All cultures and histories "knew" of the
other, the Way, the depth consciousness. The Christ event was
a part of all of this "knowing." It disclosed the white
hot center of the "know" - and that core was the awareness
that we didn't have to strive to be but that we already were -
the past is approved, the future is open, all is good and I am
significant. This is the ground of faith, the beginning of love
and the essence of hope. In the above sense all societies have
had their own old testament. This is a combination of external
happening and internal awareness. These came together in certain
individuals and was articulated (significantly or insignificantly)
to the nations. The "Messiah" (depth) awareness, the
salvific occurrence but shed significant upon dead or dim, or
hidden or undeveloped awareness in all societies. Why callest
thou me good. There is none good but the Father - love - sovereign
of history, the creator of all that is. However, the Father and
I are one. When I go I will send the final spirit - which proceedeth
both from the father and the son. The preface of God himself.
The Proto-thereness and meaning.
The cruciform life has two dimensions: the primary
and the secondary. Finally, there is no distinction between the
two. The difference is a matter of intentionally focused strategy.
This is subtle because after you are symbolically 33. There is
only one course/ The category "symbolically" must be
taken with a grain of salt for it can doubly complex the situation.
Before 33 is to lay down your one life dramatically in principle;
afterwards, it is a life of laying down your life. There can be
exceptions to both of these dimension. Maybe the dramatic is entirely
circumstantial so that age is not an issue.
Joseph W. Mathews