Thank you Diana. You got me thinking. Political, social, theological; one could argue that everything is related to all of these. The question is how. Our social context disregards religious and 'political' arguments when convenient (and perhaps vice versa). James' letter is, in my opinion, not a social treatise, but a (Jewish, if the writer is the brother) faith argument. Our society does not abide by that - it's pluralistic (which begs the question, can we all get along? How?). Naming the political enemy does nothing to advance a social/ist argument (we do not struggle against flesh and blood ...). If James is speaking with the faithful, it does nothing to advance a wider sociopolitical argument, because not everybody else has the same reference point (faith in what?). Not "Jew or Greek" was an internal argument tied to faith in Christ, which the wider society does not abide in. And it seems like Jesus acknowledged that we should pay taxes and give God our devotion. I do not think James' argument is against the rich (Abraham was), but about the witness (if you love each other they will know you follow Jesus). Is God partial to one human or another? In political rhetoric (not the argument for what is wholesome and promotes the well being of the polis, which I'm all for), all these ideas are conflated and manipulated. The church/religion has been marginalized in society and politics, until its principles are convenient. Who used to build schools, orphanages and hospitals and with whose funds? How can the faithful followers of Christ participate in society and politics without becoming the Amish or the Mormons? We are still trying to make sense of that dynamic in a post-everything context. The debate continues.
Cannot serve God and mammon. Thank you for your insight! The rich that oppress you is a theme in all politics as often times the wealthier will influence public policy for their benefit. And even people who appear to be "for the poor" are just useful tools of the rich.
Thank you, Diana, for your consistent message about the political nature of Jesus' teachings. I'm certain that I'm not the only pastor who has been told by a parishioner, "You are getting too political in your sermons!" My response has been, "I'm preaching the words and message of Jesus. Isn't that what I'm called to preach?" As you wrote, if I can't preach what Jesus says and does in the scriptures, I have nothing to say. Thank the Lord that I'm now in a congregation that seems to appreciate the truth of Jesus' politics! And they are Lutheran!
Peace and blessings upon you in your ministry, dear sister. JMe Lowden
“Is it not the rich who oppress you?” From my perspective it is judgement that oppresses. It condemns the rich and lifts up the poor, while both are worthy of forgiveness
Hey, this is a hard teaching from James. I can tell from the email that there's a lot of conviction (maybe even defensiveness) around James, works, and wealth (as well as Martin Luther!).
That's as it should be. The word is alive, full of the Spirit, ever pressing us to see more deeply into the world and our own lives - and to do with that conviction what we're called to do.
The New Testament is tough on wealth. Clear, too. It is us, the readers over the long history of western Christianity, who have twisted our definitions and interpretations of that clarity to justify all sorts of stuff. Including Martin Luther. Including me.
Thanks for this reminder from James. You can't take politics out of the Biblical narrative. As I read your sermon Amos came to mind and the "cows of Bashan" and the Ginny Thomas's of the world.
Hello, it's hard to read what you wrote because of the contradictions in my life today.
My sister and I invited a friend to live with us when she lost her living space. (We have three extra bedrooms. )
Although she tried to be a good guest. we felt oppressed during her time here. She was culturally very different, AND she was somewhat dependent and needy.
Since she left, we feel relieved and relaxed, grateful to have our home to ourselves. Therefore, I am glad we asked her to leave, though she has no place to go, since the relative she moved in with has to move now
What is the balance between caring for ourselves and being there for others?
Then there is the question about whether I can or should address things like violence in our city, or inequity? I am amazingly comfortable, while others are continually needing bus fare or begging to pay the rent.
I am reminded that nature's ability to self-organize (in ways that supports more complex and varied life forms) relies upon a non-emotional, non-dual reordering of resources to improve resilience across a complex open system. This is a promotion of the whole over the individual. Hence, poverty in any form harms the whole and that affects everyone - eventhough they be unaware or uninformed. R.Frid
You can read about 80% of the content. We'll figure out the commenting so that it is both fair and safe! Thanks for being here. I appreciate ALL of my readers.
I'm dumbfounded by the Evangelical Christian support for Donald Trump, and their conviction that he's somehow chosen by God. Where is there room for Jesus's teachings in their theology?
Jesus was overtly political, and there's no way to preach the gospel without also examining and calling out the politics of our current-day empire. To ignore the pervasive injustices of the day is to deny Jesus.
Many years ago, I received a dollar bill in change for something I bought. No idea now what it was. On the top edge of it, was the following - "James 1:22". I still have it, and James's words to not only read what the Gospel says, but be doers of it has been a guiding light - not always followed by me - for me in many, many situations and decisions. Your essay echoes his direct and wise directive. Thank you.
Indeed, Faith and Politics are bedfellows, at their core they both speak to truth and justice.
Rev. Curt
https://kerceykentproductions.com/the-gift-of-trump/
Thank you Diana. You got me thinking. Political, social, theological; one could argue that everything is related to all of these. The question is how. Our social context disregards religious and 'political' arguments when convenient (and perhaps vice versa). James' letter is, in my opinion, not a social treatise, but a (Jewish, if the writer is the brother) faith argument. Our society does not abide by that - it's pluralistic (which begs the question, can we all get along? How?). Naming the political enemy does nothing to advance a social/ist argument (we do not struggle against flesh and blood ...). If James is speaking with the faithful, it does nothing to advance a wider sociopolitical argument, because not everybody else has the same reference point (faith in what?). Not "Jew or Greek" was an internal argument tied to faith in Christ, which the wider society does not abide in. And it seems like Jesus acknowledged that we should pay taxes and give God our devotion. I do not think James' argument is against the rich (Abraham was), but about the witness (if you love each other they will know you follow Jesus). Is God partial to one human or another? In political rhetoric (not the argument for what is wholesome and promotes the well being of the polis, which I'm all for), all these ideas are conflated and manipulated. The church/religion has been marginalized in society and politics, until its principles are convenient. Who used to build schools, orphanages and hospitals and with whose funds? How can the faithful followers of Christ participate in society and politics without becoming the Amish or the Mormons? We are still trying to make sense of that dynamic in a post-everything context. The debate continues.
Thank you, Diana, for this opportunity to say your writing regularly gives me pause to reflect and consider my alignment to the messages shared.
Peace and blessings.
This could be rewritten as a new creed
Please email a link to his sermon we could save and share
Cannot serve God and mammon. Thank you for your insight! The rich that oppress you is a theme in all politics as often times the wealthier will influence public policy for their benefit. And even people who appear to be "for the poor" are just useful tools of the rich.
Thank you for sharing your insights. I like the way you weave your information together.
Thank you, Diana, for your consistent message about the political nature of Jesus' teachings. I'm certain that I'm not the only pastor who has been told by a parishioner, "You are getting too political in your sermons!" My response has been, "I'm preaching the words and message of Jesus. Isn't that what I'm called to preach?" As you wrote, if I can't preach what Jesus says and does in the scriptures, I have nothing to say. Thank the Lord that I'm now in a congregation that seems to appreciate the truth of Jesus' politics! And they are Lutheran!
Peace and blessings upon you in your ministry, dear sister. JMe Lowden
Jesus definitely spoke of politics as when he was handed a coin with the emperor’s image on one side. He was saying Caesar isn’t god.
And, implicitly, asking WHY any good Jew would have a coin with Caesar's image (an idol) in their pocket!
“Is it not the rich who oppress you?” From my perspective it is judgement that oppresses. It condemns the rich and lifts up the poor, while both are worthy of forgiveness
Hey, this is a hard teaching from James. I can tell from the email that there's a lot of conviction (maybe even defensiveness) around James, works, and wealth (as well as Martin Luther!).
That's as it should be. The word is alive, full of the Spirit, ever pressing us to see more deeply into the world and our own lives - and to do with that conviction what we're called to do.
The New Testament is tough on wealth. Clear, too. It is us, the readers over the long history of western Christianity, who have twisted our definitions and interpretations of that clarity to justify all sorts of stuff. Including Martin Luther. Including me.
Thanks for this reminder from James. You can't take politics out of the Biblical narrative. As I read your sermon Amos came to mind and the "cows of Bashan" and the Ginny Thomas's of the world.
Hello, it's hard to read what you wrote because of the contradictions in my life today.
My sister and I invited a friend to live with us when she lost her living space. (We have three extra bedrooms. )
Although she tried to be a good guest. we felt oppressed during her time here. She was culturally very different, AND she was somewhat dependent and needy.
Since she left, we feel relieved and relaxed, grateful to have our home to ourselves. Therefore, I am glad we asked her to leave, though she has no place to go, since the relative she moved in with has to move now
What is the balance between caring for ourselves and being there for others?
Then there is the question about whether I can or should address things like violence in our city, or inequity? I am amazingly comfortable, while others are continually needing bus fare or begging to pay the rent.
I am reminded that nature's ability to self-organize (in ways that supports more complex and varied life forms) relies upon a non-emotional, non-dual reordering of resources to improve resilience across a complex open system. This is a promotion of the whole over the individual. Hence, poverty in any form harms the whole and that affects everyone - eventhough they be unaware or uninformed. R.Frid
A free subscriber thanking you for the occasional ability to read and comment. Happy Sunday.
You can read about 80% of the content. We'll figure out the commenting so that it is both fair and safe! Thanks for being here. I appreciate ALL of my readers.
Thank you. Much appreciated.
I'm dumbfounded by the Evangelical Christian support for Donald Trump, and their conviction that he's somehow chosen by God. Where is there room for Jesus's teachings in their theology?
Jesus was overtly political, and there's no way to preach the gospel without also examining and calling out the politics of our current-day empire. To ignore the pervasive injustices of the day is to deny Jesus.
Many years ago, I received a dollar bill in change for something I bought. No idea now what it was. On the top edge of it, was the following - "James 1:22". I still have it, and James's words to not only read what the Gospel says, but be doers of it has been a guiding light - not always followed by me - for me in many, many situations and decisions. Your essay echoes his direct and wise directive. Thank you.