Radically Happy

TGR-S3E4: Systemic Redemption

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Dr. Ernie

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Continuing our discussion of the Biastes Co-Discipleship Network, our 1pm PST Tuesday, July 28, 2020 episode of The Great Reset introduces a revolutionary approach to redeeming our systems.

Where Ernie unintentionally sparks a revolution against “systems”

Question: What would it take to truly overcome systemic inequity and relational brokenness?

Perspective: Revolutionary systems effectively honoring Christlike humble service

Analysis

  1. We mimic (consciously and unconsciously) what we see honored
  2. Every successful system has strong incentives to honor behavior that perpetuates the system
  3. The church (and Western civilization) is built on systems inherited from Greek aristocrats, Roman conquerors, and Jewish Pharisees
  4. Those systems were remarkably effective at getting us where we are today
  5. To do better, we need systems that redeem our hypocrisy, by embodying aspirational values that transcend our effective values
  6. Redemptive systems empower us to suffer like Christ in order to overcome like Christ
  7. Who’s with me?

References

  • “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” ― Archimedes
  • “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” ― Romans 12:2

One response to “TGR-S3E4: Systemic Redemption”

  1. stevenmcgriff Avatar
    stevenmcgriff

    Question: What would it take to truly overcome systemic inequity and relational brokenness?

    From our Text Chat in reply to Ernie’s Question:

    Steve: Reflexively, I respond: “No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” Micah 6:8 — If Chrstians would learn to stop covering their “privates” with fig leaves and live in humble transparency with God…doing just acts, showing mercy, and humbly respect one another under God’s love. Only if…and that is a tough order to follow.

    Ernie: Right on! So what does it take for us to stop covering our “privates” with fig leaves and live in humble transparency with God?

    Steve: The hardest obstacle to lift in our muscular strength weighs a ton, yet is like a helium balloon in God’s strength: humility. Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought. Honor others above yourself. Paraphrase from Steve’s mind.

    Ernie: So how do we rebuild Christianity around systems that reward humility, rather than the opposite?

    Steve: Find service opportunities. Celebrate quietly with the servants😊

    Ernie: Absolutely.  And also publish their successes and failures for others to improve upon.

    === Today’s Discussion in Part ====

    We need different systems to solve the issues and challenges
    Like an internal revolution to redeem those systems
    West. Civ. Can be redeemed on the basis of Jesus Christ even if the suppressor and conqueror don’t get it right.

    Systems are broken … and we are flawed in our attempts to correct the errors
    People … some want to make the system better for themselves, some for the good of others

    Bill: I have never viewed Jesus as a system …

    E: must define a system … as entities, people, and relationships … a complex interaction of people in relationship

    Bill: Why do we need a new system now … ? What’s the program?

    TH: people still hate one another and seek to oppress the other

    Eric: We are in an eco-system …

    Steve: a human eco-system … must account for humanity and its flaws because they create man-made systems. God’s natural eco-system seems to be able to care for itself and adjust when imbalanced.

    Perhaps humanity is imbalanced so much that COVID-19 is God’s critical measure he has allowed to occur in order to balance it.

    Reply

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