The Messenger - May 27, 2008

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    "Culmination"

    "But some may ask, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?"

     (1 Corinthians 15: 35)

As Kim and I usher our second child through the educational system of this country, we've noticed an interesting trend: the word "graduation" has been replaced at most levels by the word "culmination." One does not "graduate" from elementary school or middle school or kindergarten these days--one "culminates" instead. I presume that this was done to make high school graduation distinct from all these lesser accomplishments. But the curious thing is that "culmination" is actually a stronger word. According to my on-line dictionary, "culmination" originally referred to the zenith, or highest altitude, of a heavenly body. In a secondary sense, it refers to one's "highest pitch of glory, power, or accomplishment." I certainly hope that is not reached in kindergarten!

"Culmination" may not work in that context, but it is certainly a good word for our transit from this life unto the next. Much like savory foods upon the stove, some folks culminate quickly, while others need to "simmer" a good, long time. But all of us will be "finished" at some point in time. What happens then?

The Apostle Paul wrestled with this question in 1 Corinthians 15--the most thorough New Testament passage on resurrection. In this famous text, Paul compares our current bodies to seeds that will be "planted" at some time. Later, much like seeds, we will "sprout"--but not with earthly bodies like those that we have now. Instead, he says, "the body that is sown is perishable; it raised imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." (1 Cor 15: 42-44)

Much of this language takes us beyond the realm of things that we can touch and taste and feel, but it moves us all the same. It also gives us an intellectual framework in which "resurrection of the body" can make sense. After all, even the resurrection of Jesus Christ is mysterious: the disciples saw him, heard him, and touched him--yet he disappeared from their presence (Luke 24:31) and he walked through locked doors (John 20:19). So, this "resurrection body" must be very different from anything that we have now.

This weekend, our nation remembered those brave men and women in the armed forces who "culminated" early. They gave their lives for this country, and many of them suffered terribly in the process. In one sense, their sacrifice is tragic, but it is not in vain if we believe that they died for a purpose. The sting of this loss is also greatly eased when we know, like Emily Dickinson, that "this world is not conclusion; a sequel lies beyond."

Based upon the information that we have in the Bible, I can't tell you exactly how this "sequel" is going to read. But I can tell you that we can "culminate" from this life with hope because Jesus promised us that, when this life was done, he would bring us to himself (John 14:3). As you remember friends and family who have passed away this week, may the words of our savior bring you peace.

Affectionately,

by Toya Richards Hill
Presbyterian News Service

RICHMOND, VA – Equipping a new group of African-American Presbyterian leaders for the 21st Century requires changing old models of theological education and an intentionality about enhancing skills, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) leaders said at a recent conference.