Once again, thank you. It has always bothered me that I can't accept someone rising from the dead as the central tenet of my faith. And Jesus didn't stay very long, either. Your thoughts make me feel not such a heretic. And also for suggesting tolerance for others who find the resurrection so central. I will try.
I do like these questions. Yet I think the offense — the terror, the uncanny — is part of the point. “Put your hand in my side.” It’s tactile! We just saw this guy dead! Do we really want to handle him?! God is great but also terrible, and the intractable nature of these miracles is part of the point. They show you life, even eternal life, but they rub your nose in blood and decay on the way there. A *glimpse* of your granny is cozy, but would you turn your granny away if she actually appeared to you and touched you? How much is too much?
So interesting to learn your thoughts about death. Thanks for sharing these personal reflections.
Once again, thank you. It has always bothered me that I can't accept someone rising from the dead as the central tenet of my faith. And Jesus didn't stay very long, either. Your thoughts make me feel not such a heretic. And also for suggesting tolerance for others who find the resurrection so central. I will try.
I do like these questions. Yet I think the offense — the terror, the uncanny — is part of the point. “Put your hand in my side.” It’s tactile! We just saw this guy dead! Do we really want to handle him?! God is great but also terrible, and the intractable nature of these miracles is part of the point. They show you life, even eternal life, but they rub your nose in blood and decay on the way there. A *glimpse* of your granny is cozy, but would you turn your granny away if she actually appeared to you and touched you? How much is too much?
Like I said, love this essay!