Imagination and Relationships . . .

Here is the information for our conversation Sunday evening - and I do apologize for getting it to you so late!

The focal point for our conversation this week is based on The Shack - Chapters 10 and 11. We will be talking about imagination, contingencies, repentance, judgment, substitutionary atonement, and universal salvation. Here are some questions to ponder:

1. How does "imagination" manifest itself in you? Jesus links imagination, power and wisdom together. Why? (Page 141-142 [143-144].)
2. Jesus says to Mack (Page 142 [144]): You try and play God, imagining the evil that you fear becoming reality, and then you try and make plans and contingencies to avoid what you fear. What do you think he is talking about?
3. In what might be called "classic trinitarian theology", we commonly speak of the "essential" trinity and the "economic" trinity. The essential trinity has to do with relationships; the economic trinity has to do with function. What are the functions of the different persons of the trinity? Does William Young favor one dimension of the trinity over the other? (Correct answer: Yes!) Which one? And why? (Pages 145-148 [147-150].)
4. On Page 147 [149] Jesus defines "repentance". What is his definition?
5. How would you feel about being the judge over the people of the world? What would be your criteria for condemning someone? (Pages 158-159 [160-161].)
6. How does the woman define "judgment"? (Page 169 [171].) What is your assessment of her definition?
7. On Page 163 [165], the woman leads Mack to the point where he articulates what is known as the "doctrine of substitutionary atonement". What is that doctrine, and how does he get there?
8. From the perspective of the conversation between the woman and Mack (Pages 164ff [166ff]), who will receive "justice", and who will receive "mercy"?

Once again we find ourselves in the midst of some profound theological principles, introduced throughout the narrative of the story. I look forward to our conversation on Sunday evening! Feel free to comment below - to begin the conversation.