On any given Sunday morning, you will find people gathering in their local church for worship. As we come together and begin to focus on God, we engage in what is called the Gathering. It is the first of four foundational walls of biblical worship. In the Gathering, a conversation starts between God and his people, and its specific purpose is to help us focus our hearts and minds on Him so that we are ready to receive the word of God.
As the conversation begins, God speaks to us as we listen to scripture being read, the lyrics of the songs being sung, or as we watch the scripture being interpreted through dance or drama. Then we begin to respond in the conversation with a spirit of celebration and thankfulness for who God is and what He has done, not only in our lives, but those around us.
As we progress in this conversation with God, His words and our response become more focused on Him. We intentionally bring our full attention to rest on God the Creator. Now we are ready to receive the spoken word through the sermon or message spoken by the pastor. As we come together for worship this Sunday, come knowing that God wants to speak to you, He desires to have a conversation with you that will help you to understand Him better and love Him more.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Lamb Slain
Revelation 5; 7:9-17
5:6-7
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders... 7He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
My first observation is that the Lamb (Christ) is able to walk up to God who is sitting on the throne, and take the scroll from his right hand. This is significant because it shows us God's approval of this slain lamb, and it shows us of the lambs strength. Who can take something from the hand of God but God Himself. This is yet another indication and reminder that Christ, the slain lamb, is indeed God.
My second observation is that of the worship that is happening in heaven around the throne of God. In the presence of God, every knee bows, there is no option. All the angels and elders and creatures fall to their faces and worship the LORD, It is an all consuming worship.
As we think of Jesus Christ, we need to remember and be reminded that Christ is God. Who can remove the separation that God placed on humanity but God Himself! As I think of the picture of worship that is given here, it serves as a reminder that when we worship God, it ought not to be on the basis of whether or not we like the music, or the atmosphere, it ought to be based on who God is. His Holiness, His righteousness, His love for us and His working in our lives.
If we choose to let silly things like music, lighting, atmosphere, and others around us, get in the way of worshiping God, the creator of the heavens and the earth. The God that created YOU and gave YOU LIFE, then it really isn't worship at all.
"Worship is the quickening of conscience by His holiness: the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to HIS purpose - and all of this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable and therefore the chief remedy for that self-centeredness which is our original sin and the source of all actual sin."
William Temple
Revelation 5
The Scroll and the Lamb
1Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" 3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."
6Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!" 14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
13Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
14I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
5:6-7
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders... 7He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
My first observation is that the Lamb (Christ) is able to walk up to God who is sitting on the throne, and take the scroll from his right hand. This is significant because it shows us God's approval of this slain lamb, and it shows us of the lambs strength. Who can take something from the hand of God but God Himself. This is yet another indication and reminder that Christ, the slain lamb, is indeed God.
My second observation is that of the worship that is happening in heaven around the throne of God. In the presence of God, every knee bows, there is no option. All the angels and elders and creatures fall to their faces and worship the LORD, It is an all consuming worship.
As we think of Jesus Christ, we need to remember and be reminded that Christ is God. Who can remove the separation that God placed on humanity but God Himself! As I think of the picture of worship that is given here, it serves as a reminder that when we worship God, it ought not to be on the basis of whether or not we like the music, or the atmosphere, it ought to be based on who God is. His Holiness, His righteousness, His love for us and His working in our lives.
If we choose to let silly things like music, lighting, atmosphere, and others around us, get in the way of worshiping God, the creator of the heavens and the earth. The God that created YOU and gave YOU LIFE, then it really isn't worship at all.
"Worship is the quickening of conscience by His holiness: the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to HIS purpose - and all of this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable and therefore the chief remedy for that self-centeredness which is our original sin and the source of all actual sin."
William Temple
Revelation 5
The Scroll and the Lamb
1Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" 3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."
6Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!" 14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
13Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
14I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Sunday, November 08, 2009
"Your God"
I had the pleasure of visiting a local church for Sunday service this morning, and as we were getting ready to pray, we were directed to prepare our hearts for prayer. In the process, the leader said this and I quote, "as you get ready to pray, prepare yourself however you do to go to your God." Now how I took this was to say that however I view God in my own mind, I was to prepare myself to go to Him, whatever that might look like. I am hoping that isn't how it was intended, but it got me to thinking.
How many times do we tend to look at God in a way that makes us feel better about our position or our condition? In times of distress, do we look at God as a tender loving God that will certainly not allow us to go through trials and tribulations? In times of great prosperity, do we tend to see God as Ok with us because life is so good and I'll bet even often times, we forget about Him, because there hasn't been a "need" to go to Him.
We need to be careful about doing this, because God is who He says He is. We cannot make God into something He is not. We must not assume Him to be anything other than what He says in His word that He is. If we do, we break the first and second commandment:
"ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'
There are literally hundreds of references in the Bible where God says "I AM..." He tells us who He is, we just need to pay attention and stop assuming who He is. When we assume or try to make God something that He is not, we form in our mind an idol, a false God. This is why it is important we come to know the character and nature of God, who He says He is.
We should not be under any allusion that we each have access to our own God, or that we even have a deal with God that allows us to live our lives as we choose. There is but ONE God, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We either choose to serve Him as HE is or not at all. It is not God that changes, we do.
How many times do we tend to look at God in a way that makes us feel better about our position or our condition? In times of distress, do we look at God as a tender loving God that will certainly not allow us to go through trials and tribulations? In times of great prosperity, do we tend to see God as Ok with us because life is so good and I'll bet even often times, we forget about Him, because there hasn't been a "need" to go to Him.
We need to be careful about doing this, because God is who He says He is. We cannot make God into something He is not. We must not assume Him to be anything other than what He says in His word that He is. If we do, we break the first and second commandment:
"ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'
There are literally hundreds of references in the Bible where God says "I AM..." He tells us who He is, we just need to pay attention and stop assuming who He is. When we assume or try to make God something that He is not, we form in our mind an idol, a false God. This is why it is important we come to know the character and nature of God, who He says He is.
We should not be under any allusion that we each have access to our own God, or that we even have a deal with God that allows us to live our lives as we choose. There is but ONE God, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We either choose to serve Him as HE is or not at all. It is not God that changes, we do.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Boys will be boys
This is a response paper I had to write to an column that showed up in our local paper back in 2000.
Jonah Goldberg in his column “War on boys is war on manhood” brings some very interesting information to light concerning the current philosophy of raising children, specifically boys, in such a way as to curb their “barbaric” behaviors and level the playing field for children in general. He addresses the issue of self-esteem and egos in children being harmed due to competitive environments.
Goldberg’s visit to the Upper West Side Manhattan school, brings up some disturbing and sad images of children not having a reason to try to do their best. Where is the reward in telling a child that no matter how hard he or she tries, they will do no better than a child who doesn’t? How then is the child’s ego or self-esteem boosted, which in turn brings about a desire to do better the next time. By removing the affirmation of hard work and individual growth, you essentially remove the desire or the drive to do anything at all. Being competitive is a natural instinct of a boy. Instead of squelching it and driving it out of him, we would do better to teach them how to harness it to work for them, to better them, and to eventually better society through it.
Society today would have us believe that by taking away the natural instincts of boys and regulating them in their ability to act as boys, we can effectively enhance not only their adolescence but that of the female gender as well. According to academic feminists, “…girls are an endangered species, falling further behind academically and socially.” (Goldberg, 2000) They go on to claim that, “Boys create a competitive, nasty, environment.” Gloria Steinem says the solution to this issue is to, “…raise boys like we raise girls.” Goldberg does not agree with this position nor that of the school, that being of an “everybody wins” mindset, which says, no matter how bad or good you do, as long as you had fun, that’s all that matters. He sites several statistics in response to the claims that girls are falling behind academically and socially. Some of them concerning education being that, “Girls read more books, get better grades,” and “take more Advanced Placement Classes.” Goldberg also cites that in 1997, “56 percent of college freshman were girls… boys 44 percent.”
Some of the main assumptions that come from Goldberg’s arguments are that “all children are essentially barbarians, but boys especially so. Thus it requires more work to make them into human beings.” This argument assumes that children are inherently bad or naturally mean and aggressive. I would content that children are a product of their environment at home. Children are sponges and will learn from what they experience and see. I think Goldberg goes a bit far in terming all children as barbarians; maybe a more suited term or phrase would be to say that all children are ignorant to acceptable behavior and need to be instructed and taught toward that end. That responsibility falls on the shoulders of the parents, not the school system.
Another assumption of Goldberg is that allowing boys to be boys will eventually lead them to being well adjusted men. I would again contend that allowing boys to act, as they will, will most likely not produce a well adjusted man but will produce a man that thinks he can act any way he wants and get away with it. Well-adjusted men are men that understand their ability and nature to act in certain ways, but demonstrate control over that ability. When faced with a problem or issue, men certainly act differently than women do, and in most cases for specific reasons. For example; In times of war, it is easier for a male to fight with an aggressive nature than for a female. And when your child comes to you crying because they skinned their knee, they often times will want mommy because a female can provide that tender loving support needed at the time.
For the most part, I agree with what Goldberg states in his column. I disagree with the stance these particular schools have taken with teaching children that hard work, perseverance and a competitive spirit are bad traits. I think in the log run, they are setting those particular children up for failure as adults, especially in their careers and in their relationships. I agree that we should allow boys to act like boys, to demonstrate, in a healthy way, their competitiveness and aggressiveness. I believe that by doing so, we will bring up men that will be able to understand who they are, what they are capable of, and endow them with a spirit of perseverance that will bring them through the difficult things life can throw at them. For myself, my three sons will be allowed to play hard, challenge each other, discover what they can and can’t do and all with the intent of training them to become a man that can be respected, trusted and dependable.
References
Goldberg, J. (2000, July 17). War on boys is war on manhood. Fort Wayne Journal-
Gazette, p. A11.
Jonah Goldberg in his column “War on boys is war on manhood” brings some very interesting information to light concerning the current philosophy of raising children, specifically boys, in such a way as to curb their “barbaric” behaviors and level the playing field for children in general. He addresses the issue of self-esteem and egos in children being harmed due to competitive environments.
Goldberg’s visit to the Upper West Side Manhattan school, brings up some disturbing and sad images of children not having a reason to try to do their best. Where is the reward in telling a child that no matter how hard he or she tries, they will do no better than a child who doesn’t? How then is the child’s ego or self-esteem boosted, which in turn brings about a desire to do better the next time. By removing the affirmation of hard work and individual growth, you essentially remove the desire or the drive to do anything at all. Being competitive is a natural instinct of a boy. Instead of squelching it and driving it out of him, we would do better to teach them how to harness it to work for them, to better them, and to eventually better society through it.
Society today would have us believe that by taking away the natural instincts of boys and regulating them in their ability to act as boys, we can effectively enhance not only their adolescence but that of the female gender as well. According to academic feminists, “…girls are an endangered species, falling further behind academically and socially.” (Goldberg, 2000) They go on to claim that, “Boys create a competitive, nasty, environment.” Gloria Steinem says the solution to this issue is to, “…raise boys like we raise girls.” Goldberg does not agree with this position nor that of the school, that being of an “everybody wins” mindset, which says, no matter how bad or good you do, as long as you had fun, that’s all that matters. He sites several statistics in response to the claims that girls are falling behind academically and socially. Some of them concerning education being that, “Girls read more books, get better grades,” and “take more Advanced Placement Classes.” Goldberg also cites that in 1997, “56 percent of college freshman were girls… boys 44 percent.”
Some of the main assumptions that come from Goldberg’s arguments are that “all children are essentially barbarians, but boys especially so. Thus it requires more work to make them into human beings.” This argument assumes that children are inherently bad or naturally mean and aggressive. I would content that children are a product of their environment at home. Children are sponges and will learn from what they experience and see. I think Goldberg goes a bit far in terming all children as barbarians; maybe a more suited term or phrase would be to say that all children are ignorant to acceptable behavior and need to be instructed and taught toward that end. That responsibility falls on the shoulders of the parents, not the school system.
Another assumption of Goldberg is that allowing boys to be boys will eventually lead them to being well adjusted men. I would again contend that allowing boys to act, as they will, will most likely not produce a well adjusted man but will produce a man that thinks he can act any way he wants and get away with it. Well-adjusted men are men that understand their ability and nature to act in certain ways, but demonstrate control over that ability. When faced with a problem or issue, men certainly act differently than women do, and in most cases for specific reasons. For example; In times of war, it is easier for a male to fight with an aggressive nature than for a female. And when your child comes to you crying because they skinned their knee, they often times will want mommy because a female can provide that tender loving support needed at the time.
For the most part, I agree with what Goldberg states in his column. I disagree with the stance these particular schools have taken with teaching children that hard work, perseverance and a competitive spirit are bad traits. I think in the log run, they are setting those particular children up for failure as adults, especially in their careers and in their relationships. I agree that we should allow boys to act like boys, to demonstrate, in a healthy way, their competitiveness and aggressiveness. I believe that by doing so, we will bring up men that will be able to understand who they are, what they are capable of, and endow them with a spirit of perseverance that will bring them through the difficult things life can throw at them. For myself, my three sons will be allowed to play hard, challenge each other, discover what they can and can’t do and all with the intent of training them to become a man that can be respected, trusted and dependable.
References
Goldberg, J. (2000, July 17). War on boys is war on manhood. Fort Wayne Journal-
Gazette, p. A11.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Paper #6 - Christian Behavior
Does loving your enemy mean not punishing him?
Loving our enemies has to be one of the hardest things we can do as Christians. I do not understand, outside of being God, how Christ hurl curses at the guards that beat him to within an inch of his life. I do not understand how he could stand in front of the crowd that was calling out, “crucify him!” and not argue back in his own defense. Quietly, and with love he looked on them with a heart of compassion and anguish for their actions. The question above takes this one step further and asks about punishment. How can we punish someone we are suppose to love, it sounds contrary to itself, however; using the argument that Lewis uses it can be understood. If we are to love others as we love ourselves, then we are also to treat others as we would treat ourselves. As Lewis says, “…loving myself does not mean that I ought not to subject myself to punishment- even to death. If you had committed a murder, the right Christian thing to do would be to give yourself up to the police and be hanged. It is therefore, in my opinion, perfectly right for a Christian judge to sentence a man to death or a Christian solider to kill an enemy.” (Lewis, 1952, p.118)
Lewis states that Christ did not preach anything new in regards to morality. What is the real job of every moral teacher?
I believe the real job of every moral teacher is to teach morality not as something that is new, but morality as it has always existed. New morality is adjusted morality to fit the culture of that time, and more often than not a skewed morality that has been tweaked to fit that people group or culture to make them feel better about themselves. I also think that a good moral teacher should help people understand that morals not only exist for the protection and betterment of others, but they also pertain to the wellbeing of the individual and the relationship between that individual and their creator. The metaphor of the sea worthy ship was useful in helping me understand that I may look good on the outside and may be going the right direction in the convoy of life, but If I cannot steer or control this vessel, what good am I to the convoy, better yet how much damage can I do to the other ships (people) around me if I don’t make sure the inside of me is taken care of as well.
Lewis states that charity (giving to the poor) is an essential part of Christianity. How can we gauge our level of charity according to Lewis?
I really appreciate what Lewis had to say about giving to the poor and to those in need, specifically when he said, “I do not believe that one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words if our expenditures on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away to little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small.” This is a great way of looking at it. I remember the story in the bible about Jesus sitting in the temple watching people. The Pharisees came in and gave an offering out of their overflow or out of their excess, but a woman came in and gave 2 small coins, all she had. Christ noticing her told his disciples that she had given much more than they because she had given everything she had and the Pharisees had given that which did not hurt them. This is a wonderful thing to consider the next time we give to the poor.
What are the two things we can do to make loving our enemies easier?
I think the first thing we can do is to understand that before we accepted Christ, we to were enemies to God. Yet He loved us not because of what we were or what we could do, but because of what we could become through Him. Not that our enemies will be come something through us, rather they will become something useful through God. The second thing that can make it easier for us to love our enemies is that we are commanded to love others as we love ourselves. We do not walk around hating ourselves. We may hate our situation or the things that have happened to us, but that is not self hate, that is a whole other matter. I believe there is a third issue we must consider that being the love of God for our enemies. We may feel that sense of hate or distain toward those who would harm us or have harmed us, but God still desires that person to be broken and surrender to Him and his will for their life. Because of our love for our father, we to ought to love those He loves.
In Lewis' mind, why is the command 'Though shalt not Kill' not a moratorium against fighting in war or the death penalty?
I found this a very interesting thought process. I did not realize, although I should have, that the Greek usage of the word “kill” is different from that of “murder”. The Greek word for “kill” is apokteinO and the Greek for murder is phoneuO. Christ used two different words in his teachings about killing. To murder with intent, with hatred, with disgust for the other person is wrong. Killing for reasons of war, or judgment carry with them different motives. We must not kill for the enjoyment of it or for the retribution of it. Some of us will find ourselves in situations where we must make that chilling and difficult choice, whether it be war or self defense, the underlying factor is that we recognize that, “Even while we kill and punish we must try to feel about the enemy as we feel about ourselves – to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he may, in this world or another, be cured: in fact, to wish his good.” (Lewis, 1952, p.120) Certainly this is difficult to contemplate, and I pray that I may never be faced with the situation where I have to choose.
References
Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere christianity. New York: HarperCollins
Loving our enemies has to be one of the hardest things we can do as Christians. I do not understand, outside of being God, how Christ hurl curses at the guards that beat him to within an inch of his life. I do not understand how he could stand in front of the crowd that was calling out, “crucify him!” and not argue back in his own defense. Quietly, and with love he looked on them with a heart of compassion and anguish for their actions. The question above takes this one step further and asks about punishment. How can we punish someone we are suppose to love, it sounds contrary to itself, however; using the argument that Lewis uses it can be understood. If we are to love others as we love ourselves, then we are also to treat others as we would treat ourselves. As Lewis says, “…loving myself does not mean that I ought not to subject myself to punishment- even to death. If you had committed a murder, the right Christian thing to do would be to give yourself up to the police and be hanged. It is therefore, in my opinion, perfectly right for a Christian judge to sentence a man to death or a Christian solider to kill an enemy.” (Lewis, 1952, p.118)
Lewis states that Christ did not preach anything new in regards to morality. What is the real job of every moral teacher?
I believe the real job of every moral teacher is to teach morality not as something that is new, but morality as it has always existed. New morality is adjusted morality to fit the culture of that time, and more often than not a skewed morality that has been tweaked to fit that people group or culture to make them feel better about themselves. I also think that a good moral teacher should help people understand that morals not only exist for the protection and betterment of others, but they also pertain to the wellbeing of the individual and the relationship between that individual and their creator. The metaphor of the sea worthy ship was useful in helping me understand that I may look good on the outside and may be going the right direction in the convoy of life, but If I cannot steer or control this vessel, what good am I to the convoy, better yet how much damage can I do to the other ships (people) around me if I don’t make sure the inside of me is taken care of as well.
Lewis states that charity (giving to the poor) is an essential part of Christianity. How can we gauge our level of charity according to Lewis?
I really appreciate what Lewis had to say about giving to the poor and to those in need, specifically when he said, “I do not believe that one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words if our expenditures on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away to little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small.” This is a great way of looking at it. I remember the story in the bible about Jesus sitting in the temple watching people. The Pharisees came in and gave an offering out of their overflow or out of their excess, but a woman came in and gave 2 small coins, all she had. Christ noticing her told his disciples that she had given much more than they because she had given everything she had and the Pharisees had given that which did not hurt them. This is a wonderful thing to consider the next time we give to the poor.
What are the two things we can do to make loving our enemies easier?
I think the first thing we can do is to understand that before we accepted Christ, we to were enemies to God. Yet He loved us not because of what we were or what we could do, but because of what we could become through Him. Not that our enemies will be come something through us, rather they will become something useful through God. The second thing that can make it easier for us to love our enemies is that we are commanded to love others as we love ourselves. We do not walk around hating ourselves. We may hate our situation or the things that have happened to us, but that is not self hate, that is a whole other matter. I believe there is a third issue we must consider that being the love of God for our enemies. We may feel that sense of hate or distain toward those who would harm us or have harmed us, but God still desires that person to be broken and surrender to Him and his will for their life. Because of our love for our father, we to ought to love those He loves.
In Lewis' mind, why is the command 'Though shalt not Kill' not a moratorium against fighting in war or the death penalty?
I found this a very interesting thought process. I did not realize, although I should have, that the Greek usage of the word “kill” is different from that of “murder”. The Greek word for “kill” is apokteinO and the Greek for murder is phoneuO. Christ used two different words in his teachings about killing. To murder with intent, with hatred, with disgust for the other person is wrong. Killing for reasons of war, or judgment carry with them different motives. We must not kill for the enjoyment of it or for the retribution of it. Some of us will find ourselves in situations where we must make that chilling and difficult choice, whether it be war or self defense, the underlying factor is that we recognize that, “Even while we kill and punish we must try to feel about the enemy as we feel about ourselves – to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he may, in this world or another, be cured: in fact, to wish his good.” (Lewis, 1952, p.120) Certainly this is difficult to contemplate, and I pray that I may never be faced with the situation where I have to choose.
References
Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere christianity. New York: HarperCollins
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