Episode 29: The Best Question
SUMMARY
What if the very foundations of our faith—the assumptions and traditions we've long held dear—are the same things holding us back? In this episode, Milo and Olivia dive deep into the beliefs we might be unknowingly clinging to, unraveling how these can limit our spiritual journey. Together, they'll uncover the most powerful question you can ask to break through these barriers and set your faith on a path toward dynamic growth and deeper intimacy with God. Get ready for a transformative conversation that will challenge and inspire you to rethink what you believe and why.e.
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PODCAST NOTES
Title: The Best Question
Hosts: Milo Curtis and Olivia Curtis
Download the Companion Notes PDF
INTRODUCTION
What if the very foundations of our faith—the assumptions and traditions we've long held dear—are the same things holding us back? In this episode, Milo and Olivia dive deep into the beliefs we might be unknowingly clinging to, unraveling how these can limit our spiritual journey. Together, they'll uncover the most powerful question you can ask to break through these barriers and set your faith on a path toward dynamic growth and deeper intimacy with God. Get ready for a transformative conversation that will challenge and inspire you to rethink what you believe and why.
THE CONCEPT OF FIRST PRINCIPLES
The concept of "first principles" involves breaking down complex problems into their most basic elements and rebuilding from those core truths, rather than relying on existing assumptions. This method fosters innovative solutions by focusing on fundamental truths instead of traditional approaches.
What assumptions do you have about being a Christian? For most people, those concepts are built on assumptions and tradition. Now, those assumptions and traditions may be spot on, but our understanding does not extend beyond those assumptions or traditions.
Wisdom provides a framework to ask questions in an order that unfolds Truth in a way that we can better understand and perhaps embrace. It contextualizes the first principles for today.
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
- Galatians 6:3-5 -
A VERY BRIEF LOOK AT CHURCH HISTORY
A brief look at church history reveals a shift in the early church thinking from, “Who is Jesus?” to “What does it mean to be saved?” That shift significantly shapes how we think about theology and spiritual formation.
33AD to 305AD - Who is Jesus?
Jews viewed Jesus as a heretic. They saw the early church as compromising on the belief that there is one God. When pressed to explain who Jesus is, the early church explained Him in the context of the Father and Spirit. To the Jewish listener this sounds like heresy. “You are not one of us,” would have been there position. Yet the early church saw Christ’s coming as a fulfillment of Old Testament theology. “We are like you and the Messiah has come,” would have been their response.
The Pagans viewed the Christians like them. Greek gods have families…the Christian God seems like a family. “You are one of us” would have been their response. “We are nothing like you,” would have been the Christian response.
So the dominate question, “Who is Jesus” drives the early churches thinking.
305AD to 397AD Rome becomes a Christian Empire
The cultural shift that took place was not insignificant when Rome became a “Christian” empire. This political shift presented the early church with a new set of theological tensions to explore and articulate.
397-400AD Augustines Confessions
Summary of Confessions: Augustine's Confessions is a spiritual autobiography that recounts his journey from a life of sin and indulgence to his eventual conversion to Christianity. Written between 397 and 400 AD, the work is composed of 13 books and combines personal reflection, philosophical inquiry, and theological discourse. Augustine explores themes such as the nature of sin, the struggle for self-understanding, and the pursuit of divine truth. He reflects on his early life, his time as a Manichean, and his eventual embrace of Christianity through the influence of figures like his mother, Monica, and Bishop Ambrose. The Confessions is both a prayer to God and an exploration of the human soul, highlighting Augustine’s belief in God’s grace as central to salvation.
Augustine’s Confessions illustrate a shift in theological focus from “Who is Jesus” to “What does it mean to be saved?”
1054 Summary of East and West Split
The split between the Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Roman Catholic) Churches, known as the Great Schism, took place in 1054 AD. The division was the result of centuries of growing theological, political, and cultural differences between the two branches of Christianity.
Key factors leading to the schism included:
Theological Disputes: Differences in beliefs, such as the Filioque controversy, where the Western Church added "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed without the agreement of the Eastern Church, leading to disagreements about the nature of the Holy Trinity.
Papal Authority: The Western Church claimed the Pope in Rome had authority over all Christians, while the Eastern Church maintained that the Patriarch of Constantinople was equal to the Pope, rejecting the Pope’s supremacy.
Cultural and Linguistic Differences: The Latin-speaking West and the Greek-speaking East developed distinct liturgical practices, traditions, and ecclesiastical governance.
Political Tensions: As the Roman Empire divided into the Eastern and Western Empires, political and territorial conflicts exacerbated religious tensions.
The schism was solidified in 1054 when mutual excommunications were issued by Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael I Cerularius, although the schism was a gradual process and the separation became more definitive over time.
1517AD Luther Posts the 95 Thesis
Martin Luther's 95 Theses, published on October 31, 1517, is a document that challenged the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were payments made to the Church that were said to reduce punishment for sins. Luther argued that indulgences undermined true repentance and suggested that salvation could be bought, which he believed contradicted the teachings of the Bible.
The 95 Theses emphasized that salvation is achieved through faith alone, not through good works or financial contributions. Luther also criticized the authority of the Pope, questioning his power to forgive sins. This document, nailed to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to significant religious, political, and cultural changes across Europe.
1962-1965 Vatican II
Vatican II had a profound impact on the Catholic Church's relationship with other Christian denominations, marking a significant shift toward ecumenism—efforts to promote unity and cooperation among all Christians. Before the council, the Catholic Church often viewed itself as the only true Church, with limited engagement with other denominations. Vatican II transformed this perspective in several key ways:
Emphasis on Christian Unity: The council recognized the validity of other Christian denominations and acknowledged that they share a common baptism and belief in Christ. This was a major step toward fostering dialogue and understanding.
Ecumenical Engagement: Vatican II encouraged Catholics to engage in dialogue with other Christian communities to overcome historical divisions. The Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio) emphasized the importance of working toward unity, recognizing that differences often arose from cultural, linguistic, and historical factors.
Joint Efforts: The council paved the way for collaborative efforts between the Catholic Church and other Christian groups in areas such as social justice, education, and humanitarian work. This cooperation highlighted shared values and common goals.
Liturgical and Theological Dialogue: Vatican II encouraged joint theological discussions and mutual respect for each other's liturgical practices. This openness led to greater understanding and appreciation of diverse Christian traditions.
Improved Relations with Eastern Orthodox Churches: Vatican II sought to heal the long-standing rift between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Efforts included lifting mutual excommunications that had been in place since the Great Schism of 1054.
Overall, Vatican II significantly improved the Catholic Church's relationships with other Christian denominations, fostering a spirit of collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to the broader Christian mission.
1968 World Council of Churches
The 1968 Fourth Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Uppsala, Sweden, was a pivotal event in the ecumenical movement, focusing on the Church's role in addressing global challenges and promoting unity among Christian denominations. This is a key engagement due to Vatican II taking place just a few years earlier.
The Catholic Church had established more informal relationships with the WCC, including sending observers to WCC assemblies and participating in some of its activities. This involvement was part of the broader effort to improve relations with other Christian denominations initiated by Vatican II. Despite not being a member, the Catholic Church's engagement with the WCC marked a significant step toward greater ecumenical dialogue and cooperation.
To facilitate dialogue moving forward, the participants agreed that the primary question they should begin with is, “Who Is Jesus?” This dominant question
TODAY - As a result of the 1968 WCC there was an accelerated shift in theological emphasis around the person of Christ.
APPLICATION
What parts of my life are not pointed towards Jesus?
Relationships, Finances, Vocation, Education, Health (mental, physical, spiritual), Entertainment, PoliticsWhat parts of my life are pointed, but not moving towards Jesus?
Relationships, Finances, Vocation, Education, Health (mental, physical, spiritual), Entertainment, Politics
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