(With apologies for streaming challenges on August 1, 2019. Updates will bring in further parts as they come in.)
Video, 2, Rev Dr Stephen Jennings:
Video, 3, Mr Arnold "Scree" Bertram:
Video 4 (added Aug 20), Summary & questions:
Video 5 (added August 20th), Colonial legacy & the Caribbean church - Q&A:
Note, I think it may help to look at the discussion here on in context, on the sins and blessings of Christendom; which in my view are now necessary if we are to systematically study theology in the Caribbean, towards a serious missionary vision and action.
Our tainted past is where we must begin if we are to resolve the ghosts that haunt us and find a way to freely move forward in the power of gospel truth and gospel ethics calling us to sound discipleship and so too to Christ-filled blessed transformation. We must start with people where they credibly are, not with what interests us. To build a gospel-bridge, we must address candidate sites to bridge to people where they are physically, culturally, historically, situationally.
Surely, that is a lesson from how Paul pointed to the famous altar to the unknown god; as is recorded in Acts 17.
I pause to highlight a searing accusation:
Notice, the impact of precisely where the Antislavery Society's motto came from, and the model of reformation implicit in the premise of undeniable equality and brotherhood or sisterhood in Christ. Too often we have not fully lived up to that standard but we are duty-bound to acknowledge and move towards living out its truth. (And we must also take due note of the history of the past 250 years on the nihilism that as a rule comes from radical revolutionism, starting with Robespierre and company thus their reign of terror.)
It is in that context that we may address God as credible root of reality, Christ as how God is there and is not silent, and how Christ's coming and the birth of a gospel-bearing church challenged and yet challenges worldviews, cultural agendas, communities and the course of history.
As one tool for that, consider the tidal waves challenge facing our region now:
and the wider global geostrategic challenge:
thus also the missionary opportunity facing the Caribbean church:
From this, let us ponder how the mountains of influence model further informed by Nebuchadnezzar's puzzling dream raises a challenge of godly repentance, renewal, revival and reformation through discipleship:
Yes, we must go right back to foundations if we are to rebuild our lives, families, churches, community and civilisation soundly.
Let us ponder. END
