Thanks to our smartphones, such questions aren't so common nowadays.
Many decisions have no easy answer. I am writing about complex decisions facing Christians in today's world. In this blog post, I outline five basic world views that confronted the early disciples. These worldviews still are with us.
In later blog posts, I'll elaborate a bit more on these, and then, as we get into the summer, I'll begin to tackle some of the decisions we face in the light of Scripture.
Everyone in the time of Jesus expected, no, demanded: Change! We want justice!
My intention is to help us see that Jesus' teaching of the Kingdom of God brings light and love to all the complex realities of modern life. I am thrilled to examine the ways a specific incident could be understood from so many different angles. So, let's summarize five basic approaches to life as we turn the pages of the Gospels.
On the far right were the Essenes, those who opted out of society. The world was so evil! Redemption was not possible. One could only withdraw completely, live within the walls of a limited, trusted community. Days were spent studying, praying, meditating, and writing. Traditions had been broken by everyone else in society. And justice and righteousness: how they wanted these! Things would only change if and when the Messiah came.
The Second worldview emphasized several values: God, tradition, country, laws, honor, community with like-minded, sharing, being visible for the whole world to see, and providing for their own. In New Testament days, Pharisees and their sharp arguments jump off the pages. Each time Jesus did a miracle, someone was there to criticize him for breaking the Sabbath law. Jesus ate with ordinary people, and once again, Pharisees were down his throat. Things would only change if everyone obeyed the Law the way they saw it. Then, justice and righteousness would arrive.
The third approach was seen in the lives of the Sadducees. Their position in society did not hinge upon tradition. No, honor, position, wealth, success, power, and providing for one's future depended upon cooperating with the powerful, the high, and the mighty. In the time of Jesus, the Empire kept everyone under Rome's strong thumb, so "success" depended upon keeping the approval of those who held power. Change in society meant keeping other worldviews from gaining power. Then justice and righteousness would come. Reverting to traditional values was highly undesirable. Talk about angels, the resurrection, the afterlife, and miracles made no sense. What was important was the immediacy of one's comfort in society. "Serve me this way..." was often heard.
Fourthly, Zealots brought the wrath of Rome upon Judea. A small active group demanded immediate change. That meant removing occupying forces. Only a few people sought societal change this way, but these warriors were powerful, mean, and ruthless. Justice and Righteousness had to come. Thus violent means were approved of. That was the way to bring about change.
Acting against all four worldviews was Jesus' teaching of the Kingdom of God. What were his values? Self-sacrifice, not self-interest. Service for others, not expecting service from others. Kindness, compassion, tenderness, lifting up the broken-hearted, joy, service, thinking of others, taking time with the poor, preaching, bringing hope, and forgiveness are at the core of this new Kingdom. The inner life of the spirit led to the forgiveness of sin and one forgiving one's brother. Furthermore, love included your enemy, not just your friends. This was something new indeed!
Jesus taught his followers to live with a new understanding of love. Love God and love your neighbor; these were the fundamental laws governing every other law.
Change was to be expected. Just as a small seed grew into a big tree, so this Kingdom would grow everywhere. Much of what society expected was going to be turned upside down. The grain of wheat that died in the ground brought forth new life, and so the disciple who follows Jesus must be willing to take up his cross daily. Jesus didn't utter long speeches about political situations. He illustrated his values by how he spent his time, with whom he sat down for a meal, and how he brought completely diverse points of view together in his core group of followers. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
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