Ephesians is another of the disputed letters. Many scholars aren't convinced Paul wrote it,, or even that it was written to the Ephesians (as some of "the best ancient manuscripts lack the words 'in Ephesus' in verse 1" (Borg, Evolution of the Word, p351)). Some feel it was addressed, not to a specific congregation, but to Christians in general, or at least several church communities, by someone who was trying to follow Paul's teachings and letter writing style and format. Apparently, in the Greek, the sentence structure is very different - with long sentences (1:3-14, 1:15-23 for example, are each one sentence in Greek). The content, however, often echoes Paul's teachings, though strays when it goes off to speak of Households and 'the Church' in general.
Earlier this week I attended a webinar with Greg Boyd. One of the things he talked about is how we bring our culture into our Christianity. Some of this has been recognized as criticism of western missionaries has arisen. Too often western culture was taught instead of Christianity. But even in subtle ways in North America we bring baggage to our worship, to our beliefs - As Mennonites we see it in some places where Christianity is almost equated with Low German, Borscht and faspa. Boyd cites this as a reason we need to be constantly challenging each other to bring our focus back to Jesus - especially when dealing with issues. Reading Ephesians after attending that webinar makes me think that the writer of Ephesians may have, without realizing it, been bringing in the culture of his (or her) day. This would explain why, instead of "in Christ there is neither male nor female" (Gal 3:28) we have "Wives submit to your husbands" (Eph 5:22), Instead of "in Christ there is neither slave nor free" (Galatians 3:28) we have "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling"(Eph 6:5). To the credit of the author, the admonitions are not only for the less powerful - there are obligations for the husband, and for slave owners - but they are not equal. There is no push for owners to free their slaves. There is no expectation of equality or mutuality in the marriage relationship. This author may have pushed the boundaries a little, but was still firmly within them, in my (uninformed) view.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed and felt uplifted by the reading of Ephesians. The central theme is that of unity and inclusion. I am accepted. In this day and age where churches are struggling with whether or not to include people with different sexual orientations (or how to keep them out and still be seen as loving) - and some still fighting to keep women silent in the church, while still wanting them to feel included and volunteering - it is heartening to hear "at one time you Gentiles by birth....were at that time without Christ...But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near..." (From Ephesians 2:11-20). There was a time just not being Jewish was enough for your presence to be controversial in a church. Now there are other issues we use to divide and separate- but there is still hope that, some day, all will be "brought near". Somehow I feel a strong encouragement every time I read that.
There is also help for those "fighting" for inclusion - put on the full armor of God: The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (6:13-17). As I read articles or facebook posts against various people, as I hear stories of the incredible hurt caused by Christians and Christian institutions, I tend to get discouraged and wonder where God is in all this. Have we totally lost our focus on Jesus and the greatest commandment? What happened to love your neighbor as yourself? But this passage says to fight on. Put on the belt of truth - protect against the lies of those defending the way things were, instead of the way God wants them to be. Put on the breastplate of righteousness - don't fight dirty - do the right thing. Put on the shield of faith - believe in the love and the example of Jesus who included people believed to be unclean and of less worth in his day. Trust the sword of the Spirit to help you discern God's will and to help you speak/do the right things. We have help - we need to accept it to make a difference.
So, yes, I am a child of my culture. I refuse to believe that, other than to keep the peace, there is much of value in admonitions for wives to be submissive or slaves to obey masters as they do Christ. I believe the writer didn't want the Christian church to be seen as destroying society - and was also trying to encourage people (wives and slaves) who didn't have much choice - while at least putting some onus on those in power. So I tend not to dwell on these passages. Instead I pull encouragement and strength from the main theme - that even though at one time I would have been nothing, in Christ I am a part of an amazing family, the child of a powerful God that provides what I need to work for what is right. I hope and pray I will have the courage and faith to put on the armor and fight for those who are still being seen as worth less, that they, too, may experience the joy of being brought near and included in God's loving arms.
Monday, 21 September 2015
Monday, 7 September 2015
Hebrews
This is a mysterious book, in that scholars do not know who wrote it or to whom. It seems to be written to a group familiar with the Jewish religion. The importance of sacrifice, of the temple itself and the role of the priests all are background for this document where Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of Judaism. Jesus is the sacrifice. Jesus is the intermediary with God. Jesus is the high priest. Old Testament references abound as each argument is made.
An interesting note that Marcus Borg (Evolution of the Word) includes in his introduction to Hebrews, is that the whole idea of Jesus being a necessary sacrifice was not articulated, let alone common, until 1098 when it was brought forth by St. Anselm. So often we struggle with how, exactly, Jesus saves. So we read this book and come up with the idea of Jesus as the "once for all" sacrifice needed in order for God to be able to forgive our sins. Borg says this is a relatively modern construct. Jesus loved God so much he gave his whole life (not just his death) as a gift, as a part of his passion for God and God's will - not because he had to in order to satisfy some cosmic requirement. It's a little mind blowing to try to figure this out. The point, according to Borg, is the radical assertion that, through Jesus - all that separates us from God is taken away. We don't need temples. We don't need sacrifice. We don't need a human high priest to go into the Holy of Holies. God is with us. "The 'new covenant' is written in minds and hearts, not in a list of requirements. It is about 'knowing God,' who remembers sins no more" (p281). With this view of the purpose of the book, we get a new look at the message of Hebrews.
My first impression of Hebrews is that it seems more of a lecture, or maybe sermon, than a letter. The English translation, at least, seems more formal in its presentation of its message. There seems to be a careful proving of each point: Jesus is above all - above angels, above Moses. Jesus is the son of God, the Great High Priest, the mediator between God & humankind. Through him we can achieve the rest that God has promised.as well as the mercy, grace, and help we need (4:16) We need to trust, to persevere, to keep the faith as did the old testament heroes ( side note - I do find it interesting that it is Rahab, a foreign prostitute that is the only female held up as a hero of faith in this passage - 11:31). The writer then reminds us that these people of our faith history are witnesses that challenge us to stay true. He (?) then exhorts us to pursue peace & holiness, not to reject God's Grace and to serve God through mutual love & hospitality. The presentation then concludes with a benediction. The only part that seems letter like is the very end (13:22-25) which contains greetings. That section doesn't feel, to me, like it really fits.
Form and structure aside, this document has a lot to say. While I don't feel the need for old Testament proof of Jesus' transcendence over angels, nor do I resonate with the image of Jesus as High Priest, the whole idea of Jesus having come and given his whole life to break down the barriers between God and humankind is huge. So often we pay lip service to this, but then seem to insist that people worship in a certain way, maybe even in a certain place, so that they can be "true" Christians. Jesus has torn the curtain dividing us from God so each of us can see God in our own, unique way. God is so great, so amazing, so superior to our experience that there is no way any one of us can grasp all that is true about God, so we disagree - but may all be right to some extent, because we can only see a part of who God is. This is also why we need to learn from one another: Mennonites grasp the need for community. Salvation Army members grasp the call for service to the outcast. Quakers grasp the need for listening for God's word. Pentecostals seem to grasp the joy of exuberant worship. Other congregations grasp the power of prayer. Even within each denomination there are variations - but God is so great, each of our concepts is only a part of who our wonderful God truly is. But God also cares enough to speak to each person, care for each person, love each person and so can become real to each person, even if not all that any given congregation says makes sense to that person.
The reminder of the number, even if only a few are listed by name, of people who have managed to stay faithful is a challenge for me to have faith, even when I don't see the results. We have not only the Old Testament heroes, but also a large number of people who have lived and died since Hebrews was written. These people provide us with examples of how to live in faith even when prayers do not seem to be answered. This is hard for me. Growing up there was a trend to make your prayer lists then mark off when prayers were answered so you would have your own proof of God answering prayer - but some things never went from the "ask" column to the "answered" column. Even now, as I watch loved ones struggle with health issues, job issues, social issues, I wonder why God is not answering our prayers for their assistance. Is God listening? But God spoke to Job and told him that it was not his to understand why things went the way they did - so I try to let go and rely on the assurance that God knows the right thing to do. But it is hard. I want answers and I want answers now. And I want the answer (yes) that I asked for. I do not want people I care about (or anyone else, I guess - but especially those important to me) to suffer. Hebrews 11 & 12 still has a lot to teach me. I will try to remember the exhortation from Hebrews 12:12&13: "..lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."
There is much more in this book/letter/sermon. It is definitely worth reading and a closer study. Right now, however, I think I will focus on that part - having faith, lifting my drooping hands in prayer and, I hope, eventually seeing those I care about "healed". May God's grace be with all of us.
An interesting note that Marcus Borg (Evolution of the Word) includes in his introduction to Hebrews, is that the whole idea of Jesus being a necessary sacrifice was not articulated, let alone common, until 1098 when it was brought forth by St. Anselm. So often we struggle with how, exactly, Jesus saves. So we read this book and come up with the idea of Jesus as the "once for all" sacrifice needed in order for God to be able to forgive our sins. Borg says this is a relatively modern construct. Jesus loved God so much he gave his whole life (not just his death) as a gift, as a part of his passion for God and God's will - not because he had to in order to satisfy some cosmic requirement. It's a little mind blowing to try to figure this out. The point, according to Borg, is the radical assertion that, through Jesus - all that separates us from God is taken away. We don't need temples. We don't need sacrifice. We don't need a human high priest to go into the Holy of Holies. God is with us. "The 'new covenant' is written in minds and hearts, not in a list of requirements. It is about 'knowing God,' who remembers sins no more" (p281). With this view of the purpose of the book, we get a new look at the message of Hebrews.
My first impression of Hebrews is that it seems more of a lecture, or maybe sermon, than a letter. The English translation, at least, seems more formal in its presentation of its message. There seems to be a careful proving of each point: Jesus is above all - above angels, above Moses. Jesus is the son of God, the Great High Priest, the mediator between God & humankind. Through him we can achieve the rest that God has promised.as well as the mercy, grace, and help we need (4:16) We need to trust, to persevere, to keep the faith as did the old testament heroes ( side note - I do find it interesting that it is Rahab, a foreign prostitute that is the only female held up as a hero of faith in this passage - 11:31). The writer then reminds us that these people of our faith history are witnesses that challenge us to stay true. He (?) then exhorts us to pursue peace & holiness, not to reject God's Grace and to serve God through mutual love & hospitality. The presentation then concludes with a benediction. The only part that seems letter like is the very end (13:22-25) which contains greetings. That section doesn't feel, to me, like it really fits.
Form and structure aside, this document has a lot to say. While I don't feel the need for old Testament proof of Jesus' transcendence over angels, nor do I resonate with the image of Jesus as High Priest, the whole idea of Jesus having come and given his whole life to break down the barriers between God and humankind is huge. So often we pay lip service to this, but then seem to insist that people worship in a certain way, maybe even in a certain place, so that they can be "true" Christians. Jesus has torn the curtain dividing us from God so each of us can see God in our own, unique way. God is so great, so amazing, so superior to our experience that there is no way any one of us can grasp all that is true about God, so we disagree - but may all be right to some extent, because we can only see a part of who God is. This is also why we need to learn from one another: Mennonites grasp the need for community. Salvation Army members grasp the call for service to the outcast. Quakers grasp the need for listening for God's word. Pentecostals seem to grasp the joy of exuberant worship. Other congregations grasp the power of prayer. Even within each denomination there are variations - but God is so great, each of our concepts is only a part of who our wonderful God truly is. But God also cares enough to speak to each person, care for each person, love each person and so can become real to each person, even if not all that any given congregation says makes sense to that person.
The reminder of the number, even if only a few are listed by name, of people who have managed to stay faithful is a challenge for me to have faith, even when I don't see the results. We have not only the Old Testament heroes, but also a large number of people who have lived and died since Hebrews was written. These people provide us with examples of how to live in faith even when prayers do not seem to be answered. This is hard for me. Growing up there was a trend to make your prayer lists then mark off when prayers were answered so you would have your own proof of God answering prayer - but some things never went from the "ask" column to the "answered" column. Even now, as I watch loved ones struggle with health issues, job issues, social issues, I wonder why God is not answering our prayers for their assistance. Is God listening? But God spoke to Job and told him that it was not his to understand why things went the way they did - so I try to let go and rely on the assurance that God knows the right thing to do. But it is hard. I want answers and I want answers now. And I want the answer (yes) that I asked for. I do not want people I care about (or anyone else, I guess - but especially those important to me) to suffer. Hebrews 11 & 12 still has a lot to teach me. I will try to remember the exhortation from Hebrews 12:12&13: "..lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."
There is much more in this book/letter/sermon. It is definitely worth reading and a closer study. Right now, however, I think I will focus on that part - having faith, lifting my drooping hands in prayer and, I hope, eventually seeing those I care about "healed". May God's grace be with all of us.
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