In the first reading this Sunday, Ezra is reading to the people from “the book of the law of God” and speaking out in support of their ruler, Nehemiah. He is instructing the people to support their ruler too. Nehemiah is a nationalist who is dividing the people from others. He is rebuilding a wall … Continue reading “Speaking Out”
Tag: nationalism
Stop Supporting the Troops
Abram in the Old Testament is set to wage war. He “mustered three hundred and eighteen of his retainers, born in his house, and went in pursuit.” Retainers are armed soldiers, men born into debt/slavery to a tribal warlord, and used as troops. Upon Abram’s victory, Melchizedek, allied with Abram, “brought out bread and wine, … Continue reading “Stop Supporting the Troops”
Kings
Jesus is no king. Kings however, would like us to believe he is. The king of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, instituted a feast day in 1925 proclaiming Jesus a king. Pope Pius XI did so in an attempt to encourage disciples to transcend earthly kings and the nationalism they were ratcheting up in … Continue reading “Kings”