The Bible On Trial

In looking through posts on FB this morning I was interedted to note that the memes and comments that were posted by Christian friends are tending toward highly emotional responses to cultural and political situations, rather than an attempt to come to a rational understanding of the causes of the underlying problems. One such post came from the associate pastor of the church I used to attend. His post was about a woman that 'converted' from being a Conservative to a Liberal Christian based on the perception that if Jesus were here on earth today He would be a Liberal, and a Social Activist. Her belief that this is true stems from the understanding that Christians should be willing to allow everyone to just 'be themselves', without the judgement of society influencing their behavior. There is 'no condemnation' in the message that Jesus brought to earth; He brought only love and comfort to the poor and downtrodden. He healed the sick and performed miracles that showed Gods love to the world. In her mind this exemplified the mindset of the Liberal of today, and not the cruel and judgemental attitude of the Conservative.

Frankly, I don't know how Jesus would have reacted to the social and political environment of the world of today. Jesus spoke of the separation of the two kingdoms that exist in this world, by saying that we are to give to the governments of the world that which is demanded, and give to God that which He demands. And this means that we must figure out what each of those requirements are, before we can learn in which one we truly desire to live. Both Kingdoms have law, because without those rules there can be no kingdoms. What this woman did not understand is that Jesus came to earth to 'lay down the Law' of the Kingdom of the Heavens; to confirm that Law as just and right and good. To enter His Kingdom we must accept and practice that Law.