As we reflect deeply on these seven narratives laid before us, we cannot help but feel a stirring within our souls. For too long, our societies and even our faith communities have been ensnared by the seductive yet poisonous stories of domination, revolution, purification, isolation, accumulation, and victimization. We have seen how they breed violence, marginalize the vulnerable, and strip human beings of their God-given dignity.
Yet in the life and teachings of Jesus, we encounter a radical alternative – a seventh story that exposes the destructive lies of the other six while charting a liberating path forward. It is a story that rejects domination in favor of humble service, that seeks justice through non-violent resistance rather than bloody revolution, that embraces and includes those whom others reject as impure.
This seventh story calls us out of our isolating enclaves into authentic solidarity with the oppressed. It liberates us from the relentless pursuit of wealth and possessions, inviting us into a posture of generosity and compassion, especially towards those rendered victims by oppressive systems. Here we find our own liberation story – a new creation being birthed through radical acts of selfless love.
As we allow this seventh narrative to permeate our thoughts and actions, it awakens us to a more sacred way of relating to this earth and all that dwells within it. No longer can we subscribe to the domination of the land and plundering of its resources. Instead, like those first humans in the garden, we are summoned to become gardeners – cultivators and nurturers of the paradise entrusted to our care.
Let us have the courage to defect from the dehumanizing patterns of this world and take up residence in that beautiful seventh story, where life abundant and peace profound await all who embrace the way of Jesus. Though the path be costly, its rewards are great – for ourselves, our communities, and this fragile planet we call home.
Summary
Six conflicting narratives or stories of domination, revolution, purification, isolation, accumulation, and victimization are identified as present in the Gospels and society. However, a seventh, alternative story of liberation, reconciliation, and new creation is presented, which critiques and counters these other narratives. While the six narratives lead to violence, harm, marginalization, and dehumanization, the seventh promotes non-violence, service, inclusion, generosity, empowerment, and solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized. Unfortunately, the Christian religion has often aligned itself with the harmful six narratives instead of embodying this seventh, liberating narrative. Engaging with these seven narratives, observing how they manifest in current events, and embracing the seventh is encouraged as a path towards healing rather than harm. Additionally, the seventh narrative calls for a different relationship with the earth itself – one of nurturing and gardening rather than domination and exploitation, aligning with the original vision presented in Genesis.
Key Points
1. Six conflicting narratives or stories are identified as present in the Gospels and in society: domination, revolution, purification, isolation, accumulation, and victimization.
2. A seventh, alternative story of liberation, reconciliation, and new creation is presented, which critiques and counters the other six narratives.
3. The six narratives lead to violence, harm, marginalization, and dehumanization, while the seventh narrative promotes non-violence, service, inclusion, generosity, empowerment, and solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized.
4. The Christian religion has often aligned itself with the harmful six narratives, rather than embodying the seventh, liberating narrative.
5. Engaging with these seven narratives, observing how they play out in current events, and embracing the seventh narrative is encouraged as a path towards healing rather than harm.
6. The seventh narrative also calls for a different relationship with the earth, one of nurturing and gardening rather than domination and exploitation, aligned with the original vision in Genesis.
