ATSS: Olive Hemmings, “The Meaning of Christ: an Areligious Spirituality”
30 November 2023 |
The average Christian (among whom are even seminary-trained Christians, as I have come to discover) assumes that the term “Christ” is a religious term unique to the religion of Christianity. Biblically, this is not the case. This assumption may hinder any realization of the radical spiritual calling that is in Christ.
The term “Christ” and the term “Messiah are synonymous terms meaning “anointed one.” To trace the term from its Biblical contextual origins is to discover that the term “Christ” ultimately describes a deep spirituality that cannot be religion-centric because of its profound cosmic reach. Christendom in general has veered from this fundamental Christology of the primitive church.
Whereas the church became God’s Christ on the day of Pentecost through the mass anointing of the spirit, its essential proclamation was the freedom of being “in Christ” – a spiritual liberation that breaks down all “walls of partition” towards oneness with God. This Messianic liberation is an inner transformation and is the foundation of Paul’s teaching about justice (translated righteousness). It represents the early church’s solution to all the conflicts in the communities where he ministered. It calls beyond Judaism (or any other religion/culture), and the circumcision and other rituals that it requires, beyond maleness, and the gender boundaries that it creates, beyond class and the suffering that it institutionalizes.
This Sabbath School presentation is not a repudiation of religion, but a call for deep self-examination as to our spiritual vocation as Christians.
Teacher:
Olive Hemmings is a professor of religion, theology, and ethics at Washington Adventist University.
Moderator:
How to join:
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87940864593
Passcode: JESUS
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Times in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere will vary with local time changes. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, put people down, or judge the state of their salvation.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
- Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Tom deBruin
- Olive Hemmings (WAU)
- Tihomir Lazic
- Andreas Bochman
- Steve Case
