Towards the Future

Summary of Presentation by Cleveland Yates to SOFiA (Sea of Faith in Aotearoa), Sept 21, 2024

Clive gave us a summary of Christian and Pre-Christian theology over 5000 years.  It has changed over that time; but the average person doesn’t realize that. Some say that religion is finished.  But Clive says no. In this day of increasing religious freedom, you are enabled to find God for yourself. But along with God, show respect and care.

Based on Spong’s analysis, Clive proposes:
1 Choose words carefully, words that embrace life
2 Community is important and as part of that a shared ritual is supportive
3 Support Ethical purposes: charity, kindness, good will

Music and Arts are important for expressing meaning.

General observations
The PowerPoint slides were attention-getting and helpful.  They supplied a WOW factor. Clive and the screen worked well together; he was a person, not just a speaker.

Questions for Clive
Where does the environment fit in?  Clive indicated it was in kindness to others which includes other species and the planet.
Can we obtain notes?   Yes they will be published
Question of original sin coming from Genesis through Paul ‘s letter to the Romans. Paul himself didn’t argue for atonement. In place of atonement, with its sacrificial overtones, Paul spoke of Christ’s followers as being ‘in Christ’, a phrase that focuses on living in the Way or Spirit of Christ’.

Thanks to Cleveland Yates for his presentation and for the powerful PowerPoint slides.

Mary Ellen Warren