Tuesday, March 04, 2008
JESUS FOR PRESIDENT
I suppose it is nearly impossible not to prioritize threads of teaching that run through the Bible. We may have multiple layers of such threads, but let's imagine an A, B and C layer. The "A" layer consists of those threads of teaching to which we give the most attention, consider the most important, and work on the most. The "B" layer is one that we also consider significant, but not quite up to the "A" level. Our mistakes or failures in the "B" level are a concern, but may not be considered fatal like the "A" level failures. Then there is the "C" level which we know is there, but we are not sure what to do with it or how to apply it or how it dovetails with other material or which we simply find uncomfortable.
Now imagine that you switch the "A" and "C" level material. Everything would have a different perspective. We learn and grow and are challenged when we do this, either by talking to someone whose teaching thread priorities are opposite ours or by reading a book which reverses our poles.
That is the challenge that the book Jesus for President poses for me (written by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw). They move care for the poor, justice, stewardship of creation, love of enemies, peace-making and not being "of" the world to the "A" level call and demand of being a disciple of Jesus.
I knew for some time I wanted to read such a book which challenges the assumptions and the foundations of "middle class" Christianity. Frankly I found the OT, NT and early church history sections better done and more convicting than I expected. I found myself thinking, "yes, that is really what the text says." Example: "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors....But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed." (Luke 14:12-14) How often have you actually obeyed that teaching of Jesus??? Or disobeyed???
Of course, it is the application to real life in our culture where the stress comes and where the debate primarily lies. Many people will bristle and be offended by the authors' convictions. There were places they went that I am not willing to go.
But even so, I came away with a heightened sense of awareness of how I live and think and more critically aware of what I take for granted. It challenged, at least for the moment, some lifestyle and material assumptions or habits. This is minor, but I chose not to watch a certain TV show, not because there was any overt moral issue in the show, but because I had to deal with my stewardship of time and the deeper moral issue of cultural values that underlie the show's premise.
At a much deeper level one is challenged as to what it means to have Jesus as Lord instead of Caesar. To what extent can I reap the rewards and benefits of a middle class American lifestyle and not ask hard questions about economic justice, politics, military power, and "God and America" theology.
Some of you will find the book radical and offensive. Some will find it convicting. Many will find some of both. Try hearing the case from a consistent social justice perspective remembering the judgment parable of Jesus in Matthew 25 which bases our final judgment on how we responded to the hungry, naked, lonely, imprisoned and sick. Let the "C" level become your "A" level for a few days. Maybe "A" and "C" will not remain reversed, but "C" will no longer run a distant third in your theology and life.
ps. I sent this to "publish" and immediately, I mean it hadn't even finished processing, a person came into the office looking for food. What are you trying to teach me, God?
Now imagine that you switch the "A" and "C" level material. Everything would have a different perspective. We learn and grow and are challenged when we do this, either by talking to someone whose teaching thread priorities are opposite ours or by reading a book which reverses our poles.
That is the challenge that the book Jesus for President poses for me (written by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw). They move care for the poor, justice, stewardship of creation, love of enemies, peace-making and not being "of" the world to the "A" level call and demand of being a disciple of Jesus.
I knew for some time I wanted to read such a book which challenges the assumptions and the foundations of "middle class" Christianity. Frankly I found the OT, NT and early church history sections better done and more convicting than I expected. I found myself thinking, "yes, that is really what the text says." Example: "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors....But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed." (Luke 14:12-14) How often have you actually obeyed that teaching of Jesus??? Or disobeyed???
Of course, it is the application to real life in our culture where the stress comes and where the debate primarily lies. Many people will bristle and be offended by the authors' convictions. There were places they went that I am not willing to go.
But even so, I came away with a heightened sense of awareness of how I live and think and more critically aware of what I take for granted. It challenged, at least for the moment, some lifestyle and material assumptions or habits. This is minor, but I chose not to watch a certain TV show, not because there was any overt moral issue in the show, but because I had to deal with my stewardship of time and the deeper moral issue of cultural values that underlie the show's premise.
At a much deeper level one is challenged as to what it means to have Jesus as Lord instead of Caesar. To what extent can I reap the rewards and benefits of a middle class American lifestyle and not ask hard questions about economic justice, politics, military power, and "God and America" theology.
Some of you will find the book radical and offensive. Some will find it convicting. Many will find some of both. Try hearing the case from a consistent social justice perspective remembering the judgment parable of Jesus in Matthew 25 which bases our final judgment on how we responded to the hungry, naked, lonely, imprisoned and sick. Let the "C" level become your "A" level for a few days. Maybe "A" and "C" will not remain reversed, but "C" will no longer run a distant third in your theology and life.
ps. I sent this to "publish" and immediately, I mean it hadn't even finished processing, a person came into the office looking for food. What are you trying to teach me, God?
