Systems Theory and Atonement
On Tuesday, I met with the residency group in the Kansas East conference for new comers to the Annual Conference. We have been reading through Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory, Leadership and Congregational Life by Ronald Richardson. As part of the discussion I thought of systems theory applied to atonement and here is what I came up with:
Our human condition is to be enmeshed with sin. Through Jesus Christ we have the ability to be self-differentiated from sin. This means that we can recognize the tendency to sin that is within us and yet are enabled to choose to turn away from sin. Paul writes:
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25, TNIV)
Is systems theory applicable in considering the reconciliation of God and humankind through Jesus Christ?