For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. . . . For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven (emphases added). – Colossians 1:16-17, 19-20 (NASB).
Reflection
Earlier in this series, we explored how creation and the fall affects the integration of faith and learning. We turn now to redemption. Christ’s work of redemption establishes the basis for the re-integration of Christian faith and learning. Indeed, Paul’s vision of the “cosmic Christ of Colossians†(Holmes, p. 7) pictures him not only as the Savior of the soul, but of the entire cosmos. He made all things (ta panta in Greek), upholds all things, and has reconciled all things to God by the blood of his cross. This reconciliation includes the realm of education. In Christ, genuine faith and learning are put back together again. [Read more…] about Navigating Purpose: Re-integrating Faith and Learning, Redemption