Both Moses in the first reading and Paul in the second believe humans are “depraved,” meaning corrupt, twisted. Both men applied their belief to people who disobeyed them; judging them sinners who, according to them, deserved to be punished. Both men’s belief in humanity’s depravity and necessary punishment is deeply influential and controls institutional christianity. … Continue reading “Depravity”
Category: Military-Justice
The Narrow Gate
A person burdened with the baggage of salvation poses a question to Jesus, “Will only a few people be saved?” Jesus is free of the salvation burden. It forces on people a false identity as sinners who must be saved from their condition. Jesus knows each person’s saintliness, their godliness. He knows all of the … Continue reading “The Narrow Gate”
Wealth: Inherited or Shared
When Jesus leaves his trade as a common laborer, he starts traveling as a preacher among mostly poor working people. He has very few things. What he does have he shares with others; his spirituality, his wisdom, his storytelling. Others share their gifts with him; home, hearth, food. Amidst this shared life, a man says … Continue reading “Wealth: Inherited or Shared”
Does U.S. Culture Justify Rape?
Is there ever any justification for a man to treat a woman disrespectfully? A Pharisee in this Sunday’s Gospel thinks there is. The Pharisee considers himself just and judges others as unjust. He judges a woman who touches Jesus as unjust, meaning sinful. The “sinful woman” is less worthy than he. He is a man, … Continue reading “Does U.S. Culture Justify Rape?”
Beyond Justice and Mercy to Compassion
When Thomas professes a lack of faith in Jesus rising from the dead he’s actually professing faith in something else. Thomas already believes in justice and mercy, and their many gods. Justice is invented and dispensed by militarists; chief priests, elders, Pilates, and other such gods. Their justice consists of writing unjust laws for the … Continue reading “Beyond Justice and Mercy to Compassion”
Executing Christianity
The woman caught in adultery is a well-known Gospel story. Perhaps we have heard it too often to any longer feel its terror. Officials are purposeful about ragging a frightened woman into public to execute a death penalty plan against her. They put her on display in the Temple area. They intend murder and set … Continue reading “Executing Christianity”
Who’s Been Gaming the System
There’s an old joke, not so old that Jesus heard it, but old nonetheless – You can tell Monopoly is an old game because it’s got a luxury tax and it’s possible for rich people to go to jail. The possibility of either or both happening is greater in the board game than in real … Continue reading “Who’s Been Gaming the System”
Law and Order or Conscience and the Common Good
Jesus is accosted in Sunday’s Gospel by the ruling class. They are upset with his and disciples’ lack of appreciation for law and order. Law and order is frequently extolled, even made godly – by the ruler class. But it is not as beneficial as supposed. Law and order is another name for military justice. … Continue reading “Law and Order or Conscience and the Common Good”
Sacred Gifts of the Earth
Jesus is sharing a final meal with friends in this Sunday’s Gospel. During the meal, “he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take it; this is my body.’” The celebration of the Real Presence of God within the gifts of the earth is the seed of a still … Continue reading “Sacred Gifts of the Earth”
Shepherds, Hired Hands, and Wolves
Jesus’ role as a Good Shepherd is addressed in this Sunday’s Gospel. He loves those in his care and is willing to put his life in jeopardy should harm come to them. Jesus’ witness is that of a committed and loving friend and is distinguished from a hired hand who gives the appearance of responsibility … Continue reading “Shepherds, Hired Hands, and Wolves”