Patriarchal Precepts on Sexual Violence

Moses sets forth “statutes and decrees which,” if “observed,” will gain the dutiful a reward, ‘you may… take possession of the property which the LORD… is giving you.’ Jesus does not observe Moses patriarchal precepts, “You teach as doctrines mere human precepts.” Patriarchal precepts control the behavior of men who also gain rewards from them. … Continue reading “Patriarchal Precepts on Sexual Violence”

Leaving Militarism

Today’s reading from Exodus says Moses, Aaron, and other warlords “sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the Lord.” They did so believing the “Lord” would then not sacrifice them, “the Lord did not lay a hand on these chosen Israelites.” The reading from Hebrews tells us Jesus’ “own blood” is “sacrificed” to the “Lord.” … Continue reading “Leaving Militarism”

Warlords and Saints

Sunday’s first reading from the Old Testament opens by telling us, “The Lord was pleased to crush him.” What kind of Lord is so pleased? A War Lord. The reading goes on, “If he gives his life as an offering for sin … the will of the Lord will be accomplished.” What Lord’s will is … Continue reading “Warlords and Saints”

Conscience and Consequence

The disciples have recently returned from sharing Jesus’ Way of communion, love, and healing power with people. One consequence is disciples being targeted for persecution. Another consequence is disciples being targeted for acclaim. Thus, Jesus says to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest.” He does not want them to lose … Continue reading “Conscience and Consequence”

Peacemaking Pioneers

Jesus is sending out disciples to spread his Way: of communion and so he sends out people in pairs to nurture community; of compassionate love and so he sends out people who are poor to nurture vulnerability; of creativity and so he sends out people gifted with healing power. All of these qualities make for … Continue reading “Peacemaking Pioneers”

Animal Sacrifice

Sacrifice is the theme of Sunday’s readings. Sacrifice means the priestly ritual of “offering something (especially a life) to a deity” and thus lessen the deity’s wrath and violence. The taking of sacrificed life in death rituals, is the primary ritual of the religion of Militarism and it is practiced throughout the Old Testament. It … Continue reading “Animal Sacrifice”

A Higher Loyalty?

Sunday’s first reading includes the War Lord Yahweh ordering his supporters to “keep his statutes and commandments.” The people believe Yahweh deserves their loyalty because he “took a nation for himself…by testings, …by war,…and by great terrors.” Jesus’ Gospel also includes commands, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that … Continue reading “A Higher Loyalty?”

The Challenge To Change Our Values

Authors of the Old Testament portray Hebrews as the chosen people of their god, Yahweh. The people value Yahweh in the same way they value the War Lords who invented him – he is their savior, their protector – as long as they are obedient. War Lords are believed to have enabled a small but … Continue reading “The Challenge To Change Our Values”

The Challenge to Change Our Leaders

Scripture scholars treat Moses and his deity, Yahweh, as leaders. Moses is a military leader, a War Lord, as is the Yahweh deity he invented. They dominate, inflict suffering, and kill. Their military leadership is evident in Sunday’s first reading concerning the 10 Commandments. From Yahweh, “I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, … Continue reading “The Challenge to Change Our Leaders”

Taxing Decisions

Trick questions are always…tricky. Some are amusing or thought provoking; What’s another word for Thesaurus? Why doesn’t glue stick to its bottle? A definitive trick question however is drawn from cunning and intends to deceive or trap. It is with that intention that religious rulers who are plotting to kill Jesus ask him a trick … Continue reading “Taxing Decisions”