Monday's thoughts

The sermon for Sunday, August 24th:

Abraham Heschel was the subject of my doctoral work at Iliff School of Theology. I was introduced to Heschel by Rabbi Bernard Eisenman who was the Rabbi at Radoff Shalom in Denver. He presented Heschel's ideas to an adult church school class when I was the Youth Pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Denver. After I finished my doctoral work the temple asked me to come a preach at one of their services using Heschel as the source of the sermon.

Paul Tillich taught classes with Heschel in New York. Tillich once said, "Abraham Heschel (a Jewish theologian) is the most Christian person I know."

The one idea Heschel held that I have heard or read nowhere else is the idea that "God is in search of us". Heschel feels that is what the Bible is about. It isn't so much about the people of Israel, and in the New Testament, it is not so much about the worship of Jesus. It is a chronicle of the interaction between humanity and God in which God has created a world in which God feels alien.

Heschel feels it is our task to invite God into the world and to make a world in which God would feel at home.

Heschel's theology provides a strong ethical element. The imperative is upon us to build a world in which God is comfortable being present, and that means working to create a world in which we are uncomfortable as we struggle to make room for God.

Heschel also notes the importance of realizing the absence of God. We cannot assume God is present to us, and the best we can do is be prepared for the presence of God when God is with us. He points to some of the Psalms as examples of the notation of the absence of God.

I think Heschel has give the world an immeasurable gift. I look forward to the sermon as a chance to introduce the congregation to something that is very special.

Have you ever thought about God's absence?
What are the implications of working in the world to make the world a place wherein God is comfortable?

If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your responses click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster