03/20/06

I noticed that in the very first blog I wrote for this Christian Ethics class, I wrote about the introduction in Improvisation. I talked about a lofty word that Wells used in the introduction: overaccepting. That term is the basis for chapter 9.

Wells opens with an illustration of Christmas day. Many times, we receive gifts that we did not necessarily want or ask for. However, do we blame ourselves or the receiver? The answer is neither. We should not get upset at the receiver (blocking) and we should not just accept the gift for what it is (accepting). We should overaccept. We should take the gift as something useful and thoughtful – put more reason behind it all.

Wells also talks of two games: “Lantern Lecture” and “Presents.” These games practice overaccepting. Rather than just accepting or blocking each offer, each offer is accepted and another offer is made. Offers become potential gifts. I love the game examples that Wells proposes. They are such easy, tangible illustrations to relate to!

Wells extendedly defines overaccepting using many examples, people, and situations. Overaccepting retains one’s integrity. He uses examples of Princess Diana, The Full Monty, and Monty Python to provide relevant instances of overaccepting.

God used overaccepting. An example from Jeremiah is stated. Jeremiah saw a potter working with a pot that spoiled. The potter brought it back and made it whole and beautiful again. God has done the same with us. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did not block our sin and send us to hell. He did not accept our sin and give us immoral eternal life. He overaccepted and became an example in human form to all humankind. Wells uses many examples of Jesus overaccepting. They include his temptation, the Sermon on the Mount (turning the other cheek), His lesson on paying taxes, His mercy to the prostitute, the calling of the twelve, and the last supper. These are all amazing examples that not only completely define overacceptance, but also they are done by Jesus, the big man himself!

The two stories at the end of the chapter were amazing. I find no need to summarize them here, but they were truly touching. Overacceptance is an idea that I will not soon forget.