Seeing the Familiar Through Strange Eyes – A Biblical Perspective with Prof. Dion Forster
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In this episode of the Get Up and Go Breakfast program on Radio Cape Pulpit, host Anton Brink speaks with Professor Dion Forster (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Stellenbosch University) about the theme: "Seeing the familiar through strange eyes" – a concept drawn from theologian Jamie Smith (Desiring the Kingdom).
Prof. Forster explains that we often become so shaped by our culture, relationships, language, and experiences that we stop seeing things as they truly are – and especially, we stop seeing them as God sees them. He introduces the term hermeneutics (from the Greek hermeneion / Latin interpretari) – the art of interpretation – and links it to Romans 12:1-2: "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
He illustrates this with two examples from Jesus' ministry:
Bartimaeus the blind man – the disciples, seeing through the world's eyes, told him to be quiet, but Jesus stopped and asked: "What do you want?"
The woman at the well – she came at the hottest time of day to avoid judgmental eyes, but Jesus broke all social barriers, spoke to her, and saw her with dignity. She was transformed and became an evangelist to her own city.
Prof. Forster challenges listeners to ask themselves: If Jesus were to live my ordinary day today – awake in my house, do my job, meet my colleagues – how would He do it differently? He encourages listeners to pray: "Lord, help me to see my life and the people around me today as You would see them." When we allow God's Spirit to renew our minds, relationships, barriers, and obstacles can be transformed, and God's glory can be revealed in our everyday lives.
Prof. Forster explains that we often become so shaped by our culture, relationships, language, and experiences that we stop seeing things as they truly are – and especially, we stop seeing them as God sees them. He introduces the term hermeneutics (from the Greek hermeneion / Latin interpretari) – the art of interpretation – and links it to Romans 12:1-2: "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
He illustrates this with two examples from Jesus' ministry:
Bartimaeus the blind man – the disciples, seeing through the world's eyes, told him to be quiet, but Jesus stopped and asked: "What do you want?"
The woman at the well – she came at the hottest time of day to avoid judgmental eyes, but Jesus broke all social barriers, spoke to her, and saw her with dignity. She was transformed and became an evangelist to her own city.
Prof. Forster challenges listeners to ask themselves: If Jesus were to live my ordinary day today – awake in my house, do my job, meet my colleagues – how would He do it differently? He encourages listeners to pray: "Lord, help me to see my life and the people around me today as You would see them." When we allow God's Spirit to renew our minds, relationships, barriers, and obstacles can be transformed, and God's glory can be revealed in our everyday lives.
