Below is the discussion question and a students answer to the discussion. Your job is to write a substantial reply for the students post. Looking for around 350 words.
Question: What do the four parts of the Christian Biblical Narrative (i.e., creation, fall, redemption, and restoration) say about the nature of God and of reality in relation to the reality of sickness and disease? From where would one find comfort and hope in the light of illness according to this narrative? Explain in detail each part of the narrative above and analyze the implications.
Students Response: The four parts of the Christian biblical narrative are creation, fall, redemption and restoration. These equally important parts each demonstrate a part in the nature of God in relation to the reality of sickness and disease. In creation of life God proves that despite sickness, new life will continue. “When God describes his act or creating, and the creation itself as good, among other things, it not only means that it is valuable and that God cares for it, but that everything is the way it is supposed to be” (PHI-413V Lecture 3, 2017). People can find comfort and hope even though illness impacts them through creation according to the lecture readings. It is through creation that one finds that glimmer of hope and faith as new life is created even while facing death. In describing fall in the biblical narrative it suggests that there is a break in the peace that is offered in creation and usually is thru death that disrupts this peace. “Sin entered into the world through the Fall, and with it, spiritual and physical death” (PHI-413V Lecture 3, 2017). In redemption people have a “chance” to redeem themselves, while still physically alive, in the eyes of God for eternal salvation. “For the Christian, salvation fundamentally means the restoration of a right and proper relationship with God, which not only has consequences in the afterlife, but here and now” (PHI-413V Lecture 3, 2017). Restoration is the last and ultimate state of God in which the patient who is dying and did seek redemption will acquire inner peace with his/herself and await God’s judgement. “While God has made available a way to salvation, ultimately the end goal is the restoration of all creation to a state of Shalom” (PHI-413V Lecture 3, 2017).
PHI-413V Lecture 3. (2017). PHI-413V. Ethical and Spiritual Decision Making in Health Care. Phoenix, AZ; Grand Canyon University.
The Lecture Is attached in case you need for reference.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Christian biblical narrative consists of four parts, creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. These sections define God’s nature and the reality of sickness and disease. Besides, the narrative explains where people find comfort and hope in the light of illness. This post aims to analyze the implications of each part of the narrative to get a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Answer:
I appreciate the effort you put into outlining the four parts of the Christian biblical narrative. Your analysis of each part is insightful, and you have appropriately highlighted the importance of the narrative’s various aspects in understanding God’s nature and reality in relation to sickness and disease. You also pinpoint the areas people can find comfort and hope in times of illness.
Creation affirms the value of life, the beauty of human beings, and God’s care for them. Thus, despite the reality of sickness and disease, creation assures people that new life will continue. This is indeed a source of comfort and hope for individuals and communities facing the challenges of illness.
The fall, on the other hand, marks the breakdown of the peace and harmony that creation provides. Sin entered the world and caused spiritual and physical death. Consequently, the fall signifies the need for redemption and the hope of restoration. Redemption is a chance for people to redeem themselves before God for eternal salvation. This narrative provides hope and comfort in the belief that God provides means of restoration here and now.
Restoration is the ultimate goal and state of God where those who have sought redemption will find inner peace and await God’s judgment. Shalom refers to the state of peace where everything is as it should be; the goal of creating the universe. Restoration of all creation to the state of Shalom explains the ultimate outcome of the Christian biblical narrative.
In conclusion, the Christian biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration outlines a comprehensive outlook on God’s nature and reality in relation to sickness and disease. Additionally, it provides a source of hope and comfort in finding redemption, inner peace, and restoration amid the challenges of illness.
