progress report

[2eclipse]

my argument is looking more solid.
i have re-written my introduction yet again and created the rudimentary sections that will form the table of contents (how pretentious is that! table of fucking contents! but it is required and so i will make one).
the weekend's progress brings me to 25 full pages.
6,935 words. i am officially over half-way there.
i still have to talk about the prosperity theology as an inadequate argument for selfishness, wesley's interpretation of the use of money, trust in God and the role of faith in understanding freedom, the transformative power of the gospel, independence as idolotry, theodicy as related to free will, the power of forgiveness and the creation of heaven on earth. and then i have to write a conclusion. that ought to keep me busy for another twenty pages or so.:)
i will talk to my advisor again today.

Comments

[karpouzian.livejournal.com]

What is the 'overarching' theme of the thesis Mrs. HJA, or is this more of a "my theological treatise"? You seem to be covering a ton of smaller issues...

[2eclipse.livejournal.com]

i am using the neccesity of holding divine sovereignty and free will in tension as a lens for viewing american trouble with seeing the imago dei in others and taking care of the poor. essentially i believe that idolotry of independence has turned us from the truth about what we control and what God controls, and that it distorts our view of the poor (who should be more independent) and the affluent (who are independent and therfore should be able to make good choices). i believe that holding divine sovereignty and free will in tension with each other (never using one without the other) provides for a truer view of freedom (what we have choices about and what we don't) and shows a path to loving one another in accordance with Christ's example.
so all of those things i listed TOUCH on the argument i'm making, and show an aspect of it, but the paper is not strictly about them.
i DO have a paper already written on my more general understanding of Christianity - a credo that follows the nicene creed. you are welcome to read it if you are interested.

[eltanin.livejournal.com]

Some day when this paper is all settled and done, I'd be interested in taking a look at it, if I may.

[2eclipse.livejournal.com]

you will be more than welcome. :)

your paper

[sunmother.livejournal.com]

Since I have been reading the prophets recently I am freshly aware what some of them say about covenantal living...especially Amos. Also Brueggemann (Prophetic Imagination) has a nice description of the relationship between the changes in the economy(from equality and enoughness to affluence and excess) the politics (from politics of justice to politics of oppression) and religion(religion of Gods freedom and vulnerability to religion of control and acessability)in Israel's ability to live out the covenant relationship with God...especially with regard to the poor. It reminds me of the NT question, Do you love me? Then feed my sheep. Seems like free will is right in there but the impact of choosing not to live out this aspect of the covenant is reflected in 1.loss of relationship and 2. the life of the whole world community.