My problem with Johns post is that it is one more in a long series of proclamation by him and others that...."if you are a true follower of God then you have to have my political viewpoint."
The Roman government of his day was brutal and oppressive yet Jesus had little to say about it or it's policies, except to say... "follow their rules" even when oppressive.
What i see happening right now, more on the left than the right, but to some degree on both sides, is that politics come first and theology is then made to fit the politics.
I am struck by how John's post is a lot like the preaching by Jobs friends who claim to know with absolute certainty the will and intent of God for Job and the world.
I don't think I've ever advocated that anyone has to share my political viewpoint.
On the other hand, I think there's nothing wrong with calling out behaviors that do damage to vulnerable individuals while others are oblivious in their pursuit for power and control.
I'm not sure that Jesus was as supportive of Roman rule as you suggest.
I can certainly relate. I called myself conservative and am registered as Republican. Now I feel I am a man without a political party. I appreciate your mentioning Rome as that is where we are, sadly. Jesus and his crew were powerless against Rome, Jesus knew that the sword wasn't going to change the world for the better, and in the end only love wins.
John, I am so appreciative of your posts. I am grateful that people are showing up at town hall meetings when their Republican leaders are not. Actions speak louder than words.
I know Matthew 25 is frequently quoted by liberals who are critical of conservatives. But it is selective theology. Earlier in the same chapter we find the story of the 10 virgins. 5 brought extra oil and 5 didn't. When the master who is generally regarded as Christ, he, in an act of ungrateful refuses entry to the 5 who didn't bring extra oil.
How hard would it have been for him to admit those 5? Why this act of ungrateful?
Thank you for your response Steve--it made me think and look into a commentary. It is true that people often pick and choose verses from the Bible just to take them out of context just to be critical...but in this case, I think John is not mistaken. Jesus did preach that his followers would and should be motivated to address the needs of those in trouble. William Barclay addresses the oil and the virgins quite well in his commentary --I'll share just a small part of it. "In its immediate significance it was directed against the Jews. they were the chosen people; their whole history should have been a preparation for the coming of the Son of God; they ought to have been prepared for him when he came. Instead, they were quite unprepared and therefore were shut out. Here in dramatic form is the tragedy of the unpreparedness of the Jews." ... Regarding the parable John quoted Dr. Barclay says: "This is one of the most vivid parables Jesus ever spoke, and the lesson is crystal clear--that God will judge us in accordance with our reaction to human need." ...And I think this last sentence was what John is getting at. Regarding conservatives and liberals, I suggest that neither group has addressed genuine human need--indeed, we as a nation, both sides of the aisle, tragically fall short. We insufficiently address human suffering, and now our government is even going out of its way to make it worse. Thanks again Steve for making me think. God bless.
My problem with Johns post is that it is one more in a long series of proclamation by him and others that...."if you are a true follower of God then you have to have my political viewpoint."
The Roman government of his day was brutal and oppressive yet Jesus had little to say about it or it's policies, except to say... "follow their rules" even when oppressive.
What i see happening right now, more on the left than the right, but to some degree on both sides, is that politics come first and theology is then made to fit the politics.
I am struck by how John's post is a lot like the preaching by Jobs friends who claim to know with absolute certainty the will and intent of God for Job and the world.
I do appreciate the respectful dialog.
I don't think I've ever advocated that anyone has to share my political viewpoint.
On the other hand, I think there's nothing wrong with calling out behaviors that do damage to vulnerable individuals while others are oblivious in their pursuit for power and control.
I'm not sure that Jesus was as supportive of Roman rule as you suggest.
I can certainly relate. I called myself conservative and am registered as Republican. Now I feel I am a man without a political party. I appreciate your mentioning Rome as that is where we are, sadly. Jesus and his crew were powerless against Rome, Jesus knew that the sword wasn't going to change the world for the better, and in the end only love wins.
I'll hush- work calls! God bless you.
Thank you for this informative post, John. God bless you for your work!
John, I am so appreciative of your posts. I am grateful that people are showing up at town hall meetings when their Republican leaders are not. Actions speak louder than words.
I know Matthew 25 is frequently quoted by liberals who are critical of conservatives. But it is selective theology. Earlier in the same chapter we find the story of the 10 virgins. 5 brought extra oil and 5 didn't. When the master who is generally regarded as Christ, he, in an act of ungrateful refuses entry to the 5 who didn't bring extra oil.
How hard would it have been for him to admit those 5? Why this act of ungrateful?
Thank you for your response Steve--it made me think and look into a commentary. It is true that people often pick and choose verses from the Bible just to take them out of context just to be critical...but in this case, I think John is not mistaken. Jesus did preach that his followers would and should be motivated to address the needs of those in trouble. William Barclay addresses the oil and the virgins quite well in his commentary --I'll share just a small part of it. "In its immediate significance it was directed against the Jews. they were the chosen people; their whole history should have been a preparation for the coming of the Son of God; they ought to have been prepared for him when he came. Instead, they were quite unprepared and therefore were shut out. Here in dramatic form is the tragedy of the unpreparedness of the Jews." ... Regarding the parable John quoted Dr. Barclay says: "This is one of the most vivid parables Jesus ever spoke, and the lesson is crystal clear--that God will judge us in accordance with our reaction to human need." ...And I think this last sentence was what John is getting at. Regarding conservatives and liberals, I suggest that neither group has addressed genuine human need--indeed, we as a nation, both sides of the aisle, tragically fall short. We insufficiently address human suffering, and now our government is even going out of its way to make it worse. Thanks again Steve for making me think. God bless.