Fall Gathering Discussional

At Fall Gathering, we gathered in the English Chapel at Ohio Northern University, and we had some praise and worship (thanks again, Quinn, for leading that), and we had what I’ve been calling a “discussional”.

I opened it by looking at a clip from “Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones”. The clip I showed was a conversation between Anakin Skywalker and Padme. The dialogue is what we primarily focused on:

Padme: It must be difficult having sworn your life to the Jedi... not being able to visit the places you like... or do the things you like.
Anakin: Or be with the people I love.
Padme: Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden for a Jedi.
Anakin: Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi's life. So you might say, that we are encouraged to love.

I shared briefly on how Anakin Skywalker was twisting the meaning of love, and mistaking two different types of love to make himself feel justified in selfish action. And I asked us to consider how we might twist words and twist love to fit our own desires and plans, rather than God’s at times.

I then looked at John 21:15-23

15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

22Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

We talked a little bit about confusion between Peter and Jesus on the difference between Agape love and Philia love. We talked a little bit about how there is a time for both, and a time to be clear just exactly what love we are talking about and just exactly what love we need to be sharing and receiving.

We then had a good discussion. Points were hit upon about the power of words, the need to stick to your words, and the need to be authentic. Brothers from many chapters and a couple different eras shared, and I wanted to give us the opportunity to continue the discussion online, and to allow more people to share their thoughts.

So, please, come, share. Learn, teach, and help all of us be smarter than any one of us …