Some Cosmic Drama

Our gospel lesson from John is one of the most dramatic scenes in the New Testament. The episode where Thomas the Doubter finally believes in the resurrection as Jesus appears to his disciples in a closed room ranks pretty high in the drama department, probably up there with the recognition scene of Mary Magdalene weeping in the Garden and encountering the risen Christ.

And drama is important to us as we worship and as we explore the stories of our faith. Probably one of the most powerful things about the gospels is that they read in a story format. As we look at Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we see a series of stories, vignettes, and parables. And this is quite possible one of the most attractive things about the gospels. For it is much easier to remember a story than it is to remember theology. I mean, if someone told you about the birth of Jesus you'd probably remember the story much better than if someone tried to explain the theological details of the Incarnation of the Christ. Yet we know that both the story about the birth of Jesus Christ and the details about the Incarnation would be descriptions of the same event.

The stories presented to us in the Bible are very powerful and have a tremendous ability to mold and influence our minds, especially the minds of the young. The stories we tell our children teach them about the world, about morality and right and wrong, and good and evil. That is why what our children watch on television and at the movies is important to their development. And when you consider the 30 hours or more of television watched by the average child, you have to wonder how effective the stories told by the church in just one or two hours a week can possibly be. You really have to wonder how stories of Jesus stand in the midst of everything from the Road Runner to Star Trek. Perhaps that is why it is so important that as we tell our stories about Jesus, and other stories from the Bible, that we do it in a very positive way in a very positive setting and in such a way that people will remember them well. If we're going to tell our stories, we'd better do it for the most impact, otherwise (believe me) the other stories, from Gun Smoke to Friday the 13th, will take the day.

Now, theology behind the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ is somewhat complex. Literally tons of marvelous books have been written on this theology by very learned and respected authors and scholars. You could attend schools of religion and take hours and hours of courses on this theology. And there's nothing wrong with theology. It's just hard for most of us to remember. It's easier for us to remember stories and then construct a theology from the implications of those stories. If, for instance, you were to tell someone the stories of Jesus they would probably develop a pretty healthy theology of their own, after hearing those stories enough times.

Or, it is possible to take a pretty complex theology and turn it into a story. Take the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for example. Why was the crucifixion necessary? Why was the resurrection such a great victory over evil? There are good theological explanations that are very logical, yet lengthy, that explain this. But, they're hard to remember. So, stories have been written, instead. And, in fact, that's what our Junior High Sunday School class has in store for us now. So, hold on to your hats, folks, using music, in what is called a cosmic drama, they're going to explain the importance of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ:

THE COSMIC DRAMA

What else can be said? This is one example where theology and teachings from the Bible have been put into the form of a cosmic drama that young people, and older folks, alike, can really get into. But, the point of it all is that Christ is the victor. The powers of darkness have been defeated. Or, as today's scripture from 1 John read: God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

May God bless us as we walk in the light of Christ's love.

Amen.

In fact, just about everything can be dramatized: even theology, itself.