ZEN DAVID AND GOLIATH

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Summary of "Finding a Zen Teaching in David and Goliath"

• Personal Journey & Perspective:

  • Author revisits ancient scriptures through the lens of Zen practice and nondualism.

  • Background in progressive Protestant seminary with a focus on Unitarian Universalist ministry.

  • Recognizes limitations in language expertise but values contemporary scholarship and translations.

• Nondual Hermeneutics & Spiritual Interpretation:

  • Nondualism ("not two") exists within Christianity alongside mainstream dualistic traditions.

  • Found in the teachings of the Desert Mothers and Fathers and Neoplatonic theologians.

  • Universalism bridges Zen Buddhism and Christianity in the author’s spiritual exploration.

• Reexamining the David & Goliath Narrative:

  • Textual inconsistencies: 1 Samuel 17 credits David with killing Goliath, but 2 Samuel 21:19 credits Elhanan.

  • Historical David: Scholars agree David existed, but much of his story has been mythologized.

  • The shift in attribution suggests a constructed national narrative around David’s legacy.

• Allegorical & Spiritual Insights (Origen's Approach):

  • Origen (2nd–3rd century theologian) viewed David as a Christ figure and Goliath as sin or the devil.

  • The five smooth stones represent different spiritual virtues (faith, hope, love, patience, humility).

  • The battle symbolizes the inner struggle of the human heart on the spiritual path.

• Zen & the Nondual Perspective on the Story:

  • Encourages seeing both David and Goliath as aspects of oneself.

  • Spiritual tools like faith, prayer, and confidence (or Zen analogs) help navigate life’s battles.

  • The virtues are universal paths to awakening, revealing the "original face" of existence.

• Final Reflection:

  • Engaging with scripture through a nondual, contemplative lens offers transformative insights.

  • Faith is confidence in wisdom, prayer is surrender to the unknown, and virtues are eternal guides.

  • The journey of the self mirrors the eternal human quest for meaning, beyond history and into direct experience.