TheGreatBout's Xanga

Christians in Government

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:58:37 GMT

Matthew 20:25-28
Jesus called them [His disciples] together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

I do not wish to be a ruler. I do not strive for wealth. I refuse offices connected with military command. I despise death.

-Tatian

The desire to rule is the mother of heresies.

-John Chrysostom

Emperors could only believe in Christ if they were not emperors - as if Christians could ever be emperors.

-Tertullian

It's the same old story of the forbidden fruit - it's the beautiful things that get us. It's the things that seem good, but are not quite of God, that steer us off the course of holiness into destructiveness. The bishops and elders of the church had good things in mind. Weary after years of suffering cultural prejudice, prison terms, and state-sanctioned executions, the leaders of the Way saw these new propositions of the state as a possible way to end their marginalization and spread the good news of Jesus to as many people as possible. Influencing politicians, or even becoming people of political influence themselves, they could make their way of life standards for the whole empire. Not only would their persecutions end, but they could finally see their way of life adopted by everyone. Now the church could be relevant. In their pursuit of "making disciples of every nation" and baptizing all those within the empire, they stumbled into baptizing the empire itself, thus turning sacrament into sacrilege, producing what so many liberal and conservative Christians want today - an empire, run on the blood of Jesus Christ, a holy Christian state.

-Shane Caliborne, Jesus for President

The way we advance the kingdom of God is by being the unique kingdom of God in contrast to the kingdom of the world.

-Greg Boyd, Myth of a Christian Nation

It is difficult for me to see why Christians would desire to be politicians or attempt to turn the United States into a nation ruled by an iron fist that they claim belongs to the selfless Christ. It seems completely backwards to me. Even in a democracy it seems strange to me. What is the point in converting a nation by altering it's operations when God has already commissioned us to be His people as foreigners in the world who point to His already present kingdom (not to mention He has all ready overcome the powers and their disobedience is no threat to His kingdom)? It seems to me that it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to be a Christian and a power wielding member of a government.

The Church exists to serve the world and bring it under the lordship of Christ while the authorities/powers of the world seek to rule over others by force. John Howard Yoder illustrated this contrast by saying the state rules by the sword (Romans 13:4) while Jesus rules by the towel (John 13:1-17). Jesus instructs his disciples to be like Him and to do as He does. There is no instruction for His followers to pursue a political career of any sorts but rather to simply manifest His kingdom.

What motivation do you think there is for Christians to pursue a political career?
Do you think it problematic for a Christian to pursue a political career?
What is your reaction to the quotes by the three early church fathers?

Consuming Scripture

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:58:32 GMT

Modern attempts to justify scripture’s legitimacy as primarily a sourcebook for gleaning doctrinal truths (fundamentalist-evangelicalism), illustrating moral and philosophical ideals (liberalism), or bearing relevance for practical living (seeker-sensitive Christianity) fail to convey that the Bible is the ultimate Story, the story that envelops all of our stories. We must approach the Bible, God’s storied world, from the standpoint that it envelops and consumes us when we consume it.

...Christians – including scholars – can never master the text, but the text, which bears witness to the triune God, can and should master them.

–Paul Metzger, Consuming Jesus

Pacifism Is Not Passivism

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:30:15 GMT

The majority of people opposed to nonviolence I seem to encounter never get past the idea that nonviolent people are passive people. Every discussion concerning pacifism seems to involve someone asking “how can you stand by and do nothing?!” or something strikingly similar. The truth is that real pacifists are not apathetic or passive but instead are aggressively nonviolent.

I’ve admitted before that pacifism is poorly named because it makes one immediately think of passivity. For this reason many nonviolent advocates refrain from the label of pacifism. It seems to me that even the term nonviolence has come to be synonymous with passivity in the minds of many who disagree with the lifestyle.

I’ve yet to meet a nonviolent Christian who would not protect others or fight injustice. I’m yet to meet a passive pacifist (though this does not mean cowardly people do not exist under the label pacifist). Pacifists aren't passive & apathetic as non-nonviolent people are not violent & hostile.To all of those who do, please stop assuming we’re cowardly, passive, unjust, overly optimistic idealists who care only about our own self-proclaimed higher morality. We care about protecting the innocent, fighting for justice, and working aggressively towards peace both on small and large scales and assume that those who do not label themselves pacifist or nonviolent can care about the same things.

It just so happens we care about these things so much that we aren’t willing to use means that are contrary to our ends. We believe it is illogical to fight fire with fire and remember that our parents told us two wrongs don’t make a right. Simply because we are unwilling to kill or destroy does not mean we do not care or that we are unwilling to act. It means we care very much and that we will find creative ways to act. If you are not convinced then so be it. But if you really care to ask how pacifists can believe what they do then perhaps it is best to drop the assumptions and believe us when we say:

Being a pacifist does not mean being passive.

Art & the White House

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:09:23 GMT

There are times when we desperately need artistic beauty to invade our inner selves to shatter our coldness. Thankfully, the White House recognized this recently and had a night of "art, music, and the spoken word." I'm a big fan of slam poetry and solo performances. I felt it only right to share these great works of art with you friends. Enjoy! I hope these pieces touch you as deeply as they touched me.

Joshua Bennett apologizes for his unloving silence.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5BwD8zOeM&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=1ECEA36D759093A1)

Esperanza Spalding sporting my favorite female hairstyle.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xfG-dJFbxc)

Jamaica Osorio reminding us to remember our roots.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc176yYdcxY&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=1ECEA36D759093A1&index=9)

Lin-Manuel Miranda connects Alexander Hamilton with Hip Hop.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNFf7nMIGnE&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=1ECEA36D759093A1&index=7)

Our Struggle Our Prayer

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:25:27 GMT

Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

"If it has 'flesh and blood,' it’s not our enemy and not someone we’re to be struggling against. Indeed, if it has 'flesh and blood,' it’s someone we’re to be fighting for. And we do this by struggling against the spirit rulers of this oppressed world — the very rulers that are in part responsible for dividing us and inciting violence among us in the first place." -Greg Boyd

I'm pressed to appreciate prayer warriors more.

2Corinthians 10:3-4
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

I'm pressed we should be prayer warriors.

Romans 12:2
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

And what will we pray?

Matthew 6:9-13
...Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Turning Jesus Over to the State

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:27:24 GMT

I shared the link to this entire sermon in early September. Here is a snippet.

What are your thoughts on this video?
More specifically, do you believe Christians can have dual allegiances? Why or why not?

Responding to Blog Comments

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:01:01 GMT

I don’t always say the right things and I often respond to comments when it would be better to leave them alone. I try to interact in a healthy manner. I think most of us want to have healthy discussion. So for those who want to interact well with others and those who need to be corrected, here are some small bits of old wisdom I’ve found in the book of Proverbs to straighten me out.

Do not accuse a man for no reason—
when he has done you no harm (3:30).

Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips (4:24).

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult;
whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you (9:7-8).

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous escape. (11:9)

A kind man benefits himself,
but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. (11:17)

A fool shows his annoyance at once,
but a prudent man overlooks an insult (12:16).

A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,
but the heart of fools blurts out folly (12:23).

He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin (13:3).

Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice (13:10).

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1).

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (16:24).

He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends (17:9).

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (17:14).

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions (18:2).

He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame (18:13).

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel (20:3).

He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity (21:23).

An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips (24:26).

Do not testify against your neighbor without cause,
or use your lips to deceive (24:28).

A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver (25:11).

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone (25:15).

As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife (26:21).

Stone is heavy and sand a burden,
but provocation by a fool is heavier than both (27:3).

Mockers stir up a city,
but wise men turn away anger (29:8).

A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man keeps himself under control (29:11).

Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him (29:20).

An angry man stirs up dissension,
and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (29:22).

I am the most ignorant of men;
I do not have a man's understanding (30:1).

If you have played the fool and exalted yourself,
or if you have planned evil,
clap your hand over your mouth!
For as churning the milk produces butter,
and as twisting the nose produces blood,
so stirring up anger produces strife (30:32-33).

Fighting Divisive Demons

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:52:37 GMT

“It [the church] was designed with the particular mission of bearing witness to God’s advancing kingdom of beloved community through participation in the crucified and risen Christ, and of being consumed by him on our behalf of the world for which Christ died. As such, that beloved community should be breaking down divisions between male and female, Jew and Gentile, slave and free, and it should be confronting those demonic forces that distort and reduce people to races and classes, to rugged individuals in isolation, people whose value lies in how much they produce and consume.

The church becomes a fallen power when it loses sight of its fundamental allegiance to God’s kingdom, when it becomes proud and autonomous and thus distorted in its use of power, seeking political advantage in the secular sphere so as to win benefits for its members, benefits that will allow them to achieve and maintain a Laodicean* standard of living and leisurely lifestyle, as they are – in the meantime – reduced to a function of the state, market, and consumer culture. How, then, are we to battle the Balrog** that is within each of us? We will not be able to conquer the consumer Balrog by catering to affinity groups. We will only be able to conquer the Balrog when a profound sense of inclusive beloved community centered on the triune God consumes us.”

–Paul Metzger, Consuming Jesus

"And take to the world this love, hope and faith. Take to the world this rare, relentless grace. And like the three in one, know you must become what you want to save ‘cause that’s still the way He takes to the world."

-Derek Webb, Take to the World

In regard to the division of class and race,
How are you overcoming the evil within you that fights to divide people and distort good into evil?
How do you see this battle being fought by your congregation? Do you see it at all?

*Revelation 3:14-22. I would also attach Amos 6:1-7 to this statement.
**The Balrog is a fictional demonic creature from J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth fantasy writings. Balrogs are described as tall, menacing humanoid beings, with the ability to shroud themselves in fire, darkness, and shadow. They frequently appeared armed with fiery whips of many thongs, and occasionally used long swords. In Tolkien's later conception, they could not be casually destroyed; significant power was required.

Amos & The U.S. Church

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:59:19 GMT

I don't usually use the Message. I'm not much of a fan. But today as I was reading Amos I decided to reread portions in the Message and enjoyed it so much I thought I'd share it.

How do you see this applying to the Church in the United States today?
How do you react to this as a Christian in the United States?

Amos 6:1-7 (The Message)
Woe to you who think you live on easy street in Zion, who think Mount Samaria is the good life.
You assume you're at the top of the heap,
   voted the number-one best place to live.
Well, wake up and look around. Get off your pedestal.
   Take a look at Calneh.
Go and visit Great Hamath.
   Look in on Gath of the Philistines.
Doesn't that take you off your high horse?
   Compared to them, you're not much, are you?

Woe to you who are rushing headlong to disaster!
   Catastrophe is just around the corner!
Woe to those who live in luxury
   and expect everyone else to serve them!
Woe to those who live only for today,
   indifferent to the fate of others!
Woe to the playboys, the playgirls,
   who think life is a party held just for them!
Woe to those addicted to feeling good—life without pain!
   those obsessed with looking good—life without wrinkles!
They could not care less
   about their country going to ruin.

But here's what's really coming:
a forced march into exile.
They'll leave the country whining,
a rag-tag bunch of good-for-nothings.

Prayer Destroys Enemies

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:33:11 GMT

My friend ShamelesslyRed posted this video today. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9uVBeNCbc4&feature=player_embedded)

Whenever Christian nonviolence is talked about and people bring up the question of "What do you do if..." in order to find practical steps to apply nonviolence I aim to always say that prayer should lead the way. I've encountered so many stories in which people prayed and something miraculous just seemed to happen. Whether it be silent or out loud, the God Who Saves hears the cry of his people and answers with deliverance.

I worked with a man named Kurt while on the streets of Atlanta. He had a few handfuls of stories like this. Men trying to shoot him but their gun jams or every bullet form a shotgun somehow misses him (I've seen the outline on the building) because he prayed. My favorite story is when there was a bounty on his head and a guy came up with a gun to shoot him and as Kurt prayed the handle on the gun became orange like the top of a stove and it burned the mans hand so bad he couldn't hold it anymore. He dropped it and ran off. Kurt waited for a bit and then picked up the gun and took it home. He still has it. The man later found Kurt and showed him a tattoo he got on his hand of a gun handle to remind him of when the God Who Saves intervened to stop him from killing one of His children.

No matter the tactic, prayer should always be the first step because it is the greatest of weapons.