It’s a mistake to portray Jesus as an apolitical preacher with nothing to say to his socially prejudiced and politically charged context. In fact, he was and is deeply political, but on his own terms with his own political priorities that fit no one particular party. Nevertheless, it could be said that his disruptive politics …
Presidential Power Plays
Kings, Prophets, and Presidents: A Warning about Power Abuse (Part 2 of 4) “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln Power abuse is nothing new to humanity. Man’s inhumanity to man is as old as humanity itself, especially with respect to the …
On Fear and Anger (Why so many people voted for and continue to endorse Donald Trump’s presidency) Part 1 of 2
“When Christianity is seen as a political project in search of a gospel useful enough to advance its worldly agenda, it will end up pleasing those who make politics primary, while losing those who believe the Gospel.” Russell Moore in a lecture called, “Can the Religious Right Be Saved?” I’ve been reluctantly, yet under an …
James on Justice (An Appeal for Classless Christianity) James 5:1-6
Here we are finally in the last chapter of James making a slow descent toward the runway to land this thing. We’ll be taking just the first half of chapter 5 today and finishing up next time. As I’ve been saying all along, James’ letter addresses and undresses classism, the idea and lifestyle that one …
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When is a Sword Not a Sword? (Part 2 of 2)
In part 1 of “When is a Sword Not a Sword?” I talked about the danger of using the Sword of the Spirit as a weapon against pre-Christians. Peter was granted a sword and then used it to hurt a man instead of helping him. Some more along those lines… Do you see someone who …
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