2017 Hosanna Project Winners
Exceptionalism—the view that a particular nation or people are a special privileged agent of God—fuels, justifies, and perpetuates injustice. Our times cry out for courageous preaching firmly rooted in love and justice that will challenge exceptionalism. On October 26, 2016, twelve pastors and seminarians gathered at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to consider and discuss their preaching on the topic of Blessed: Preaching "Israel" as Ancient Symbol and Contemporary Reality, based on the March 12, 2017 Reformed Lectionary texts for the 2nd Sunday in Lent; Genesis 12.1-4a & John 3.1-17. Their goal was to understand and challenge ways of reading scripture and practicing faith which privilege one group, and set apart their relationship to God as superior. It is also language which sits at the theological heart of the Israel/Palestine conflict.