| Title:
I Am the Beginning and the End
Author: Brother John of Taize
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Reflecting on the first four chapters of Genesis and the last section of the Book of Revelation, the author discerns in them something of the profound meaning behind the creation of the universe (cosmology) and our place in it (anthropology) in the light of faith in God (theology). Who of us, for example, has not wondered at one time or another about the beginning and the end of the world and human history? How can we reconcile the data of empirical science and the insights present in Sacred Scripture? In trying to make sense of the world and all that is in it, it should not suprise us that the Bible regards each and every aspect of creation as a reflection of the unfathomable Mystery that gives meaning and consistence to all that exists. These texts allow us to discover, at the heart of all that exists, an inexhaustible Wellspring of energy and a Focus of unity, offering fulfillment in a life shared by all. The present work is based on the Bible reflections given in Taize as part of the international young adult meeting that take place there. |
Brother John of Taize is the author of The Adventure of Holiness (1999), At the Wellspring: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (2001), and Reading the Ten Commandments Anew (2004), all published by ST PAULS / Alba House, Brother John joined the Community of Taize in 1974 where he spends muich of his time giving Bible introductions to the young adults who come there for week-long meetings. A native of Philadelphia, in the 1980s he was part of a small group of Taize brothers living in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan. When not in France he travels extensively giving lectures and retreats.
Reviews"Reflecting on the first four chapters of the book of Genesis and the last section of the Book of Revelation, author Br John of Taize discerns meaning in 'I am The Beginning And The End: Creation Stories and Visions of Fulfillment in the Bible.' He discusses his discovery of meaning behind the creation of the universe (cosmology); and our place in it (anthropology) in light of faith in God (theology). How can we reconcile the data of empirical science with the insights presented in Sacred Scripture? In trying to make sense of the world and all that is in it, it should not suprise us that the bible regards each and every aspect of creation as a reflection of the mystery that gives meaning and consistence to all that exists. The texts allow us to discover, at the heart of all that exists, an inexaustible wellspring of energy and a focus of unity, offering a fulfillment in a life shared by all." -- From Crux of the News: Weekly Newsletter, December 24, 2007 Based on reflections given at Taize as part of international young adult meetings, this book treats the first four chapters of Genesis and the last chapters of Revelation. It is there that we find the paradisiacal beginning and end (Urzeit and Endzeit). The author reflects on themes such as image of God, the tree(s) in the garden, a fit companion for the man, and the serpent. He includes reflection on Chapter 4 of Genesis because of the implications of our responsibility for our brothers and sisters. The idyllic picture sketched in Revelation is one of restoration and transformation. Throughout these reflections Brother John weaves in references to other biblical passages, insights from new science, and themes from classical literature. The book is faithful to its goal: to offer meaningful and challenging spiritual insights --Dianne Bergant, C.S.A. in the July/August 2008 issue of The Bible Today |