Expounding the ‘Magnetic Points' - Daniel Strange

Introduction

The speaker introduces the topic of magnetic points and explains that they will be building on the foundational work from the previous day's session.

Recap of Previous Day's Session

The speaker recaps the theological anthropology established in the previous day's session, which includes the idea that human beings are both running to God and running away from God at the same time.

Magnetic Points Framework

The speaker introduces J.H. Babing's framework of magnetic points, which is based on a universal religious consciousness that remains indestructible in all religions. This religious consciousness is not necessarily positive but rather a way for humans to suppress and substitute truth.

• Babing's framework identifies commonalities between different religions despite their differences.

• The magnetic points framework can be used as a practical tool for evangelism and apologetics.

• The speaker aims to apply this framework to our post-secular religious context.

Religious Consciousness

The speaker discusses how religious consciousness fits into the category of running to God and running away from God, knowing and not knowing, idolatry, but based upon suppressed truth.

• Religious consciousness is not necessarily positive but rather a way for humans to suppress and substitute truth.

• There is an indestructible religious consciousness that always manifests itself somewhere because at the end of the day we are human beings.

• Babing applies his magnetic points framework specifically to other religious traditions he encountered while working as a missionary in Java.

Religion as a Western Construct

In this section, the speaker argues that religion is a western construct and does not exist in the way we use it today. He defines religion as worship of the triune God and distinguishes between true and false religion.

Definition of Religion

• The term "religion" is a western construct that did not exist before the Reformation.

• Religion is defined as worship of the triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• There are two types of religion: true religion and false religion.

World Religions

• The concept of world religions is also a western construct.

• Postmodern and late modern philosophy reject the idea of religion because it creates a dichotomy between religious and secular.

• Reformed theology views all people as religious, either having true or false religion.

Magnetic Points in Religious Consciousness

In this section, the speaker discusses Bavinck's concept of magnetic points in religious consciousness. These points are frameworks within which human religions operate, containing definite points of contact around which ideas crystallize.

Magnetic Points

• Magnetic points are frameworks within which human religions operate.

• They contain definite points of contact around which ideas crystallize.

• They are an artificial construct but represent the unpacking of God's image suppressing truth for a lie.

• Bavink lists five magnetic points that bleed into one another: (1) Transcendence; (2) Creation; (3) Humanity; (4) Sin; (5) Redemption.

Contemporary Examples

• The speaker provides contemporary examples of how magnetic points are manifested in society.

Jesus Christ and Magnetic Points

In this section, the speaker discusses how Jesus Christ subverts and fulfills each of the five magnetic points. He argues that there is always a point of contact between people's religious consciousness and the gospel message.

Subverting and Fulfilling Magnetic Points

• Jesus Christ subverts and fulfills each of the five magnetic points.

• There is always a point of contact between people's religious consciousness and the gospel message.

• The speaker provides his own nomenclature for the magnetic points: (1) Transcendence; (2) Creation; (3) Fall; (4) Redemption; (5) Consummation.

The Struggle Between Insignificance and Significance

All human beings have an innate sense of totality that we're cogs in a much bigger machine. At times, we think we're small insignificant nothing's in the universe, while at other times, when we connect with the bigger reality, we suddenly realize that we're part of something much bigger and that gives us significance.

Struggling with Insignificance

• Human beings struggle between two things - feeling like small insignificant nothing's in the universe and feeling significant.

• Sometimes people feel like they are small and insignificant in the vast universe.

Finding Significance Through Connection

• When humans connect with the bigger reality, they realize they are part of something much bigger which gives them significance.

• People enjoy communal awareness and crave connection all the time.

Understanding Totality Across Different Faiths

This section explores how different faiths understand totality.

Hinduism's Understanding of Totality

• Hindus believe that all faiths are stuck in puddle vision trying to separate the ocean into puddles.

• Satishama says "We're all part of this one interconnected system why would you want to jump from one puddle to another?"

Connection Through Social Media

This section discusses how social media platforms like Facebook help people connect.

Facebook's Campaign for Connection

• In 2012, Facebook celebrated its billionth user with a campaign called "The Things That Connect Us."

• The campaign highlighted how chairs, doors, airplanes, bridges, dance floors, basketball courts and other things people use to get together are like Facebook.

Belonging to Something Bigger

This section explores how people want to belong to something bigger.

Tracing Family Histories

• People want to know that they belong to something bigger.

• Programs like "Who Do You Think You Are?" help people trace their family histories.

Conspiracy Theorists

• Conspiracy theorists believe that they're part of a much bigger narrative which provides greater significance.

Comic-Con and Pride Parades

• Those who feel like outsiders join together for events like Comic-Con or Pride Parades.

• There's a real feeling of invulnerability around these events because everyone knows that they are one little person insignificant in the universe.

The Human Need for Connection

In this section, the speaker discusses how humans have a deep need for connection and belonging. This need is often fulfilled through mass movements like sporting events or music concerts, as well as through romantic relationships.

The Need for Connection

• Humans have a deep need for connection and belonging.

• This need is often fulfilled through mass movements like sporting events or music concerts.

• Romantic relationships are also seen as a way to fulfill this need for connection.

• People are constantly seeking ways to connect with others and find a sense of belonging.

The Importance of Norms in Society

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of norms in society and how they shape our behavior. He argues that while norms may have changed over time, they still play an important role in shaping our actions and decisions.

The Role of Norms

• Norms play an important role in shaping our behavior.

• While norms may have changed over time, they still exist and influence our actions.

• Social media has magnified the impact of norms on our behavior.

• It's not enough to be virtuous - we must also be seen as virtuous by others.

Tension Between Individualism and Conformity

In this section, the speaker discusses the tension between individualism and conformity in modern society. He provides examples from work appraisal systems and clothing subcultures to illustrate how individuals navigate these competing pressures.

Balancing Individualism and Conformity

• There is tension between individualism and conformity in modern society.

• Work appraisal systems often require employees to conform to a static set of rules, despite promoting individualism and risk-taking.

• Clothing subcultures provide another example of this tension, as individuals strive to be different while also conforming to the rules of their chosen subculture.

The Human Desire for Deliverance

In this section, the speaker discusses the human desire for deliverance from the brokenness and suffering in the world. He argues that this desire is universal and reflects our longing for a better world.

The Desire for Deliverance

• Humans have a universal desire for deliverance from the brokenness and suffering in the world.

• This desire reflects our longing for a better world.

The Magnetic Points of Deliverance

In this section, the speaker discusses the different ways people seek deliverance from their problems and struggles.

Different Forms of Deliverance

• People often look for solutions to their problems outside of themselves, such as through education, healthcare, or nationalism.

• However, some people recognize that they themselves are the problem and seek to overcome their own impulses and desires.

• Others may turn to distractions like mobile phone games to avoid dealing with reality.

• Many people struggle with anxiety about sickness and death, which can lead them to search for answers in spiritualism or other beliefs.

Destiny

• While humans are active players in the world, there is a sense that they are also passive participants in someone else's world. This raises questions about fate versus freedom.

Conclusion

The speaker suggests that true deliverance comes from within oneself rather than external sources. Additionally, he encourages listeners to consider their own beliefs about fate and destiny.

The Power of Phone Calls

In this section, the speaker talks about the power of phone calls and how it affects people's behavior.

The Malevolent Power Behind Phone Calls

• People believe that saying "quiet" will make the phones busy and unbearable.

• There is a level of discomfort about breaking this rule that goes beyond amusement or social discomfort.

• Whenever someone curses another person's shift, it results in real tension.

• This power behind phone calls is clearly malevolent; there's no good power responsible for quiet shifts or pleasant customers, just bad ones.

The Fascination with Destiny

In this section, the speaker talks about people's fascination with destiny and how it affects their behavior.

Semi-scientific Solutions That Promise to Explain Us

• People are fascinated by personality tests that promise to show us why we behave like we do.

• Our behavior and tastes are bound up by our type.

• 23andMe is a DNA kit that tells you if you are going to develop a number of diseases in the future.

The Idea of Determinism

• People wonder if they are free from determinism after learning about their ancestry through DNA testing kits like 23andMe.

• This idea of destiny is a key magnetic point that explains our fascination with semi-scientific solutions that promise to explain us and give us profit-like knowledge of the future.

The Higher Power

In this section, the speaker talks about the concept of a higher power and how it relates to religious consciousness.

The Intersection of Two Lines of Thought

• At the intersection of two lines of thought - destiny within a totality and freedom to act and be delivered - lies the awareness of being related to a higher power.

• The higher power is at the same time the deepest meaning of the whole, bearer of cosmic laws, energizer of norm, helper towards salvation.

• This intersection is obviously the heart of religious consciousness.

Understanding the Concept of a Higher Power

In this section, the speaker discusses the need for secular religious experiences and how people seek to find a reality beyond their current reality. The speaker provides examples of such experiences, including champing, which is camping in derelict churches.

Secular Religious Experiences

• People seek some kind of experience that shows them there is a reality beyond their current reality.

• Examples include visiting holy sites or camping in historical churches (champing).

• These experiences are not necessarily related to God or Christian theology.

Champing

• Champing is a portmanteau word between camping and church.

• Derelict churches are rented out so people can camp in them for the night.

• A middle-class mum interviewed on ITV news noted that she wanted her children to champ so they could experience waking up with natural light streaming through stained glass windows.

• Champers must respect the consecrated status of these historical buildings.

The Magnetic Points Framework

In this section, the speaker introduces the concept of magnetic points as a framework for understanding what Paul talks about in Romans 1 when he mentions divine power and eternal nature. The speaker explains that these magnetic points are indestructible and come in different shapes and sizes but are always present.

Magnetic Points Framework

• The magnetic points framework is a helpful way to understand what Paul talks about in Romans 1.

• It unpacks the invisible characteristics of divine power and eternal nature mentioned by Paul.

• Human beings struggle not to be dependent on something or someone, accountable or responsible to something or someone.

• These struggles manifest themselves differently but are always present.

Connecting Gospel with Magnetic Points

• People who have no interest in the gospel still manifest these magnetic points.

• The challenge is connecting and confronting the gospel of Jesus Christ to these magnetic points.

• Bavink gives some thought on this, which the speaker expands on in the next section.

Connecting Gospel with Magnetic Points

In this section, the speaker discusses how to connect and confront the gospel of Jesus Christ with magnetic points. The speaker explains that Christians need to understand and appreciate these magnetic points and show how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Understanding Magnetic Points

• Christians need to understand and appreciate these magnetic points.

• They need to recognize that people who have no interest in the gospel still manifest these magnetic points.

• These magnetic points are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Showing Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

• Christians need to show how these magnetic points are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

• They can do this by demonstrating how Jesus satisfies our deepest longings for independence, accountability, responsibility, etc.

• This requires a deep understanding of both the gospel and human nature.

The Role of Apologetics in Unmasking Sin

In this section, the speaker discusses the role of apologetics in unmasking sin and bringing people to shame. He also introduces the concept of subversive fulfillment and how it relates to the gospel.

Unmasking Sin

• Apologetics is about unmasking sin and asking people what they have done with God.

• It involves gently and respectfully bringing people to shame for their sins.

• Some Christians are good at confrontation but not great at fulfillment, while others are great at fulfillment but not great at confrontation.

Subversive Fulfillment

• The gospel of Jesus Christ is the subversive fulfillment of culture, religion, religiosity, and idolatry.

• A crucified Messiah is subversive to Jews and Greeks, but Christ is the wisdom and power of God.

• We need to step into the world around us, listen to people's stories, search for elements of grace and idols attached to them, expose those idols as destructive frauds, and show off the gospel as subversive fulfillment.

Addressing People's Religious Consciousness

In this section, the speaker talks about how the gospel addresses people's religious consciousness and how resistance can be overcome.

Overcoming Resistance

• The gospel rips open people's religious consciousness but they want to suppress it.

• When God causes their heart to submit, all engines of resistance are overcome.

Presenting Jesus as the Solution

In this section, the speaker emphasizes that presenting people with a person (Jesus Christ) is more effective than presenting them with a philosophy or worldview. He also discusses how human beings crave connection and how disconnection can be costly and damaging.

Presenting Jesus as the Way

• Sinclair's observation: We do not present people a philosophy or a world view; we present people a person.

• Presenting Jesus Christ as the way to connect and fulfill human beings' desire for connection.

• Sporting and music events are fun but don't last, whereas Jesus Christ is the way to bear much fruit.

• Loneliness is a massive problem in British culture due to fragmentation and loss of community.

The Problem of Disconnection

• People overwork so they have no time for community, but they don't have a community to go to.

• The search for the perfect romantic relationship can lead to disconnection when expectations aren't met.

• Commitment to human relationships is good, but overcommitment leads to problems.

The Solution: Christian Doctrine

• Christian doctrine deals with the problem of constantly flipping between insignificance and significance by affirming our image of God.

• We were created for relationships with other human beings, but something has gone terribly wrong.

The Consequences of Disconnection

In this section, the speaker talks about how disconnection from God leads to disconnection within ourselves and with others.

Disconnection Within Ourselves and Amongst Ourselves

• Disconnection from God leads to feeling misunderstood, alienated, and alone.

• This disconnection is felt by both children in the playground and adults in the office.

• We put our hopes, dreams, and fears in things that don't deserve our worship.

The Tragic Connection to a Cursed World

• Desiring to be connected to this world is foolishness because it means being connected to a cursed and perishing world.

• It ultimately leads to futility, darkness, and eternal separation from our creator.

Jesus: The Answer

In this section, the speaker offers Jesus as the solution to our disconnection from God.

Jesus: The True Image of God

• Jesus is the true image of God who walked on earth 2000 years ago.

• He proclaimed and ushered in another reality - an amazing magnetic kingdom.

Ultimate Disconnection and Reconnection

• This kingdom can be entered into by turning around and trusting in Jesus.

• Entering into this kingdom means finding rest from our restlessness.

• Nature is restored and perfected so people can commune with God and other human beings.

Dying to Self for Ultimate Rising

• Taking a stand in the new kingdom means dying to self but finding oneself in resurrection.

• Commitment to Christ as Lord breaks through societal norms where love and obedience don't often go together.

Demonstrating How Jesus Subverts & Fulfills

In this section, the speaker explains how Jesus exposes futility while subverting and fulfilling the search for totality.

Jesus' Authority

• Jesus' authority critiques both arch conservatives and progressives.

• His knowledge, ethical character, and effectiveness command both love and obedience.

Dependability & Compassion

• Jesus offers a way of life within the fixed boundaries of God's holy law for human flourishing.

• He offers dependability to conservatives while offering compassion to the outcast.

The Way Out: Jesus Christ

In this section, the speaker emphasizes that Jesus is the answer to deliverance from disconnection.

The Ultimate Deliverance

• Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

• Our commitment to Christ as Lord breaks through societal norms where love and obedience don't often go together.

Conclusion

• Disconnection from God leads to disconnection within ourselves and with others.

• Jesus is offered as a solution to our disconnection from God.

• He subverts and fulfills our search for totality while offering dependability and compassion.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

In this section, the speaker discusses how Jesus is the only way to salvation and how following Him requires sacrifice but also brings blessings. He also talks about how Jesus is a good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep and how belief in Him can help people overcome feelings of insignificance or oppression.

Jesus as the Only Way

• Jesus is the only way to salvation.

• Belief in Jesus means acknowledging divine responsibility and sovereignty.

• Following Jesus requires sacrifice but also brings blessings.

Jesus as a Good Shepherd

• Jesus is a good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.

• Belief in a good shepherd can help people overcome feelings of insignificance or oppression.

The Christian Destiny

• Christian destiny is not determined by fate or determinism but by God's unfolding plan.

• Magnetic points are helpful tools for making connections in conversations, preaching, evangelism, discipleship, study of religion, and civic engagement.

Overall, this section emphasizes that belief in Jesus as the only way to salvation requires sacrifice but brings blessings. It also highlights how belief in a good shepherd can help people overcome negative feelings and emphasizes that Christian destiny is determined by God's plan rather than fate or determinism.