Wow, after poking over some of the blog posts this fine evening I can't help but notice the prominence of Aggripa's work. It seems that there is so much to say about how crazy the different ideas he stated are, but what really stands out to me is this seeming obsession with differences we have been studying lately.
Don't get me wrong, I totally agree that there are differences, but I just find it fascinating how polarized the sides we read are. While men and women generally view the world in some slightly differing ways, ultimately we are all human and suffer under the same burden of sin. We are all part of the body of Christ, and all contribute to it in uniquely different and important ways. It's interesting how the focus here is more on separation than unity.
I wonder if this mindset of finding differences was caused by the stresses of the time with almost a battle of the theologians taking place, and separation of those with lives dedicated to the church and then the blindly following. All of this division ultimately leading towards the reformation like labor pains. Perhaps this divisive and "different" mindset is what marinated the mind of Aggripa when he wrote this?
Or maybe Drs. Olsen and Bear are just showing us some pretty polarized views to get a grasp of the time. And if so I'm not gonna lie, it's pretty stinkin hilarious.
The differences of people, ideas, and interpretations are one of the most beautiful things about human life. I too have enjoyed watching all of this play out. It's always fun to watch people work through things, together or alone. I think it allows us to value other people's opinions more, and takes us out of our own brains for a minute or two. Neat stuff.
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