Well I've just finished reading this book by Charles Stross. Its his thrid book that I have read and is by far his most ambitious.
The story line is basically following mankind as we change from flesh based humans to computing based thinking beings. With the odd bit of alien encounter (sort of) added in, and lots of discussion regarding what it means to be human. Its only an OK read, with some sections grabbing me, but with large gaps of story to travel through, watching the metaphorical clouds till the next bit of interest passes by.
I couldn't help thinking on Romans 8
12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
The most interesting thing in the book is how little people changed as they lost their bodies and turned to an existence of pure thought, with reality simulated around them. Thinking new foods and drinks as they wanted them, experiencing sensations from any view point they desired.
If we seek to become more rounded, complete people. More interested in what is going on around us, beyond our own needs. We need to find that compass bearing that will help us steer a true course. Finding that quality of living according to the spirit rather than living according to the flesh has to be a starting point.
If we look at Jesus in the gospels, look past the momentous birth, past the miracles, past the sermons and the parables. Look at the man, with the common people. Maybe we start to see someone living according to the spirit. Living in the moment, but with a focus beyond the immediate.
One "Jesus" encounter that comes back to me is the woman caught in adultary.
John 8:
10When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” 11She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”.......
Hear we see Jesus transcend the law, the requirement to stone the woman. In a loaded situation Jesus sees only the woman, sees only the person and the need. There is no great sermon here, not for the woman, and a simple instruction suffices- "sin no more".
What happens to this woman? Does she "sin no more". We'd like to think it, we'd like to believe that she left that place and having encountered Christ she changed. But did she?
Our experience is one of disappointment at ourselves. How many times have we decided to change what we do, never to repeat the same mistake again. Only to find a few days/weeks later we are doing it again? Does Christ not forgive even if we will go on to sin again?
Is this flesh vs spirit? Is this the long journey?
Coming from another angle, how often do we examine a situation in "Big Picture| mode?
How about forgiving third world debt?
You know the argument:
That these countries got themselves into debt in the first place, then their regimes spent the money on arms and stuff. The corruption inherent even today.
The big picture view asks for guarantees before we cancel debt, insists on how the money is spent. Seeks to force change on cultures and societies to bring them in to line with our values. Part of this picture may be right, part will be wrong. However my question is this, what would Jesus do? (Sorry to those I have just offended, but WWJD is still a valid question, just not really appropriate on a wrist band)
For myself, looking at his actions as portrayed in the gospels, Jesus would say "your debt is forgiven", pure and simple. The rest would be up to the person. Left to see what they would do having been released and maybe changed. He might add in a "sin no more" tag line just for good measure I suppose, but he might not!
Coming back to living by the spirit as a good idea. What can we do to change how we live, what drives us, and how do we change so that our gut reaction and our actions are correct? These are good questions, I wonder who has good answers?
So, a very quick book review, with a load of diatribe from me. Well it is Sunday morning, nearly time for church and I've already given a sermon! Now its probably time I got up properly and went off to listen to one for real!
"Accelerando" (Charles Stross)
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