Honzo April 2nd, 2008
In the Roman world, within the household, the position of child is the lowest in terms of power and hierarchy. Taking this into account, consider Mark 10:15:
I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.
Rather than assuming our standard in pouring of innocence and naiveté into the phrase “like a child,” perhaps we are better served with assuming a Roman view of children, of powerlessness over others into this phrase.
Also consider Luke 22:25-27
Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.
Here again we see the same theme - the relinquishment of dominance as a command of Jesus to his followers, to the members of the Kingdom of God.
If we do not relinquish culturally inherited claims of dominance over others and see them as true equals then ours is not the Kingdom of God.
Seeing people as the imago deis involves the complete removal of claims of dominance and superiority. This must be applied in terms of race and gender. It is a command to give up our claims of dominance over others.
Casey January 19th, 2008
I have always tried to listen before I talk (about theology jargon). I have always tried to learn from others in hope that I can grow to always be following the truth. But I would like to evaluate my approach…is it wrong?
On any (and every) debate I start (or try to) in the middle. I have always been a person who doesn’t like the dogmatics of others and I try not to be like that.
I am not an extremist. I have always seen those in the extreme sides of debates as always being wrong…and their pride/ego gets the best of them. For me, I have found that trying to start in the middle (even when I am still biased) allows for me to have lessened the blinders (though I might still have some on!).
I have two questions for everyone.
1) Is this approach good/bad/dangerous/smart? and why
2) Is there ever a time when starting on one extreme side is more beneficial then starting from middle ground?
Casey
Ps…my questions might be stupid…if they are sorry about wasting your time
Honzo November 28th, 2007
Wayne Leman over at Complegalitarian looks at what Wayne Grudem said at the annual Evangelical Theological Society meeting last week.
Grudem on the State of the Gender Debate and the Way Forward
Grudem had this to say:
I am surprised that this controversy has gone on so long. In the late 80’s and early 90’s I expected that this would probably be over in 10 years by the force of argument, by the use of the facts, by careful exegesis, by the power of the clear Word of God, by the truth. I expected the entire church would be persuaded and that the battle for the purity of the church would be won. I still believe that will happen because Jesus Christ is building his church and purifying it so that he might present it to himself without spot or wrinkle. But, it is taking much longer than I expected.
Leman responded with:
The logical fallacy in Dr. Grudem’s statement, of course, is the assumption that his interpretation of the scriptures concerning the role of women in the home and church is the only possible biblical interpretation. He equates following his interpretation of the scriptures on gender issues with having a high view of scripture and its infallible truth.
A strong case could be made for the claim that the reason the gender debate is taking so long is that it truly is a matter of how Bible-believing Christians understand the scriptures about gender differently. It is not a matter of whether or not they believe the Bible and seek to have it transform our lives.
Some really good points are being brought up in the comments. I suggest heading over there and contributing to the discussion.
E. I. Sanchez November 13th, 2007
One of my recent purchases from iTunes was How great is our God by Chris Tomlin. The song has a great little melody and simple lyrics but the end product is an addictive anthem.
The song is one of my favorites because it projects the truth of our days. People are confused. They are lonely. They are tired. They want meaning. They want better lives. They want happiness. They really want assurance of the things not seen. Yet, they reject the good news of Jesus. They mock him. They cheapen his gospel. They ridicule him in their arts, their comedies, and their books.
Yet - how great is our God that - in the midst of all this hatred - that he still abides by his promise - that no one should perish.
Consider this YouTube video in which a Jesus character is paraded on Hollywood Boulevard. Should we laugh along? Should we boycott? Or should we sing together: How Great is Our God?
[youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=WLKk00OYKhU]