Variations on a Theme Called Agape

Love is only true when it comes out of the heart, not out of obedience to someone or some law. It is not a mandate but a choice. That is also the most painful kind of love.

It is the kind of love that needs no reason, it just is. It is called "I AM."

It is the kind of love that does not need explanation; the kind that has a capacity beyond human understanding.

It is the kind of love that does not need its voice to be heard.

It is the kind of love that is willing to hurt; the kind that will not let go.

It is the kind of love that can only be expressed after having experienced that same kind of love first. It is called "We love because He first loved us."
It is the kind of love that led to Calvary; the kind that chose to give itself to one(s) undeserving.

It is the kind of love that is called Agape, Yahweh, Christ, Spirit.

Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison
God forgive me, for I don't have it in me to love like that.

Initial Responses to Newell Lectures...

How many translations do we need?

There are only 2 translations of the German bible

Traditional Luther and the modern translation

2 in Chinese

Traditional characters, simplified characters

7 in Spanish

Modern translations, separation from the Catholic church, regional differences in language

So why do we need 15+ translations in English??

Speculations…

German language: “mann” refers both to “man” and to the generic “one”

Chinese language: 2^nd person, any # is always masculine; 3^rd person plural is always masculine

English speakers/readers are bored?

Speakers of other languages are thankful enough that God cares enough to speak to them in their own language.

They don’t spend time debating over political correctness or what God really meant.

Do other cultures need to be “liberated” so that women can be considered equal to men in society?

What if men and women of other cultures don’t have an issue with the male image of God because that image works for their culture?

If Yahweh is for relationships, how will the theology of liberation in breaking societal hierarchies help maintain or destroy what matters to Yahweh?

Thoughts?