"Describing humanity in rebellion against God, Paul says, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him” (Romans 1:21). Ingratitude was part of ouroriginal sin. Gratitude, in contrast, regulates our relationship with the created world by steering us between asceticism (the abstinence from earthly pleasure) and idolatry. Asceticism undervalues God’s good creation, while gratitude acknowledges its value. Idolatry overvalues creation, while gratitude ensures that God remains our central focus. Hence the practice of saying “grace” at every meal, an approach we should perhaps extend to other areas (at least in terms of our attitude). If I say thank you to God for every morsel of food, that transforms that food. It is no longer merely fuel for my body; it becomes a gift from God to be enjoyed and relished. Its taste and texture take on new significance. All things are good if they are enjoyed in obedience to God’s will and for his glory (1 Timothy 4:1–5)."
- Tim Chester and Steve Timmis, Total Church, p. 145
1 comment:
Asceticism undervalues God’s good creation, while gratitude acknowledges its value.
Ouch, I don't know where to begin. It seems he entirely misreads the meaning behind asceticism (and perhaps even conflates it with Pharaseeism). From what I can tell, asceticism is the practice of withdrawing from the world in order to see it more closely. Imagine abstaining from looking in daylight in order to see and appreciate more closely the details of a flame.
Calling asceticism a sin would be nearly tantamount to calling prayer a sin. Jesus introduced both - his forty day fast, his numerous withdrawals into the wilderness. Is that not asceticism?
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