. The powers of state and synagogue found his word threatening to their power & way life, so they got rid of him.

Jesus gave himself for us in that he believed in justice, peace, equality, and compassion. He was willing to die for that. In this he showed us the Father. This is what we are to live in our daily lives.

Let us open our eyes and see the reign of God in our everyday lives & like Jesus act in accord with the compassion and love of God.