Thursday, November 5, 2009

Thought for the day - gospel or violence?

With Remembrance Sunday approaching I've been reading a book about Gandhi and am now into Walter Wink's Engaging the Powers. Both books recommended by Derek Flood - see the link to sharktacos.com/God/ for his superb paper on the meaning of the cross. Here's food for thought from Wink (p.30):-

The myth of redemptive violence is nationalism become absolute. This myth speaks for God; it does not listen for God to speak. It invokes the sovereignty of God as its own; it does not entertain the prophetic possibility of radical denunciation and negation by God. It misappropriates the language, symbols and scriptures of Christianity. It does not seek God in order to change; it claims God in order to prevent change. Its God is not the impartial ruler of all nations but a biased and partial tribal god worshiped as an idol. Its metaphor is not the journey but a fortress. Its symbol is not the cross but a rod of iron. Its offer is not forgiveness but victory. Its good news is not the unconditional love of enemies but their liquidation. Its salvation is not a new heart but a successful foreign policy. It usurps the revelation of God's purposes for humanity in Jesus. It is blasphemous. It is idolotrous. And it is immensely popular.

1 comment:

  1. Have you ever read Robert Ballah's Civil religion in America? It's hugly popular in the states but I've not heard a scholar refer to it here.

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