Thoughts on "Transformational Architecture" by Ron Martoia; "The Context"

A key component in sharing Jesus with our new postmodern world is to understand what Ron Martoia explains as being "the three texts". In this particular post I will be summarizing the first text that Martoia presents, and I will offer some thoughts on this text as well. The first texts that Martoia explains as being a part of any conversations is "the context".

"The Context"

Martoia explains "the context" in this way, "...is everything from geography to culture....This text is important to understand because it provides the 'container' in which everything in life transpires." (Page 19)

This is where you first meet "Chad". Chad will be introduced in this chapter and will be followed up on through out the remaining of the book. Chad is presented as one that has spiritual questions and thoughts, and Ron Martoia is his partner in crime. Throughout the book they have very lively and intriguing discussions. This conversational tone is used as the vehicle to present "the context". Chad brings up something called the "axial age" The "axial age" is explained like this;

"The axial age was the time period between 800 and 200 BC when some key religious figures and movements were born in China, India, the Middle East, and certain places in the west--movements that still nourish many of the spiritual traditions of our day." (Page 22)

This axial age is talked about extensively between Ron Martoia and "Chad". One of the ideas that emerges from this conversation is the idea that we might be in the middle of another axial age today. A driven point that leads to this new axial age is the idea that the original axial age emerged as a deeper connection to humanity outside of violence, and this next axial age emerges from globalization.

This axial age brings some good points, and it can be fairly though provoking. However, if we just focus on this axial age that is discussed, I believe that we will miss the point of this whole discussion. What I believe Martoia is saying is that we need to listen to our spiritual friends. "Chad" is the one presenting such discussions and Ron allows "Chad" to steer the discussion while Ron is attempting to actively listen.

"My guess is that the world has lots of Chads. Lots of people are trying to figure out if Christianity can handle their toughest questions, their random musings, and their deepest doubts. "

Herein lies "the context" in which Martoia argues that we as followers of Jesus need to not only be aware of, but we need to to be empathetic to as well. As Chad references popular spiritual books, musicians that talk about Jesus, and other outlets that our expressing various thoughts on spirituality, Martoia used these expressions as a launching pad for an engagement of conversation where he tried to express himself as an active listener.

To sum up Martoia's work in this chapter, we need to realize "the context" as a a very important consideration when talking to friends about spiritual items. "The context" is where human history has been, where is is now, and where it is going. Whether that being the context of globalization, war, or a new "axis", and understanding of our movement as a humanity is crucial.

Now, here is my admission. I promised to do this in a 3 post outline. I don't think this will happen, I will spend two more posts on the remainder of the texts, then hopefully two more posts from there. I would rather cover all the areas in which I believe to be important so I can do my due diligence.

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/