Page 185 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 8

Forum

Meditating on Verbal and Visual

Metaphors

The design of this fascinating 10-step exchange is to inspire producti-
ve thought on the question “what is a person?” Without a doubt, my
own theological and psychological imaginings continue to be provoked
through the verbal and visual metaphors shared. For example, in her re-
cent step, Dr. Mwiti expands on the portrait of holistic personhood by
blending African cultural priorities of care with the theological catego- Rev. Stephen P.
ry of sanctification. She rightly places emphasis on the recognition of Greggo,
sanctification as forgiveness of sin and as restored relationship with the
Triune God. Such reorientation brings us to live out the totality of what it Psy. D. is a psycho-
logist and Profes-
means to be alive in the community of the Creator. Further, Fr. Jaworski sor of Counseling,
deepens his contribution by naming and exploring the central characte-
ristic of personhood: the capacity to be loving and be loved. This prime Trinity Evangelical
Divinity School, De-
feature of human persons reflects and resonates with God’s identity.
erfield, IL. His aca-
demic interests are in
Artwork adds a fresh dimension to what might otherwise become a mere the connection bet-
academic exercise. The artistic illustrations added in step 7 are indeed a
rich addition. Spending devotional moments with the contributions by ween counseling and
Christian worldview,
Kathrin Feser stirred worship. From the painting based on the Lord’s
spoken promise to Solomon, one has the perception of a river with a assessment, group
counseling, supervi-
heavenly source flowing directly through the heart. This gives exceptio- sion and raising up
nal clarity to the constructs of a ‘listening heart’ and ‘discerning mind’
(I Kings 3:12). This is a picture with potential to invigorate more urgent the next generation of
Christian counselors.
leaning on His understanding for refreshed perspective.
Dr. Greggo served on
the board of the Chri-
The stimulation of theological creativity is further enhanced by Fr. stian Association for
Jaworski’s acting recommendation. There is encouragement to notice
how and when our lives become a theodramatic display as we reenact Psychological Studies
(CAPS) and chairs
scenes that recall biblical protagonists. Our own identities can recast the
roles of these biblical characters. We align with their frailties, choices and the Theology for
Counseling and Pa-
discoveries. Making links between biblical historical figures and our life storal Care section of
narrative can release inspiration to locate the role God has for us in his
ongoing redemptive story. the Evangelical Theo-
logical Society (ETS).

Personhood in a Gospel Scene: A Responsive Offering sgreggo@tiu.edu
These contributions released an interesting progression of thought. My
attention was drawn to review gospel interactions, revelations and pa-
rables. This involved revisiting ways that Jesus Christ recognizes and re-
sponds to the persons around him with comprehension of their essen-
tial nature. The gospels are accounts of God literally dwelling, speaking
and interacting in the flesh. There was a long pause on one report from
Matthew with discernible personhood implications. This chain of event
depicts an action sequence that moves rapidly from the astonishing mi-
racle of Jesus feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) to a tale of
terror and revelation on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). This biographical
history vividly displays a biblical portrait of the plight and promise of

184