I really love what you’re doing here Anna. By enfolding Gen 3:16 into these grand redemptive movements, you show me that our attempts to fit that verse into doctrine about gender roles suffers from an impoverished imagination. I feel the same in my study of gender in the Gospel of John. Significantly, John develops these grand redemptive movements: creation / new creation (1:1-5, 20:1-18), exitus / reditus centered in the Son of Man (1:51), the union of God with humanity not on a mountain but in the missions of the Spirit and the Son (ie “in Spirit and in truth,” 4:21-24), the turning of woman toward the new Adam before his return to the Father (20:14-17), etc. Significantly, a) John cannot make these theological moves apart from both men and women, and b) women are, imo, highlighted more than men in these typological developments. This fits your description of woman as “the glory creature.” Thanks for helping me think through this, very timely post! Also, have you read The Trinitarian Theology of St Thomas Aquinas by Gilles Emery? I need to check out Tipton’s work, but Emery is a superb guide into Aquinas on the Trinity.
Yes, Aaron. I appreciate so much your work in John, reassuring me that this is no minor theme as you dig deep and seek to faithfully process what you are learning. It is certainly worth considering why women appear at the epochal turns (or returns) of redemptive history, whether freedom from bondage in Egypt, the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, the advent of Christ, the resurrection, or the bride of consummation in Rev. 21-22. Yes, Tipton is working with primarily Emery, but also Legge. Thanks for your encouragement and camaraderie, Aaron.
I appreciate your interest and focus on these 'larger theological frameworks' that Scripture gives us.
I was thinking this morning, rather deeply, about the Trinity, and how my understanding of the Trinity influences my approach to and relationship with God.
This is helpful to that consideration....
I've been working toward a framework of the kind you introduce to us here... but from a 'root' direction-i.e., starting with 'the Great Commandments', then describing how we can 'love God' and 'love our neighbor' in more defined and practical ways (e.g., God tells us He delights in 'Justice, Righteousness and Lovingkindness'-so what God LOVES-and what we are called to engage in, in loving our neighbor-can be broken down further, into these three categories, and then each one, taken to 'practical' application in our day to day lives).
But it's not one that has 'inspired' others; your approach may actually do that.. so it's going to be important to bring it to a practical level; which isn't very difficult...
I see what you've outlined, as both 'more comprehensive' and 'grander'; and find that very helpful.
Is there a starting point you'd recommend, wiht Tipton's work (i.e., is there a specific book you'd recommend starting with?).
I forgot to answer your question about Tipton --- his "Foundations of Covenant Theology" is a wonderful synthesis of Vos and Kline: https://a.co/d/28iBRiY. If you go to Reformed Forum's website, his courses are available and also his podcasts on Christ the Center, most notably, Vos Group and Van Til Group. His sermons are here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvesfqONQ2ilQqAFZ1N5GbA.
Thank you so much, Bill. I heartily agree with you. As we dwell on the Trinity, and ourselves in light of the Trinity, it should fan our love for one another, not the divisions and rivalry we often find. And though I have not done much thinking about application, it thrills me with delight to think about its application in the church, which should magnify God as he is in himself and thus heighten and intensify our worship.
Your observation that God is dynamic was incredibly helpful. I’m amazed at the way your brain works. Do you see negative parallels in God’s conversation with Cain in Genesis 4 regarding sin and its desire to rule over him? Almost an “anti-reditus”? Or the worst kind of exitus?
You might find helpful this article by Aaron Mize, "The Church’s Desire toward Christ Her Sin Offering in Genesis 3:16" https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=1115
“ ‘Your returning will be toward your man, and he will rule over you.’ Genesis 3:16 increasingly seems to me, at least in part, a promise, a continuation of the good news extended in the Seed of Genesis 3:15.”
I really love what you’re doing here Anna. By enfolding Gen 3:16 into these grand redemptive movements, you show me that our attempts to fit that verse into doctrine about gender roles suffers from an impoverished imagination. I feel the same in my study of gender in the Gospel of John. Significantly, John develops these grand redemptive movements: creation / new creation (1:1-5, 20:1-18), exitus / reditus centered in the Son of Man (1:51), the union of God with humanity not on a mountain but in the missions of the Spirit and the Son (ie “in Spirit and in truth,” 4:21-24), the turning of woman toward the new Adam before his return to the Father (20:14-17), etc. Significantly, a) John cannot make these theological moves apart from both men and women, and b) women are, imo, highlighted more than men in these typological developments. This fits your description of woman as “the glory creature.” Thanks for helping me think through this, very timely post! Also, have you read The Trinitarian Theology of St Thomas Aquinas by Gilles Emery? I need to check out Tipton’s work, but Emery is a superb guide into Aquinas on the Trinity.
Yes, Aaron. I appreciate so much your work in John, reassuring me that this is no minor theme as you dig deep and seek to faithfully process what you are learning. It is certainly worth considering why women appear at the epochal turns (or returns) of redemptive history, whether freedom from bondage in Egypt, the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, the advent of Christ, the resurrection, or the bride of consummation in Rev. 21-22. Yes, Tipton is working with primarily Emery, but also Legge. Thanks for your encouragement and camaraderie, Aaron.
Congratulations! And welcome back.
I appreciate your interest and focus on these 'larger theological frameworks' that Scripture gives us.
I was thinking this morning, rather deeply, about the Trinity, and how my understanding of the Trinity influences my approach to and relationship with God.
This is helpful to that consideration....
I've been working toward a framework of the kind you introduce to us here... but from a 'root' direction-i.e., starting with 'the Great Commandments', then describing how we can 'love God' and 'love our neighbor' in more defined and practical ways (e.g., God tells us He delights in 'Justice, Righteousness and Lovingkindness'-so what God LOVES-and what we are called to engage in, in loving our neighbor-can be broken down further, into these three categories, and then each one, taken to 'practical' application in our day to day lives).
But it's not one that has 'inspired' others; your approach may actually do that.. so it's going to be important to bring it to a practical level; which isn't very difficult...
I see what you've outlined, as both 'more comprehensive' and 'grander'; and find that very helpful.
Is there a starting point you'd recommend, wiht Tipton's work (i.e., is there a specific book you'd recommend starting with?).
Very thoughtful and thought inspiring post!
I forgot to answer your question about Tipton --- his "Foundations of Covenant Theology" is a wonderful synthesis of Vos and Kline: https://a.co/d/28iBRiY. If you go to Reformed Forum's website, his courses are available and also his podcasts on Christ the Center, most notably, Vos Group and Van Til Group. His sermons are here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvesfqONQ2ilQqAFZ1N5GbA.
Thank you so much, Bill. I heartily agree with you. As we dwell on the Trinity, and ourselves in light of the Trinity, it should fan our love for one another, not the divisions and rivalry we often find. And though I have not done much thinking about application, it thrills me with delight to think about its application in the church, which should magnify God as he is in himself and thus heighten and intensify our worship.
Your observation that God is dynamic was incredibly helpful. I’m amazed at the way your brain works. Do you see negative parallels in God’s conversation with Cain in Genesis 4 regarding sin and its desire to rule over him? Almost an “anti-reditus”? Or the worst kind of exitus?
You might find helpful this article by Aaron Mize, "The Church’s Desire toward Christ Her Sin Offering in Genesis 3:16" https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=1115
Thanks also for the link to Tipton’s podcast. I’ll be listening to it for sure. 🥰
“ ‘Your returning will be toward your man, and he will rule over you.’ Genesis 3:16 increasingly seems to me, at least in part, a promise, a continuation of the good news extended in the Seed of Genesis 3:15.”
Thank you for this Anna!