The nature of Christian responsibility
This Sunday, I'll be giving a lecture at the Trinity Presbyterian Church on Cranbury Avenue in East Brunswick at the bright and early hour of 9 a.m. The title of the lecture is "The Nature of Christian Responsibility,'' which sounds real high-falutin'. A better title would be: "The Sermon On The Mount: What's Up With That?''
I'll be talking about the way theologians have over the centuries tried to figure out how to apply the sometimes draconian edicts of Jesus' homily to day-to-day living. You have to ask yourself: "Are these commands realizable and practical? Are they realizable but impractical? Or are they pipe dreams?''
In addition, I'll be looking at a dozen more specific hermeneutic principles that may be brought to bear on the whole "turn the other cheek'' business. We should have you out there in no time: an hour tops.
I'll be talking about the way theologians have over the centuries tried to figure out how to apply the sometimes draconian edicts of Jesus' homily to day-to-day living. You have to ask yourself: "Are these commands realizable and practical? Are they realizable but impractical? Or are they pipe dreams?''
In addition, I'll be looking at a dozen more specific hermeneutic principles that may be brought to bear on the whole "turn the other cheek'' business. We should have you out there in no time: an hour tops.
posted by Michael Riley at 1:26 PM
4 Comments:
"Draconian" is always a word I've associated with many if not most interpretations of the teachings of Jesus in regard to the Sermon on the Mount.
Why can't people just live whatever they perceive to be "christian" principles without being preached to about it...I like the Nike credo: "JUST DO IT"...
maragret: there are certainly some elements of the Sermon which could be considered draconian: "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out,'' springs to mind. As does the equation of anger with murder, of a lustful look with adultery and the blanket prohibition against divorce.
dg: because some people's perception of christian principles would force an incest victim to bear her child, and other's perceptions would criminalize homosexual love.
In any event, all of this will probably be a part of my Sunday presentation.
Point well taken..there are always fanatical , extremist viewpoints with every religion/belief system..it is how we interpret those beliefs without harming our fellow man (woman)or imposing our beliefs unwillingly on others..I guess I am still of the naive belief (Christian or otherwise)..love one another and "can't we all just get along"?..recognize, embrace our differences (does not necessarily mean we agree/condone evil/bad /unjust behaviors)...we really ARE more unlike than we think in the end..good luck with your presentation/discussion/sermon...
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