Center Church SGF

Center Conversations 2021 | Divine Forgiveness and Pathos

In the final episode of this short series, Jeremy discusses divine forgiveness. This wide-ranging episode explores the imagery of divine forgiveness, divine forgiveness and God's anger, and how we forgive in response to the nature of God. Scripture References: Exodus 34 Additional Sources: Handbook of Moral Behavior and Development, Volume One (Kurtines and Gewirtz) Divine Anger and Walter Brueggeman's Biblical Theology (Peck) Essay on Forgiveness (Lewis) The Doors fo the Sea (Hart)

Center Conversations 2021 | Ambition

In this episode, Jeremy explores the tricky topic of ambition. For some, ambition has been a useful tool to spur positive change in the world; for others, it has been a source of frustration and unwellness. A short literary survey frames the discussion. Following this is a biblical treatment on the topic. Scripture References: Philippians 1 and 2; Romans 2 and 15; 1 Thessalonians 4 Additional Sources: On the Road (Smith) "Literary Themes: Ambition"

Center Conversations 2021 | Fatherhood

This is episode one of a three part series where we dive into a few topics which have been requested at Center. We begin with something broad, indeed; Jeremy offers a few ways of thinking creatively and biblically about the complex topic of fatherhood. Scripture References: Luke 15; Matthew 7 and 17; John 4; Proverbs 1 Additional Sources: Dictionary of Biblical Imagery On the Road (Smith) Short Stories by Jesus (Levine) The Bluest Eye (Morrison) The Invention of Solitude (Auster) "Fatherhood and the Literary Imagination" (Osuji)

Expectancy | The Practice of Hope and Love [Pt 2]

In this episode, Jeremy discusses the ways the Spirit of God pulls hope down into the very core of our being, into all parts of our lived experience. This discussion includes a critique of how Christiany is usually presented in our current moment, and then commentary on the sacred practice of contemplative prayer, as framed by Thomas Keating. Scripture References: Proverbs 28; 1 Kings 19; 2 Corinthians 12 Additional Sources: "The Method of Centering Prayer" (Keating) A Passion for Truth: "A World of Veils" (Heschel) Desiring the Kingdom (Smith) The Experience of God (Hart)

Expectancy | The Practice of Hope and Love [Pt 1]

In this episode, Jeremy begins to conclude his series on expectancy by discussing what it means to become experts in the love and fullness of God. He discusses how the things that one loves and desires objectively shape the world one inhabits and subjectively inform one's experience of it. Scripture References: Galatians 2; 2 Corinthians 4; Romans 8; Matthew 28; Acts 17 Additional Sources: Desiring the Kingdom (Smith) Modern Social Imaginaries, excerpts (Taylor) The Experience of God (Hart)