Wow, reading this thread is like watching a group of people looking through different windows at the same room.  We all see the same thing, but all from a slightly different perspective. 

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think we can consolidate a lot of these discussions into what we have started discussing in another thread.  We are proposing the development of a relational theology (one of the contributors offers the alternate title of Creation theology, which also works) which is grounded in the understanding that God’s Revelation to us is primarily relational. 

I am preparing a basic criteria list to help us better develop this.

The revelation God has given to man is a thematic narrative, not a mine for systematic and formulaic information.  The interpretation of Scripture must be made in this context.God, as the Creator, is the source and end of the causal relationship - the relationship by which all other relationships exist and grow.The divine covenants are acts of relational restoration.  In Scripture, we are not dealing with the negative breaking of relationship (i.e. sin) but rather the positive mending of relationship (i.e. redemption, salvation, etc.)

In essence, we are attempting approach the Scriptures with a different presupposition - that the operations of this world are relational.  Sin is then, essentially, relational imbalance.

The concept is embryonic, and we would appreciate contributions from anyone genuinely interested.