I'm growing weary of the argument that Jesus' advice via the Sermon on the Mount isn't applicable to our situation because the politics of his day were so different from ours, i.e., since democracy wasn't available to him, all he could do to confront injustice was to teach his disciples to counter Roman Imperial rule by turning the other cheek. If first-century Palestine had enjoyed a democratic form of government, then Jesus' teaching surely would have been different: join the political fray, get elected, and do some good for a change.
I beg to differ.
Jesus could have joined the party of the Pharisees (even he admits he's closer to their teaching than any of the other sects, see Matt. 23), endeared himself to the movers and shakers in Jerusalem (remember, he showed great promise when he was a wee, little lad, Lu. 2:41ff), get elected to the Sanhedrin (think of how much help Nicodemus would have been to Jesus' political career!), and effect the kingdom of God by working within the system.
But he didn't do that. Why not? To many Americans, it would appear that he missed his chance to "make a difference" in the world. But, that's okay. Even he said his kingdom is not of this world. When are we going to learn?
4 comments:
i'm not entirely sure if you really read your comments, but i'm struggling through the concept of moral and obligatory "rules" in the Christian life. i've heard you say that the gospel and any law that necessitates fulfillment by effort are mutually exclusive. this concept makes sense, particularly in the sphere of soteriology, but as far as discipleship and every day living including those tough choices we have to make everyday, are there rules and standards?
i don't say this to imply that we can ever escape our salvation into a separate "stage" of sanctification, nor that our moral decisions are of serious consequence with regards to the ultimate outcome of salvation.
my problem stems from a desire to know and do what is right in any given situation. i've been reading "kingdom ethics," and stassen and gushee argue against legalism and for a system at least somewhat based on rules. i believe you said you have read this book, and i was wondering if you felt that these ideas were contrary to the gospel aside from the flesh, as we discussed in class.
i'm not entirely sure if you really read your comments, but i'm struggling through the concept of moral and obligatory "rules" in the Christian life. i've heard you say that the gospel and any law that necessitates fulfillment by effort are mutually exclusive. this concept makes sense, particularly in the sphere of soteriology, but as far as discipleship and every day living including those tough choices we have to make everyday, are there rules and standards?
i don't say this to imply that we can ever escape our salvation into a separate "stage" of sanctification, nor that our moral decisions are of serious consequence with regards to the ultimate outcome of salvation.
my problem stems from a desire to know and do what is right in any given situation. i've been reading "kingdom ethics," and stassen and gushee argue against legalism and for a system at least somewhat based on rules. i believe you said you have read this book, and i was wondering if you felt that these ideas were contrary to the gospel aside from the flesh, as we discussed in class.
Matt,
I'm not opposed to Christians making "rules" for themselves to guide them in holiness (like the "weak" vegetarian/no wine drinkers in Ro. 14). What usually happens, however, when we set up "rules" for ourselves is that we begin to project those "rules" on other Christians, measuring their holiness. That's legalism. Notice how often Paul refused to give "specifics" when it came to giving his converts advice on how to live holy lives. Instead, he says things like, "set your affection on things above," or "avoid fornication," or "keep your vessel [what's that?] in holiness," or "let love reign in your hearts."
Most Christians today would find such advice "inadequate." Paul doesn't go far enough. So, the rule-makers step in a tell us what to do and what not to do, trying to turn "gray" areas into black and white realities.
I prefer to defer to the power of the Spirit to convict me of sin rather than merely submit to someone's "rule" about how to live a holy life. I believe that much in the power of the Spirit.
Rodney
that makes a lot of sense... i guess we just need to keep our mouths shut and our arms open. we spend way to much time arguing about doctrine and pushing dispensationalists off of bridges.
thanks for the response.
Post a Comment