Chap. 10: Peter: The Story of Conversion
Conversion is both a birth certificate and a driver's license. The Jesus Creed is more like a driver's license--it shows we are an adult capable of operating on life's roads. A good place to consider conversion is in the life of Peter.
WHEN IS PETER CONVERTED? There are several possible times when Peter is converted. It isn't clear when it actually happens. "Conversion is more than just an event; it is a process. Like wisdom, it takes a lifetime. Conversion is a lifelong series of gentle (or noisy) nods of the soul. The question of when someone is converted is much less important than that they are converting." Paul on the other hand is converted in a big moment. There is no reason to think either method is preferential. Peter's story.
I GROW IN MY UNDERSTANDING OF JESUS. Peter progresses in his understanding of Jesus, but not in a straight line. There are ups and downs, and even denials.
I GO PUBLIC STEP BY STEP. Peter's public confession was also a progression.
A MISSIONARY GOES PUBLIC. The example of Frank Laubach.
Chap. 11: John: The Story of Love: The Story of Conversion
The Bible tells the truth in its stories about the pillars of the faith. Do we know the story of the apostle John?
DO YOU KNOW JOHN'S STORY? We tend to remember John in his later years, the apostle of love. But what about earlier?
- I LEARN ABOUT LOVE. When John sums up what he learned from Jesus, he says he learned about love.
- MY LOVE IS TESTED (AND I DON'T DO WELL). John fails three times when his response is not all that loving (asking Jesus for a preferential place in heaven, trying to stop the exorcist, and telling Jesus to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans that refuse Jesus hospitality).
- I AM LOVED ANYWAY. John knows what it means to be loved--he even refers to himself as the "disciple whom Jesus loved."
- FINALLY, I LEARN TO LOVE OTHERS. The central theme in the gospel of John is love. He had to have changed as time when on because of the tone of his writings.
Quote from Mcknight, Scot (2009-10-01). Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others (p. 96). Paraclete Press. Kindle Edition.