Good, Good Times, Good Work

Is good determined by God? Is Good the principle that God must conform to? While this reminds us at first of the chicken and egg question, we find that it is crucial to our basic theology.  If God must adhere to a high standard of good, then it effects our entire belief system, especially our Soteriology, the study of the doctrine of salvation.  If we believe in the later, then how could we believe in a vengeful God who smites us?  We would be limited to the atonement theories of appeasement and ransom.  In appeasement, God is Holy but has wrath that Jesus is sacrificed to appease God. Would we need to placate a God that is principle of Good? In the Ransom Theory, where humanity is enslaved by the devil, Jesus is used to buy us out of our enslavement.  What kind of God would allow enslavement?  In the Penal Theory of atonement, God is judge accepts Jesus as our offering to suffer the consequences of our breaking the rules.  The fourth theory of Moral Influence holds Jesus as a perfect pattern for humankind to emulate.  This makes a Jesus that is relevant, and there is no need to change God’s mind.  However, we have had a number of special people but as in this theory, they are not unique.  The fifth atonement theory of Reconciliation theory allows us to have a God of principle goodness and a Jesus that is a relevant archetype to our being in the world and relating to God. 

At first the salvation plan to take it on faith that Jesus saved you seems to be the easy way out.  In this mystery cult perspective we can just let the good times roll because we are not capable of perfection anyway.  We can demonstrate an under-responsible behavior: “It ain’t my fault!”  However, if we shift to an ownership of a choice to follow Jesus, would that be demonstrating a responsible response to life.  Rather than an easy out, this may require more courage than an intellectual model.  Could it be that this choice is about growth? Could we consider that this leap of faith is in itself a reconciliation atonement?  Could this be God “reconciling the world unto Himself”? We have the possibility of a new understanding of those with such a strong faith that Jesus is their savior, not as a lamb slaughtered to appease an angry God, but as an individual making a responsive choice to accept Jesus is a wayshower.  Maybe next time someone asked if we are saved we could actually engage in a conversation!