Professional Documents
Culture Documents
for Gratitude
Michael Goheen
Trinity Western University
Langley, B.C.
Gods Evaluation
Enjoyment
Thankfulness
Love
Universe full of
blessings
Gods creation is evidence of the
caring hand of the Creator
reaching out to secure the well-
being of his creatures, of a Father
extending a universe full of
blessings to his children. (Gordon
Spykman)
City of Angels
Delighting in Gods good creation
Social bonding
Aesthetic enjoyment
Creativity of play
That perfect play
My Delight in Gods Good
Gift of Competitive
Sports
Emotional intensity
Physical satisfaction
Social bonding
Aesthetic enjoyment
Religious deepening
- Joldersma, on Wolterstorff
What is necessary if we
are to education for
gratitude?
Developing life of thanksgiving
Developing sense of delight and
gratitude for area you teach
Place in Gods world
Why brings delight, joy
Developing pedagogical ways to foster
delight and thanksgiving
Developing communal culture of
thanksgiving
Gratitude gives way to
groaning
Growing population
Ecological issues
Unjust structures
Massive militarization
Not just poverty . . .
Not just the third world .
..
Social problems
Psychological disorders
Technological impoverishment
War
Grip of idols
Etc. etc. etc.
The non-human
creation also groans
We know that the whole creation
has been groaning as in the pains of
childbirth right up to the present
time. Not only so, but ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
groan inwardly as we wait eagerly
for our adoption, the redemption of
our bodies (Rom 8.22-23).
Orientation leads to
action
Gratitude Leads to
stewardship
Leads to action
Groaning
for justice
Victory of the gospel!