In a world fixated on the immediate and material we don’t often find ourselves part of conversations about transcendence. “Transcendent” is not a theological term, yet it certainly has theological relevance in its meaning of “supernatural”, “surpassing”, and “overarching”. In the just concluded Easter season the idea of transcendence is highlighted as we celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection. The resurrection in particular highlights God’s redemption of both our souls and, indeed, all things to the hope of glory and completeness in the new heavens and new earth.
In the myriad things we long to see changed in our present world (in our own lives, in the lives of others, in our culture, in our political discourse...the list is endless) this promise and hope is transcendent - and it is helpful to remind ourselves of that daily. All of our current problems and disappointments are under the promise of redemption, of all things being made new.
This is a great hope for those of us living and working in places like New York and Washington DC - cities with great influence and potential, yet where the brokenness of sin is painfully evident in all sectors. Pursuing the part God has given us in his redemptive work is part of this daily reminder; the community groups, salons and forums, and network building all reveal glimpses of the promise of newness and restoration. For how this plays out in our recent salons on How (and How Not) to Watch a Movie, and, more recently, Biblical Literacy please check out our website for highlights and summaries.
In May we have a salon on God in the Newsroom with Paul Glader, addressing the topic of faith and the media, as well as a forum on Monday, May 20 on True Paradox with David Skeel of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and author of the book by the same title. You can register for both events by following the links on the web pages. We hope you’ll join us for these remarkable evenings on how we live rightly and uprightly in a complex world.
Finally, for a more substantive intellectual and practical engagement in what redemptive engagement looks like in a major city please join us for our annual CU Cities Conference on June 21-22 in New York. James K.A. Smith, Vince Vitale, Nick Nowalk, and others will explore this engagement in light of the transcendence of God’s grace and redemptive plan, and you will be challenged and encouraged by a vibrant network of thoughtful believers making a difference in vocations and cities. I look forward to seeing you there.
Yours for the Kingdom,
Scott Crosby
Ministry Director
Christian Union New York
Christian Union DC
For more information on New York City Christian Union Bible Courses and activities, or resources available to you please contact Scott Crosby.
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates, via email, on how to pray for City Christian Union, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
