Episode 14 - Brian Edgar and the God Who Plays

In this episode of Liturgical Rebels Brian Edgar explores the concept of a playful attitude towards God and the world, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life as part of having a relationship with God. Edgar highlights the need to integrate work and play, challenging the Protestant work ethic that prioritizes productivity over creativity and imagination. He reminds us that the biblical images of the eternal kingdom of God emphasize childlike play and joy. Edgar's book, 'The God Who Plays,' offers a refreshing perspective on Christian faith and spirituality. In this conversation, Brian Edgar and Christine Sine discuss the concept of play and its significance in various aspects of life, including work and worship. They explore the idea that play is not separate from work but can be integrated into it, bringing joy and creativity. They also delve into the notion of worship as a form of play, highlighting the importance of interaction and enjoyment in our relationship with God. Additionally, they examine the idea of suffering as an opportunity for growth and the role of pain in the development of character. Overall, the conversation challenges traditional perspectives and invites listeners to embrace playfulness in all areas of life.

Takeaways

• Brian Edgar's career has spanned both Australia and the United States, with teaching positions and work in theology and public theology.
• A playful attitude towards God and the world is at the heart of Christian faith, emphasizing the enjoyment of life and a relationship with God.
• The Protestant work ethic, which prioritizes productivity, has often overshadowed the importance of play, creativity, and imagination.
• The biblical images of the eternal kingdom of God focus on childlike play and joy, challenging the notion that suffering and sacrifice are the ultimate goals of the Christian journey. Play can be integrated into work, bringing joy and creativity.
• Worship is a form of play, involving interaction and enjoyment in our relationship with God.
• Suffering can provide an opportunity for growth and character development.
• The concept of play challenges traditional perspectives and invites us to embrace playfulness in all areas of life.

Brian Edgar is married to Barbara and they have two adult daughters, a son-in-law and two grandchildren. They live in Melbourne, Australia, and Brian is now retired. He is Professor Emeritus of Asbury Theological Seminary where he taught theology for fifteen years. Prior to that he was Director of Public Theology for the Australian Evangelical Alliance and Dean and lecturer at the Melbourne School of Theology. Amongst other writing Brian is author of a short series of three books which indicate what became his primary theological and spiritual interest:  God is Friendship: A Theology of Spirituality, Community and Society (Seedbed, 2013),  The God Who Plays: A Playful Approach to Theology and Spirituality (Wipf and Stock, 2017) which received a Merit Award in Christianity Today's Book of the Year and Laughter and the Grace of God: Restoring Laughter to its central Role in Christian Spirituality and Theology  (Wipf and Stock, 2019). 

Find out more about Christine Sine on
Walking In Wonder on Substack
and on her website Godspacelight
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