Another article by Simon Swift – wonderful thoughts and perspectives shaped by his own journey. And I am sure very helpful in your (and my) journey. A journey that will not end… Enjoy!
There’s this library contained in one book, known as the Holy Bible, it has just two shelves. The first, is full of poetry, historical accounts, prophetic writings, and some self-help books. The second, is newer and contains eye witness accounts of the life and times of a man known as of Jesus, along with apocalyptic writings, the history of the early movement that came about because Jesus and a bunch of letters written by leaders of the Jesus movement. At the centre of these assorted texts is the story of a people and their god.
But there is a problem, it seems there are two gods. One for the first shelf and another one for the second. It has, when people have claimed as much, caused controversy. The majority of those that use this library for their spiritual life generally don’t agree with the idea of two gods. Yet they can still find it difficult to reconcile the differences that seem to be in the descriptions of God. So what are the different perceptions and is it irreconcilable?
On the first shelf we have accounts of the early history of the people we call the Hebrews or Jews. They came about because of promises by God to a man called Abraham, who is considered the father of their nation. These promises form an ongoing relationship, that include curses should the people fail to be faithful to that relationship. When they fail, bad things happen including removal from the land they were promised. It’s not surprising then that we can view their god as an authoritarian god of power able to crush empires. If you obey, you are rewarded. If you cross him, you are punished. The enemies of the Hebrews will be crushed by the god of empire power.
On the second shelf we begin to find not only a new description but a new relationship possible with God. The first four books are an account of a teacher, prophet, and Messiah called Jesus, he describes God as Father and in turn he is described as God’s son. His message is: we should not live in fear of God, but run to him with open arms as a child. We are to see him as provider and a redeemer wanting to set us free from authoritarian power. God on this shelf is the god of love power.
Look closely on the first shelf, at the stories of God and his interaction with humans you might just find that it is the same god that you read about in the books on the second shelf. In the very first book, the book of beginnings, we find that he creates man and woman, called Adam and Eve, and we find them living in a garden. In that garden there is a fruit tree of good and evil. If you eat its fruit you will have your eyes open. God warns them not to eat it; but of course being human they do. And on the surface as we read the story it seems that God does punish them with eviction from the garden and a few curses to boot. However, one of the first thing God does is to help the hapless couple, who on eating the fruit realise they are naked and become frightened, feeling ashamed for the first time. So what does God Do? He makes them clothes. Is that the act of an authoritarian god or a father’s reaction to the needs of his children?
Adam and Eve are children who must mature to be able to judge between good and evil. To do that they must set out from their sanctuary, to learn how to deal with this new knowledge. They need wisdom; Knowledge on its own if not enough. You have to experience love, and that comes from relationships. So we need the father of love not the one of control.
What other books on this first shelf have examples of God the father? What about the exodus and the need for food. Here we find God providing manna each morning. How does he deal with the pregnant Hagar when she fleas from her mistress into the wilderness? What other places does God act and advise that are more relational than authoritarian?
As we move to the second shelf we find books of a different nature and in particular the stories of Jesus who is called God’s son. We find Jesus looks to show the love of the father and the parable of the prodigal son is one of the best descriptions of God as father. His treatment of the people who are in need speak of compassion and care. He calls people back in to the family of Abraham. But he has condemnation for those in authority whose only desire is to exploit.
Later after his death and resurrection, new communities begin to be created. When it comes to Paul of Tarsus we are often given the picture of man in authority of the communities he is planting. Yet look closely at his urging and advice; you will see him passionately encouraging his people to mature in wisdom. This means understanding their new status as sons (and daughters) of an inheritance, that they now belong in the kingdom of Heaven where love is the ultimate power.
On the first shelf, In the stories of the Hebrews entering into their promised land it is shocking to read of the amount of violence and ethnic cleansing that goes on. Is this the god of empire? It seems that many nations and tribes have over the centuries opted for such a god. Even Christendom reflects such a position despite its claims of allegiance to Christ. If we can look closer even on this shelf we can find a different god, one who reflects the god Jesus calls God the Father. A god of relationships who wishes to reach out to us.
Through the blood of Jesus we have been brought into a relationship with God. This is where justice is served, in a new covenant. His act of going to the cross for us is the final critic of empire and its power. It is where love defeats death and gives us hope.
So when we read the books on the first shelf let us be influenced by Jesus’ revelation of who God is. Let it temper our reading of the first shelf lest we fall into the trap of hating those not like us or simply do not fit in with our world view. At this time in our history we need the God who’s power is Love.