Profiles and Timelines

I need to begin with a brief word of clarification. My use of the word, "profile," here is in it's less common form. I mean visibility, as in a higher or lower profile, rather than in reference to a pattern or characteristic of some kind.

I recently came across an interesting suggestion concerning the Christ event. The person suggested that what happened was only a partial victory. That Jesus' victory was not complete, or at least not immediately complete. And because of this, what we have is essentially two parallel timelines. This means that humans are essentially living in the nexus of two competing futures. One, in which the Christ event wins and restores humanity and one, in which, it does not. As we approach resolution, we will see more readily what is at stake as well as some of the people/forces involved.

While there are certainly problems with the suggestion, it also might shed some light on some questions. Specifically, it does appear that Jesus victory was at least partially incomplete. This, of course, is the argument of the Jewish tradition. Namely, if Jesus really was/is the Messiah why did he not establish his kingdom on earth and where are the signs of this victory? While Christians might argue that, in fact, Jesus did set up his kingdom (The Church) and that the signs are there for anyone to see, there are certainly other signs that the world remains unredeemed.

Herein lies the question. Does this point to the possibility that Jesus victory was incomplete or unfinished? Or, does it rather point to what God intended all along? Namely, that the nature of the Kingdom would be for believers to live side by side with others in a world where evil, injustice and slavery remained part of the landscape?

In either case, it appears, as yet, unresolved. But it seems logical that this will not go on forever. Or to put it another way, one of these timelines is going to win out. Either the full victory of Christ is going to be established or the full depravity (the complete fall) of humanity shall come to pass.

Of course, as Christians, we believe that Christ's victory will finally be complete. There will come a time when there is no longer a competing timeline. Or, as Saint John puts it in Revelation 21:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

‘See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.’

The details of the end as well as the strangeness of the middle might be unclear but the resolution of the end is certain. There will come a time when all is accomplished.

So what should we do in the meantime? Do we keep a high or a low profile as we wait for all this to work itself out? Some say that it is our task as Christians to influence as many people as possible by all means necessary. But others say that this is a seduction--that there is no way to embrace the ways of the world and still remain true to Gospel and the Christ event.

I am by nature, a low-profile person, at least in this regard. I have met and listened to folks who approach this differently. It is hard to argue with them--especially if you believe that your efforts somehow impact the resolution of the timeline.

In either case, it seems correct to say that as we approach resolution, it will be easier to see what is truly at stake. It will also be easier to identify those who have a stake in the resolution.