KIERKEGAARD'S OFFENSE

It seems that Christians in the United States and Western Europe are entering an uncomfortable era of disfavor in society. This is something new and daunting for us in the so-called "First World," but is something that Christians in the rest of the world are quite used to and familiar with. While this is troubling, and, like many other believers, I have fears of how this may become expressed in not just hatred, but outright persecution of those who name the Name of Christ, it is probably something that will make the church stronger and more truly authentic in living out the Gospel of Jesus. After all, when one has lots of enemies, there are more than ample opportunities to love them. 

Soren Kierkegaard, the great Danish philospher and follower of Jesus, remarked that the best way to destroy the Christian faith was for it to be favored by society. Well, we have experienced this "attack" of being favored over the past years in American society, and the result has been as Kierkegaard predicted: a weak and insincere Christianity that literally lusts after the affections of the prevailing culture. Like barnacles attaching to a ship's hull, we see many Christian groups today going the directions mandated by our society. Rather than being a church of the Word, we have become a church of the world. (This is true of not only the "liberal" church, but also the conservatives and evangelicals as well.) 

In the new context of disfavor, there is one very good discovery that is occuring. The Gospel message of Jesus being God in human flesh, living among us, teaching and modeling God's intentions for humans, then dying on the Cross for our sins, and being raised from the dead by God on the third day is becoming fresh and new again. For the believer, the amazing power of God is becoming clearer to see. For the nonbeliever, the incredible foolishness of such claims are seen in stark relief to the supposed wisdom of secular sensibilities and modern "group-think" rationalities. Kierkegaard encapsulated this point in his writing, A Sickness Unto Death.

Imagine the mightiest Emperor that ever lived; and imagine some poor peasant, who would think himself fortunate if he could but once catch a glimpse of the Emperor, and would tell his children and grandchildren of this as the most important event of his life. Suppose that the Emperor were to send for this man, who had not supposed that the Emperor knew of his existence, and informed him that he wished to have him as a son-in-law. In all probability, the peasant, instead of being delighted, would be offended, since he would suppose that this could mean only that the Emperor wanted to make a fool of him!

And now for Christianity! Christianity teaches that every man, say an ordinary man who would be quite proud of having once in his life talked with the King of Denmark, can talk with God any moment he wishes, and is sure to be heard by Him, that for this man's sake God came into the world to suffer and die. If anything would stun a man, surely it is this. Whoever has not the humble courage to believe it, must surely be offended by it.

While the Gospel was considered polite and acceptable by our society, the true nature of its claims were obscured, even hidden from believer and nonbeliever alike.  But now its truth jumps out like a lion springing from the brush.  We must deal with these audacious claims, as Kierkegaard so aptly states.  Most people will be offended, and see Christian belief as absurd, even dangerous. But for those with "humble courage," it is beautiful and life-giving, and is more important than having the approval and favor of the world.   

So, there may be some rough times ahead for Christians in the United States and Europe.  But now we will discover and share what Christians in the rest of the world have known for some time now: that the Gospel is a sweet aroma that smells like death to those who reject Christ, but has the pleasant smell of life to those who follow him. (II Corinthians 2:15-16*)  In these days, people will no longer follow Jesus because it is good for their reputation or business contacts, but will only follow because they are sincere in their belief that this is true and that they are called by God to live out this truth despite disfavor and rejection. (II Corinthians 2:17*)

*For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.  To one we are an aroma that brings death: to the other, an aroma that brings life.  And who is equal to such a task?  Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.  On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. 

Analysis Relevance (or Moses Still Speaks)

A textual analysis of the most relevant passages regarding homosexuality would take some space, and would be better served by a more knowledgeable exegete than I am. (For extensive analysis, see Richard Hayes, The Moral Vision of the New Testament; and Robert Gagnon, The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics.)  Here, however, are some broad observations which controvert the claims of many who bemoan the relevance of the biblical texts for a modern understanding of homosexuality. If you are a reader who is convinced that any questioning of homosexual practice is wrong, or that the moral sensibilities of politically liberal Americans and Europeans are above reproach, then please do not read this.  It will just upset you.

First of all, the biblical teachings about homosexual sex are far more knowledgeable than many would think. We moderns like to think we are so much more sophisticated than those who lived before us, and this is especially so regarding the ancients. This simply is wrong, and very wrong regarding ancient societies. The Hebrew peoples, later the Israelites, and even later Judaism were familiar with all kinds of sexual practices which were indulged in and celebrated by many of the peoples surrounding the ancient Hebrews and Israelites. (Technically speaking, Israelite is a later designation for the Hebrew people, as the term Hebrew - in Egyptian and Akkadian, habiru or hapiru  - is earlier.)  Given the Hebrew/Israelite experience with a sovereign God who claimed to be the one true God who wanted to be revealed through a unique relationship (covenant) with a unique people (community), they developed a unique clarity regarding what sexual practices were intended by this God, and what ones were not. The Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Leviticus passages prohibiting homosexual practice are very clear and are far beyond simply being a sheltered society's inability to view it apart from marital infidelity, or to view it as no more consequential than directions for eating or instructions for acceptable clothing fashions around 1000 BC. Sexual confusion and disobedience are viewed as particularly destructive to individuals and society.  They are more than incidental to human customs, and are viewed as a denial of God as the Creator and are a defiant rejection of the inviolable order of creation.  

Paul picks this up in his writings, especially in his letter to the Romans. It is very likely (as indicated in I Corinthians 7) that he had access to some kind of pre-Gospel version of Jesus' teachings. In these he finds Jesus reaffirming the sexual code in the Torah, particularly in Jesus' words on marriage, where Jesus frames marriage in terms of the created order, and the image of God the Creator ("In the beginning God created them male and female...." Matthew 19:4). Paul expands the idea that homosexual practice is a clear and graphic illustration of human arrogance before God, where mere humans deny the authority of God as the creator of all and seek to subjugate the created order to their own will and whim. This is for Paul the nature, result, and judgment of sin. 

The early Christians, the apostles, Paul, Jesus, the Prophets, Jews, Israelites, Hebrews, and even Abraham and Sarah were all familiar with peoples and opinions that approved, promoted, and celebrated homosexual practice in various ways: as religious service, partnerships (both short term and lifelong), extramarital expressions, philosophical lessons, and plain old raw animalistic lust. In Jesus and the early church's time, there even was some discussion among the Greeks regarding the idea that homosexual relationships were superior to marriage, since women were associated with marriage and women were thought to be greatly inferior to men (in Greek society). Romans, who viewed marriage more as a contractual agreement (an idea central to the later European view of marriage), did not see any benefit to two males marrying, since women usually transferred property rights. As you can see, our modern experience is in no way more informed or enlightened than Paul, Jesus, or the ancients. 

The biblical texts speak from a clear understanding of the God who spoke personally to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; called out and covenanted with a despised violent mercenary slave people; and spoke guidance and grace to them (and us) through the Torah and the Prophets. This God finally entered human events as a person like us, experiencing human life, being obedient to God's Word (which in Jesus' understanding clearly revealed God's intention for human sexual expression), so that in his death there would be a sacrifice for our sins, and then through raising Jesus from the dead validating the claims and teachings of Jesus. These texts announce that through the Messiah, the Christ, we too may live freely by the Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit.  If this God is truly God, then the guidance of God's Word (including sexuality) is trust worthy. If the Word (Torah, Prophets, Historical books, Wisdom books, Psalms, Gospels, and the Epistles) are not trustworthy (including sexual guidance), then the God of the Bible is a ruse, a colossal deception! 

Now, this is what is at stake in the "analysis" of these texts. Most of the world could care less about these ancient writings, seeing them as irrelevant and too troublesome to bother with. However, the way a person reads these texts determines whether one embraces "the faith delivered to the saints" or instead rejects it for a new designer faith of one's own fancy. The latter leads to temporary peace with this world but is in eternal conflict with God and creation.  The former leads to a life of temporary conflict with this world but is at eternal peace with God.

THE BLESSED HOPE

We are all in the midst of celebrating Advent and anticipating the joy of Christmas. In most all churches, even the most solemn ones, this is a good time of year where people are expressing love and care for one another. This, indeed, is a small glimpse of what we as followers of Jesus are looking forward to – that Day when Jesus returns to our world in power and glory to complete God’s rule throughout human existence, society, and the entire creation. As it is declared in Titus 2:11-13:

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians urges us to “encourage one another” with these words. This is in part what the New Orleans Saints football player, Benjamin Watson, is reminding us of in his recent article expressing his thoughts and feelings about the sad events in Ferguson, Missouri. Despite his confusion and questions, he has a sure and ultimate hope in the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He knows we suffer in a sinful world, but Mr. Watson also knows that someday Christ shall vanquish all sin and evil - both in the world and in ourselves. This is our hope, this is our encouragement, this is what keeps us going.

If we look at the world around us, people are weighed down with the burden of having no hope. They are craving any sign, no matter how small, of healing for our souls. This desperation leads people in our world to demand “justice now” or immediate solutions, but what they usually mean is that they want people punished according to their self-righteous opinions of who is guilty and who is innocent. Thank God that God does not approach us that way, but instead showers us with mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

As we look forward to God’s Reign of mercy and love through Jesus, we must continue to do what the letter to Titus describes, which is to allow this hope to give us strength to not join in the world’s way of living for the moment, but instead live upright lives that reflect our hope in Christ. This will make us a people characterized by truth, love, and mercy, not coerced opinion, conditional acceptance, and ruthless punishment.

The world’s way may give us the momentary satisfaction of seeking and seizing power over those we condemn and look down upon, but it is a fleeting feeling that only makes the world worse and leaves in us a feeling of self-loathing and disgust. The hope we have in Christ calls us to rise above these base reactions so that we may bring God’s love and mercy into the midst of this world’s turmoil and tragedies.

So let’s be sure to enjoy the graciousness and goodwill that abounds in this Advent-Christmas season. As the great philosopher-minister, Jonathan Edwards, pointed out, such behaviour is not of this world, but is a small experience of the new world God is bringing into being through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 In Christ’s Peace,

  Will

A Random Prayer Of Confession

Almighty and merciful Lord, 

    we sing of your goodness, and we give thanks for your grace.  

But still, we must cry out at times that life is hard.  

Yes, there are good times when everything seems to be going well, 

    but there are also very difficult times, 

    when we wonder 

    what the difference is between hell and what we are facing.  

    In such times, our faith wavers, and our hope wains.  

We even doubt your goodness, and we dismiss the possibility of your grace.

We may hurl our anger toward you, 

    or dare to deny that You exist at all.  

Yet, in all our turmoil, you remain a merciful God, 

    and in our anguish you pour forth the healing remedy of forgiveness. 

Immerse us in your soothing grace.  

Lift us up with the promises and power of your Spirit, 

    who heals all our diseases and makes us whole through Jesus Christ, 

    in whose great and strong name we pray. Amen. 

GETTING PERSONAL

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.   John 15:15

Last June my ten year old son, Joshua, attended the Wichita State Shocker Basketball Camp in Wichita, Kansas.  It was a great week for him, especially as he got to meet and become acquainted with players like Fred Van Vleet, Tekele Cotton, Ron Baker, and Cleanthony Early (two of whom were named to the AP All American team in 2014).  This made the 2013-2014 basketball season much more exciting and personal for Joshua, as he could look at the television screen and declare proudly after a monster dunk by Tekele Cotton, “That’s my coach!” or “I know him,” after an outstanding play by Cleanthony Early.

So, not surprisingly, Joshua asked if he could go back to Shocker Camp this June. I said no for a number of good reasons.  After all, he got to go last year, our expenses are up this year with an added car payment, we aren’t making as much income this year, it is difficult to arrange the time off for me, etc, etc.  I explained all these reasons to Joshua, who came back with the statement, “But it means so much more to me when I know the players personally.”  Of course, he is right.  Thus, I mailed the registration for him to attend the camp again this year.

Joshua is on to a point that is important for all of us as followers of Jesus.  We can try to make worship interesting, scripture reading more personal, or prayer more exciting.  But when these are just religious exercises that we feel duty bound to do, they just don’t seem that interesting.  However, when we know Jesus personally, then all these become much more personal to us as well.  Like watching a basketball team that is good, but you do not know anyone on the team and the team represents a school that you have little personal connection to.  It just doesn’t grab you.  But if you are watching a team from your local area (such as the Iowa Hawkeyes for those of us in eastern Iowa), you sense a connection to team and the individual players. Everything becomes more engaging, and you don’t have to make yourself watch them, you enjoy watching them play.

Is worship dull, prayer distant, and fellowship boring?  Yes, it could be the preacher, or the difficult digestion of the onion/garlic/salt bagel you foolishly tried to eat - but it might be something else.   You might ask yourself how your relationship with Jesus is doing.  The more you have a sense of knowing him personally, the better church, scripture, and prayer will be for you.  After all, “it means so much more” to each of us when God is a living and present Spirit rather than some impersonal far off mental concept.

Love, and In Christ’s Peace,

Will

Adventures In Storage

As one who has moved a number of times over the years, I occasionally must plow my way through old packed boxes of papers and things that have become permanently “stored away.”  Last week I was doing this, looking for something I needed for the Lenten gatherings at church, when I happened across a booklet of poems I wrote when I was in college.  Of course, not only had I forgotten these poems, but it is strange to think I ever wrote poems at all.  As I perused these ancient writings, one stood out from the rest and took me back in my mind to the very day and scene that inspired it.  I was working for the electric utility in Wichita, it was summer time, and I was on a lunch break.  The day shift lunches were an hour long, so I was walking through a park along the Arkansas (in Kansas, it is pronounced “Ar-kansas,”) River when I noticed a very sad looking young woman sitting on a bench.  She was staring at a water fountain by the river.  When I returned to work, I couldn’t get her sad look out of my mind, so I wrote the following poem about what may have been going on in her thoughts.

She sat quietly for a long time

    watching the fountain,

    watching the fountain spray and flow

    while nearby the River ran deep.

Many people hurried across the plaza.

    They did not want to be late

    for work, or for an appointment.

But she watched the fountain.

It helped her to think

    about things

    that she would like

    in her life.

Things which maybe could ease

    her longing,

    her loneliness,

    her wish to be more real,

    and more honest.

But no one notices.

No one really knows her.

Oh, for Someone to share her longing!

    But they all just hurry

    and no one stops.

She just keeps watching,

    watching the fountain

    while nearby the River ran deep.

Hoping, wanting, praying

    that Someone will come,

    talk,

    and make it all good.

There are so many people like I imagined this woman to be: isolated and lonely, yet still hoping that somehow her life could become meaningful and worthwhile.  In this poem I capitalized “Someone” to emphasize that only an encounter with God could bring the “good” that she was seeking.  We all stare at “fountains” in some form or measure.  And like this woman, we sometimes miss the abundance of God's love nearby, like the deep running river next to the fountain.  We are all looking for a person or an event that will give us a sense that life is truly good.   Only Christ can do this, and this is what the Easter message is all about:  that God has taken “notice” of us, has “stopped by,” and spoken to us words of love and affirmation. 

If this life-giving encounter is what you long for, then I invite you to immerse yourself in the love of God that comes to you in Jesus the Anointed One.  God's love in Christ knows no limits and is beyond all bounds.  God wants to touch your life and make it all good!

In Christ’s Peace,

  Will

John Calvin's Emblem

Recently I was helping with a renewal event at a church here in Cedar Rapids, and one of the speakers, knowing I was a Presbyterian pastor, asked me to talk to the audience about the crest, or emblem, of John Calvin.  Providentially (as we say in the Reformed tradition), the Lord had prepared me to be able to speak to the dedication and passion that is expressed in this intriguing statement about John Calvin’s personal faith.

“Cor meum quasi immolatum tibi offero, Domine, prompte et sincere” were the words emblazoned over the pulpit from which Calvin preached and taught at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Geneva.  In English, “My heart as sacrifice I give you, Lord, eagerly and honestly.”  It is a statement indicative of the passion Calvin has for God and for serving God.  His heart has been ignited by faith in Christ, which is why the heart is shown as already aflame even as it is being offered to God.  In this we see Calvin’s view of faith as more than some kind of contractual consent between the believer and God.  Rather, Calvin understands faith to be a tangible “touch” that we experience as a fire in our inner most being!  It enlivens, indeed, it illuminates us with an experience of faith that begins and supports an ongoing growth in the fruits of the Holy Spirit, in other words, a growing healthy spiritual life.  Thus, to have faith in Christ is to enter into a most real, aware, and sensory experience of being a living, breathing human person.

One of the interesting things about Calvin’s motto is that later quotes tend to leave out the phrase, “quasi immolatum” or “as sacrifice.”  Almost everyone still refers to the flaming heart pictured in the emblem, but rarely is it retained in the motto itself.  While this is probably just an innocent development in the passing down of the motto, it does raise the idea of a “cooler,” or less emotive sense of faith.  For many, their experience of Christ, church, and faith are much less than sacrificial and “fiery.”  For many of us, we’ve never felt that “fire in our bones,” as the prophets describe it.  When Pascal experienced the reality of God in his life, he just repeated the word, “fire, fire, fire.”  Is it possible that those words “as sacrifice” have been discarded to fit the “cooled religious feelings” of Calvin’s theological descendents?  How many Reformed, Presbyterian, and congregational ministries can be called “passionate” in today’s churches?  How many Presbyterians, especially in the United States, have any sense of “fire” in their faith? 

Let me submit to you that this is the key to both our personal walk with Christ as well as our experience of being part of a church; that is, is your heart “aflame” with faith?  Is your faith in Christ something that grabs you deep within, something that makes you feel your heart beat, making you aware of the power of life coursing through your arteries and veins?  We can talk about what we should believe, and we can discuss the things we should do.  We can have a basic understanding of who Jesus is, and even have a finely honed orthodox knowledge of Christian beliefs, but it means nothing if we haven’t at some point experienced faith as a “majestic meekness” and a “sweet burning in my heart,” as Jonathan Edwards phrases it.  The writer to the Hebrews is even more descriptive of the experience of grace and faith when he says, “…let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

So, is your faith in God like cooled off lava, having hardened into the religious impressive equivalent of polished basalt or sculpted obsidian – beautiful, but hard and cold?  Or does your faith bear with it the gift of the living God, who breathes life into your soul, causing your heart to stir with the fires of love, joy, and peace; things that lead to life – life overflowing?!