Jesus sent out the disciples “two by two and gave them authority over unhealthy spirits.” “So the disciples… drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” Authority has roots in the term auger, the farm implement used to open the soil. Auger, and thus authority, means we … Continue reading “Authority and Autonomy: Abortion”
Category: Military-Dominion
God’s Will for the Fourth of July
Prophets of the Old testament prophet believe they interpret God’s will. It is God’s will to inflict violence on sinners. They “have rebelled against me,” says the Lord. “(T)hey shall die for their sin.” (Ez 2) It is God’s will that a Chosen People in a Chosen Empire are ruled by a violent messianic warrior … Continue reading “God’s Will for the Fourth of July”
DeMoralize the Police
Jesus addresses disciples, “Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Jesus’ address is often called the ‘The Great Commission.’ Persons he has helped shape as peacemakers are sent out to give authoritative witness to the Way of communion, love, and … Continue reading “DeMoralize the Police”
Bread and Circuses
“Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.” Rulers, such as the scribes, could keep the people busy with memorizing doctrine or even entertained with superficial rhetoric. But rulers could not draw forth what Jesus drew forth, … Continue reading “Bread and Circuses”
Critical Thinking
In the Old Testament, young Samuel believes he is being called by Eli. But Eli is certain “the Lord was calling the youth.” The Lord calls Samuel for allegiance to a War Lord, King David, and to a warrior nation, Israel. In the Gospel, Andrew believes he is being called by Jesus. Jesus says nothing … Continue reading “Critical Thinking”
Institutions Will Not Save Us
“Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem” where they told “King Herod” of their quest. They seek a newborn holy one, “We saw his star rising.” The Magi are scientists and believers open to epiphanies, to experiencing the essential meaning of divinity present in the world. They cultivate care for the natural world and all … Continue reading “Institutions Will Not Save Us”
Belonging to Caesar
The ‘Chosen People’ of ancient Israel were defeated by Babylonian enemies and dreamed of rebuilding their empire. When Persia’s King Cyrus defeated Babylon, he furthered the Israelites’ realization of that dream and they acclaim him. Cyrus is thus contrived as an agent of Yahweh, “Thus says the Lord to his anointed, Cyrus.” “It is I … Continue reading “Belonging to Caesar”
Conspiracy Theories
In Jesus’ time, learned scholars would convene among themselves apart from the people. In their enclaves they devised rules for the people to obey, often using specialized language. Asserting knowledge hidden from mere commoners, these learned rulers, and their consorts, kept the people divided, arguing over minutiae of their rules. Jesus, on the other hand, … Continue reading “Conspiracy Theories”
The Inchained
Jesus is disobedient to the rulers of his time; the “scribes and Pharisees,” so too “the Sanhedrin.” He will not be chained by them, made subservient to their divisive rules or system. He is free and encourages others to be free. He encourages people’s common unity; “be reconciled with your brother.” As agitating as the … Continue reading “The Inchained”
The Myth of Chosen Ones
People who believe they are ‘Chosen Ones’ are undertaking a violent coup. They believe their mythical warrior deity, ‘the Lord,’ has unchosen Saul as King and chosen David. “(T)he LORD said to David, ‘You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.” Soldiers, some of whom once fought and killed for the … Continue reading “The Myth of Chosen Ones”