Subject: News from the University Church of St Mary the Virgin Oxford

 


The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 3)


by Dallas Callaway


Though it is worth attending to the complications that beset the Augustinian Fall, I think it is also worth exploring its most tragic aspect. There is a tendency, especially when on the receiving end of evil, to assert a shrill empiricism: “This is how the world is! (!!!)” It is difficult, however, to reconcile this assertion with the thought that we can know “how the world is” because human beings seem incapable of taking a God's-eye-view of creation. Turning to scripture, Genesis 3 cuts to the heart of the Augustinian Fall. It is sometimes argued that, say what one will of the serpent in Genesis, at least he was truthful in forecasting the survival of humans after eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (v. 3:4-5). God, on the other hand, erroneously warns that if humans eat of the tree they will die (v. 3:3). Upon consumption, of course, Adam and Eve do not in fact die and, so the argument goes, the serpent is vindicated as honest. But here is the tragedy – the serpent did lie, yes, subtly yet brutally, the serpent indeed lied. For, despite the serpent’s full prognosis (v. 3:5), human beings have not become like God or gods simply because we are, with unreliable efficacy, capable of discerning good and evil. Despite our ill-gotten capacity for wisdom, human beings do not possess the God-like, open-eyed knowledge of good and evil (nor other aspects of God’s creation) with which the serpent tempted Eve. In an age where there is, ostensibly, nothing that is not knowable to the human mind, I wonder what the consequences of ‘knowing’ this tragic element of the Fall far too quickly are.

Livestreamed Services

at the University Church

The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Sunday 15 May

10.30am Choral Eucharist

President: The Revd Canon Dr Charlotte Bannister-Parker

Preacher: Dr Sarah Mortimer

Livestreamed Services Playlist

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Notices


GARDENING DAY IN HOLYWELL CEMETERY

There will be another gardening day at Holywell Cemetery on Saturday 15 May from 10am – 1pm. You do not need to be an experienced gardener. If you have secateurs and other tools, feel free to bring them, but please make sure that you have some suitable clothing. Gloves are also a good idea!


PARISH LUNCH

Sunday 15 May, 12pm, Old Library

We are happy to announce that we are resuming Parish Lunches and the first one is going to be held on Sunday 15 May at 12.00 in the Old Library. 


BAMPTON LECTURES

Tuesday 17 May 10am and 11.30am – ‘The Age of Hitler and how we can escape it’ Join us for this year’s Bampton Lectures delivered by Professor Alec Ryrie FBA, Professor of the History of Christianity in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University. More information here.


STILE ANTICO

Wednesday, 18 May, 8.00pm

We are delighted to announce that Stile Antico will be Ensemble in Residence at the University Church from May 2022 – April 2023. This exceptional early music vocal ensemble will be offering a series of concerts through the year as well as a number of outreach initiatives. To launch this exciting partnership, there will be a performance of a new programme of music, The Mystic Rose, exploring glorious music written in honour of St Mary the Virgin, on Wednesday 18 May at 8.00pm. Tickets cost £30, £20 and £10 (restricted view). Book here.


INTERFAITH FRIENDSHIP WALK

Thursday 19 May, 6pm, Synagogue in Richmond Rd

The Interfaith Friendship Walk will take place on Thursday 19 May, starting from the synagogue in Richmond Rd at 6 pm and ending up at the Central Mosque in Manzil Way at about 7.45 pm, stopping at St Giles churchyard (6.25 pm) and Radcliffe Sq (7.00 pm) on the way. After the walk, the Muslim and Jewish communities provide supper for all in the mosque courtyard. This is a wonderful event, which you can join at any stage. We are looking for volunteer stewards and for people with first aid training. Please be in touch with Mary Lean if you can help.


QUIET CREATIVITY

Saturday 21 May, 10am-1pm, Old Library

Join us for a morning of quiet companionship and bring a project, a book or just enjoy the refreshments, in the Old Library.


PARISH FORUM

Next Sunday 22nd May at 12.00 noon in the Old Library. All are very welcome. Revd Dr Keith Hebden of Citizens UK will speak to us for 40minutes about the Christian roots of Community Organising and how it can help St Mary's to work more closely with our neighbours for justice in the city and beyond. Keith is a Community Organiser, consultant, writer, activist, and priest.


BEATING OF THE BOUNDS

Thursday, 26 May, 9am, Nave

We're delighted to be able to resume our annual Beating of the Bounds trail of our parish boundaries this Ascension Day. Join us from 9am in the Nave for this family-friendly trail around central Oxford.


LUNCHTIME BIBLE STUDY

Our bible studies resume at 12.45pm on Thursdays in the Old Library and on Zoom. We will be studying the parables of Jesus. Everyone is welcome.

https://www.universitychurch.ox.ac.uk/content/parables-jesus


NEW TO ST MARY’S? If you are new to St Mary’s and have started coming to services in the last six months or so, we may not have your contact details. If you would like to find out more about what is going on at the University Church, please email admin@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk with your name, address and telephone number and ask for your name to be added to the Parish Directory. This directory is used only by parish staff but it enables us to get in touch with you as the need arises.

St Mary's Church, High Street, OX1 4BJ, Oxford, United Kingdom

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