Creating Shalom: Embracing Unity in Diversity

 

Summary

In today's exploration of Genesis, we delve into the profound pattern of creation that reveals the nature of life and underscores why Christianity offers a coherent understanding of reality. The narrative begins with chaos, over which the Spirit of God hovers, leading to a divine act of separation—light from darkness, sky from earth, and land from water. This separation is not an end but a means to a greater purpose: the joining together of distinct parts to create Shalom, a harmonious whole that celebrates diversity within unity.

This pattern is not only evident in the creation story but is also mirrored in the very fabric of existence. From the cellular differentiation in our bodies to the complex integration of our neurological systems, we see a divine blueprint of separation leading to connection and ultimately to a state of Shalom. This is further reflected in our mental processes, where chaos is transformed into order and flow, allowing us to transcend ourselves and experience a deeper connection with the world.

The concept of Shalom extends to our social structures, where individuals and families, when properly differentiated, can come together to form communities and nations that honor individuality while striving for unity. This balance is crucial; too much separation leads to anarchy, while excessive unity can result in totalitarianism. The biblical vision of Shalom is a community where diversity is celebrated, and differences are submitted to enhance the whole.

In the afterlife, this vision of Shalom is fully realized, as depicted in the Book of Revelation, where people from every nation and tongue gather in harmonious worship. This stands in stark contrast to the isolation and domination depicted in C.S. Lewis's portrayals of hell. The Christian narrative offers a compelling alternative to other worldviews, emphasizing a God who is a community of three persons in one, inviting us into a cosmic project of unity in diversity.

Today, consider where God might be calling you to separate in a way that honors Him, perhaps by focusing on your work with integrity or by connecting with those who are often overlooked. Reflect on how you can join with others in meaningful ways, fostering relationships that reflect the divine pattern of Shalom.

Key Takeaways:

- The pattern of creation in Genesis—chaos, separation, and joining—illustrates a divine order that leads to Shalom, a harmonious whole that celebrates diversity within unity. This pattern is evident in all aspects of life, from the cellular to the cosmic. [01:22]

- Our neurological development mirrors this divine pattern, where differentiation and integration lead to learning and growth. This process allows us to transcend ourselves and experience a state of flow, akin to the biblical concept of Shalom. [03:23]

- Social structures thrive when individuals are properly differentiated yet connected, forming communities that honor individuality while striving for unity. This balance prevents the extremes of anarchy and totalitarianism. [05:39]

- The Christian vision of the afterlife is one of harmonious unity, contrasting with the isolation and domination depicted in other narratives. This vision invites us into a cosmic project of unity in diversity, reflecting the nature of God. [07:58]

- Consider where God is calling you to separate and join in your life. This might involve focusing on your work with integrity or connecting with those who are often overlooked, fostering relationships that reflect the divine pattern of Shalom. [12:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:40] - Introduction to Genesis Pattern
- [01:07] - Chaos to Shalom
- [01:53] - Intelligibility of Creation
- [02:36] - Neurological Development
- [03:55] - Mind and Flow
- [04:59] - Family Systems and Attachment
- [05:51] - Community and Society
- [06:59] - Afterlife and Shalom
- [08:27] - Competing Metanarratives
- [09:35] - Christian Vision of Reality
- [10:44] - Separation and Togetherness
- [11:38] - Practical Application
- [12:49] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:1-5 - The Creation narrative, focusing on the separation of light from darkness.
2. Revelation 7:9-10 - A vision of people from every nation and tongue gathered in worship.

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Observation Questions:

1. In the Genesis creation story, what are the specific acts of separation that God performs, and what is the purpose of these separations? [01:07]

2. How does the sermon describe the process of neurological development in humans, and what does this reveal about the pattern of creation? [03:23]

3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of Shalom in social structures, and how do they relate to the balance between individuality and unity? [05:39]

4. How does the vision of the afterlife in Revelation contrast with C.S. Lewis's depiction of hell, according to the sermon? [07:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the pattern of chaos, separation, and joining in Genesis provide a framework for understanding the nature of life and reality? [01:22]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our mental processes mirror the divine pattern of creation, and how does this relate to the concept of Shalom? [03:55]

3. What are the potential dangers of too much separation or excessive unity in social structures, and how does the biblical vision of Shalom address these extremes? [06:10]

4. How does the Christian narrative of a God who is a community of three persons in one offer a compelling alternative to other worldviews, according to the sermon? [09:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on an area of your life where you might need to create separation to honor God. How can you approach this with integrity, especially in your work or personal relationships? [11:38]

2. Consider a relationship or community you are part of. How can you contribute to a sense of Shalom by celebrating diversity while striving for unity? [05:51]

3. Identify a situation where you might be too detached or overly connected. How can you find a balance that honors individuality and fosters healthy relationships? [05:25]

4. Think about a time when you felt a sense of flow or connection with the world. How can you cultivate more moments like this in your daily life? [04:28]

5. In what ways can you join with others in meaningful ways, particularly with those who are often overlooked or marginalized? [12:20]

6. How can you apply the vision of harmonious unity from Revelation in your interactions with people from different backgrounds or cultures? [07:58]

7. What specific steps can you take this week to separate from toxic influences and join with those that reflect the divine pattern of Shalom? [12:49]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Pattern of Creation
In the Genesis creation narrative, a profound pattern emerges: chaos is transformed into order through a divine act of separation, leading to a harmonious joining of distinct parts. This pattern is not merely a historical account but a reflection of a divine order that permeates all aspects of life. From the cellular differentiation in our bodies to the complex integration of our neurological systems, this divine blueprint is evident. It illustrates how separation is not an end but a means to achieve Shalom—a harmonious whole that celebrates diversity within unity. This pattern invites us to see the world as a tapestry woven by God, where each thread, though distinct, contributes to the beauty of the whole. [01:22]

Genesis 1:2-4 (ESV): "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness."

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where chaos seems to reign. How might God be inviting you to participate in His divine pattern of bringing order and Shalom to this area today?


Day 2: Neurological Harmony and Spiritual Growth
Our neurological development mirrors the divine pattern of creation, where differentiation and integration lead to learning and growth. This process allows us to transcend ourselves and experience a state of flow, akin to the biblical concept of Shalom. In our minds, chaos is transformed into order, enabling us to connect more deeply with the world and with God. This neurological harmony is a reflection of the divine order, inviting us to engage in practices that foster mental and spiritual growth. By aligning our thoughts and actions with this divine pattern, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. [03:23]

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a state of flow or deep connection with God. What practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily routine to foster this sense of Shalom in your life?


Day 3: Community and the Balance of Diversity and Unity
Social structures thrive when individuals are properly differentiated yet connected, forming communities that honor individuality while striving for unity. This balance is crucial; too much separation leads to anarchy, while excessive unity can result in totalitarianism. The biblical vision of Shalom is a community where diversity is celebrated, and differences are submitted to enhance the whole. This vision challenges us to build relationships and communities that reflect this divine balance, where each person's unique gifts contribute to the flourishing of the whole. [05:39]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: Think of a community or group you are part of. How can you contribute to fostering a balance of diversity and unity within this group, celebrating differences while working towards a common purpose?


Day 4: The Christian Vision of the Afterlife
The Christian vision of the afterlife is one of harmonious unity, contrasting with the isolation and domination depicted in other narratives. In the Book of Revelation, people from every nation and tongue gather in harmonious worship, reflecting the ultimate realization of Shalom. This vision invites us into a cosmic project of unity in diversity, reflecting the nature of God as a community of three persons in one. It challenges us to live in anticipation of this future reality, embodying the values of the Kingdom of God in our daily lives. [07:58]

Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV): "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'"

Reflection: How does the vision of a harmonious afterlife shape your understanding of community and relationships today? What steps can you take to reflect this vision in your interactions with others?


Day 5: Personal Call to Action in the Divine Pattern
Consider where God is calling you to separate and join in your life. This might involve focusing on your work with integrity or connecting with those who are often overlooked, fostering relationships that reflect the divine pattern of Shalom. By discerning where God is leading you to act, you participate in His cosmic project of unity in diversity. This call to action invites you to live intentionally, aligning your life with the divine order and contributing to the flourishing of the world around you. [12:49]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Identify one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act. What practical steps can you take today to align with His divine pattern of Shalom, fostering integrity and connection in this area?

Quotes


In Genesis, the pattern that we have seen over and over is this: existence begins with chaos, the spirit of God hovers over it, and then God separates light from Darkness, sky from the earth, dwell in from the waters, and then God joins together, and that creates Shalom, something that's really good. [00:00:58]

Dallas Willard writes in his book "Renovation of the Heart" that this is reflected in how we understand things. He says God has created all things in such a way that they are inherently intelligible. In the beginning was the word logos. Well, things have Parts; these parts have properties, so they're separated, which in turn make relationships between the parts possible to form larger holes. [00:02:02]

We see the same pattern every time a human being is born. If you look at folks that write about neurology, you started out as a single cell. A single cell is just kind of cast, could be a little amoeba, undifferentiated, and then in the fourth day, something remarkable happened, and you cells begin to differentiate. [00:02:39]

When we look at your mind, your Consciousness, how you think and feel, where the great researchers of Our Generation Mihai Csikszentmihalyi talks about how the mind itself is a direct quote: the unaided Mind tends towards chaos. But then what happens is you can learn, you identify, for example, separate notes on a scale and where they are on the keyboard. [00:03:45]

Murray Bowen with family systems theory, John Bowlby with attachment theory researchers, how a human being is born, they're their own separate little being, so they get distinguished from the mom, their body comes out, but then they become capable of attachment to their mom, and once they're separate out there, they can be joined together. [00:04:49]

If a society can get it right, then its motto might be something like e pluribus unum, from the many one, a place where a community of people honors individuality and distinctness and difference, and yet people seek to submit their differences in order to enhance the whole. [00:06:38]

C.S. Lewis has two books, "Screwtape Letters," he writes that his picture of hell is that kind of totalitarian picture where he imagines that demons, the evil one, wants to consume other beings, dominate them so that I suck yourself, your will, your life into mine and feed off of it. [00:07:03]

The Bible gives us in the Book of Revelation is people from every tongue and tribe and people and Nation gather together like a family around the throne singing. Because in a choir, everybody is bringing their own individual voice, their own individual gift, and yet creating a new kind of Oneness, a larger hole of such beauty that will make you weep if you hear it right. [00:07:56]

Christianity teaches, beginning with Genesis, that it is not that way, that the foundation of reality is a God who exists Father, Son, and Spirit to one, two B three, and two three to be one, and out of that community of three persons and yet one God, he forms human beings two and yet the two are capable of becoming one. [00:09:23]

Over and over and over, we see that there is separation, and yet this separation makes possible a joining together, and that joining together creates a kind of goodness and a kind of whole that can then create more and more and more so that ultimately, persons are utterly distinct. [00:09:53]

Ask yourself what's one area where I can separate the God the way that God would want me to separate, like maybe it's when you go to work today, actually work, and say today I'm not gonna mess around at work doing video games or checking how I'm doing on the stock market. [00:11:34]

Very often we think separate means separating from people, and God calls us to connect with people, or maybe there's a thought a friend told me today that the thought that he wants to be bonded with in his mind today has created me a clean heart, oh God. [00:12:31]

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Transcript
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