Chapter 11 - Four Portraits of Jesus

How amazing is it that God has graced us today with the preserved message of His Son - kept through the distinctive writers of the four gospels. Imagine if our churches only had one frame of mind - if no one thought differently than the others. Imagine a Christian community that contained no differing vision. Imagine a body of believers who just saw every issue in life through the exact same lens. As easy on the brains as that might seem at first blush - how useful would it truly be to the world around it? This will seem trite, but it is the many facets of a diamond that make it shine.

It's with that sort of view that I see the four Gospels. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful and lovingly told set of stories about the moments in Jesus' life the evangelists thought important to our salvation. Now, again, imagine if they all agreed down the line - or if only one had been recorded. Just the thought is somehow saddening. I think it was Lee Strobel who pointed out the significance of the different views - stating that their differences in telling the same stories is the part that is so significant to their credibility. I'm not sure Strobel and Drane would necessarily agree on the "who came first, and who looked at whose Gospel" discussion, but even still there is truth in what Strobel points out.

All the Gospels are written anonymously, sure enough, but that shouldn't stop us from accepting the traditions of the Church Fathers, and our own understanding of human circumstance. Drane points out that Mark from Acts et. al. was remembered to be Peter's interpreter. Drane continues on to point out that "a number of the stories [Marcan] are told with such vivid details that it is natural to regard them as first-hand." (p. 196) I think of my own times of reflection and in telling the stories that have shaped my life to date. Sometimes, when I recount these days of my past, I find myself in a "thousand mile stare." I guess my point is about the weight these moments (and now their stories) have played in my life. The stories found in Mark's Gospel may have been very personal to Peter - I would have loved to watch him tell them.

Luke and Matthew, says Drane (and the rest of the world of Biblical academia - I guess ;-p) borrowed from Mark, a yet revealed Q document, and perhaps Matthew peeked at Luke's work. You know, I don't think that's all that big a deal - it challenges my previous thinking that the Gospels must be independent to be credible (or more to the point, I probably have never really given it any thought, and react that they MUST be independent). But what that thought doesn't do is take down anything I have built on the strong foundation of Jesus Christ - the same One whose story is told in these fantastic ways. On an other note, I don't have any problem accepting Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as the authors either.

In his discussion about the Gospel According to St. John, Drane made a rather interesting remark about the different opinions within the church surrounding it. He says that the differences in John's work to that of the synoptic writers "led to heated debates about the relative value of their respective accounts of the life and teaching of Jesus." (p. 210) We just don't get sometimes. The Church is a place of diversity, yet with complete focus on Christ. If we would even just look at the Gospels, we might begin to see how beautifully a diamond can shine.

Chapter 9 - The Kingdom of God in Action

Really - I can add very little to the discussion presented by Drane, and to the words offered by others. Therefore, I present:

"Sometimes, as in a few of the law codes of the ancient Middle East, the rule system of religious beliefs...By the time of Jesus many, if not all, of the specific laws of Hebrew scriptures had been rendered obsolete by cultural changes taking place in Palestinian society...The updating of the Law had been undertaken with some enthusiasm by the Pharisees, who saw the need for change if traditional ways were to continue to be held...The Pharisees were the people with whom Jesus most often found himself [sic] in conflict." (p. 151)

"[That] only left more scope for later rule-makers, who had even developed regulations prescribing exactly which parts of the hands should be washed to preserve ritual purity...A person could appear exceedingly righteous by observing various minor rules and regulations, while side-stepping the central challenge of the Old Testament to 'Love the Lord your God' and 'love your neighbor as you love yourself' (Mark 12:30-31)." (pp. 156-157)

"Jesus did not understand God as an abstract force, requiring the observance of stringent regulations, but as a personal being with whom people could have a loving and empowering relationship." (pp. 158-159)

"Jesus' teaching was not a law, but an ethic of freedom. Consequently, Jesus did not burden his followers with rules and regulations, but gave them principles and guidelines by which to structure their lives...Here, as in most other aspects of his [sic] teaching, Jesus provided his [sic] disciples with a compass from which they could get their bearings, rather than a map, which would provide them with specific directions." (p. 166)

How did the Church that Christ formed take on flavors of the Pharisees?. Here is a very small sampling of various church/denominational rules I found on their websites. I won't tell you what belongs to whom, but you may figure some of them out:

Standing versus sitting: When should you definitely stand? Always during the Gospel reading, the Little and Great Entrances, the Anaphora, the distribution of Holy Communion, whenever the priest gives a blessing, and the Dismissal. In many parishes, the Divine Liturgy books in the pew have suggested times when sitting is acceptable. Follow those instructions (it’s probably safer than to follow what the people are doing in the first couple of rows). When in doubt, stand. It is never wrong to stand in church.

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Crossing of legs: Should we cross our legs in church? No. Not because it is “wrong” to ever cross legs, but rather because it is too casual — and too relaxed — for being in church.

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Greeting a Priest or Bishop: The proper way to greet a priest or bishop is to ask his blessing and kiss his right hand? How do you do this? Approach the priest or bishop with your right hand over your left hand and say “Father (or “Master” in the case of the bishop), bless.” [He will make the sign of the cross, and place his right hand over yours.] This is much more appropriate (and traditional) than shaking their hands.

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Canon 844 (c.671 in the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches) 2. Whenever necessity requires or genuine spiritual advantage suggests, and provided that the danger of error or indifferentism is avoided, it is lawful for the faithful for whom it is physically or morally impossible to approach a Catholic minister, to receive the sacraments of penance, Eucharist, and anointing of the sick from non-Catholic ministers in whose churches these sacraments are valid.

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WHEREAS, Years of research confirm biblical warnings that alcohol use leads to physical, mental, and emotional damage (e.g., Proverbs 23:29-35); and
WHEREAS, Alcohol use has led to countless injuries and deaths on our nation's highways; and

WHEREAS, The breakup of families and homes can be directly and indirectly attributed to alcohol use by one or more members of a family; and WHEREAS, The use of alcohol as a recreational beverage has been shown to lead individuals down a path of addiction to alcohol and toward the use of other kinds of drugs, both legal and illegal; and

WHEREAS, There are some religious leaders who are now advocating the consumption of alcoholic beverages based on a misinterpretation of the doctrine of "our freedom in Christ"; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, June 13-14, 2006, express our total opposition to the manufacturing, advertising, distributing, and consuming of alcoholic beverages; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge that no one be elected to serve as a trustee or member of any entity or committee of the Southern Baptist Convention that is a user of alcoholic beverages.

RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to take an active role in supporting legislation that is intended to curb alcohol use in our communities and nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to be actively involved in educating students and adults concerning the destructive nature of alcoholic beverages; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we commend organizations and ministries that treat alcohol-related problems from a biblical perspective and promote abstinence and encourage local churches to begin and/or support such biblically-based ministries.

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There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies: "a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits.

It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as:

The taking of the name of God in vain.

The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein or by buying or selling.

Drunkenness: buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity.

Slaveholding; buying or selling slaves.

Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling.

The buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty.

The giving or taking things on usury—i.e., unlawful interest.

Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation; particularly speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers.

Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us.

Doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as:

The putting on of gold and costly apparel.

The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God.

Softness and needless self-indulgence.

Laying up treasure upon earth.

Borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.

It is expected of all who continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

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F 8 Of church bells

1. In every church and chapel there shall be provided at least one bell to ring the people to divine service.

2. No bell in any church or chapel shall be rung contrary to the direction of the minister.

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B 10 Of Morning and Evening Prayer in cathedral churches

In every cathedral church the Common Prayer shall be said or sung, distinctly, reverently, and in an audible voice, every morning and evening, and the Litany on the appointed days, the officiating ministers and others of the clergy present in choir being duly habited.

Chapter 8 - Signs of the Kingdom

Oh no! Here we go again - at least, that's what I thought at first.

The issue of Christ's miracles has been one that has been wrestled with in our modern, western Christian context for some time. While reading Drane, I thought (if only for a moment) certainly that he was going to attempt what so man have done before him - rationalize Christ's works. Although the author starts off by challenging the dismissive tendencies of many who have come before him, calling attempts to define the undefinable (given our cultural understandings) "outmoded and defensive [forms] of intellectual and cultural imperialism," (p. 140) Drane uses language that feels as though he will "hedge his bet." He then continues to say that we must "take full account of whatever evidence might be available," (Ibid.) and that "people can look at the same event and depending on their perspective, make rather different assessments of what has taken place," (Ibid.) This where I thought he was going to break out in a form of rationalism.

I'd like to pause for a brief exploration of my own thoughts on this matter. When I look at the biblical stories of the miracles of Christ, I can come to one of three conclusions (that I can think of - perhaps there are more). First, they happened and a supernatural witness has been given. My second choice would be to rationalize the details: I might say Jairus' dau

ghter wasn't really dead - she was just asleep (Jesus even said so). Then the third choice I have is to say that it's all myth - not done to hurt anyone, but unreal stories all the same. As I try to work through these three options, I can deal with two of them, but I have trouble with a third. Please don't consider me a heretic until you get to the end of this little thought of mine. Now, from a simple logic I've built into my head, I might accept that the stories are talking about supernatural occurrences. Just because I haven't experienced something does not mean that I do not believe it to be a part of the human experience. As an example, I have never been to France, yet I have no doubt it is there - I consider the testimony of others to be credible. Then, on the other hand, I could also believe that the stories are myths - tales meant to point to a good lesson, but not documenting real events in any way. I don't think for even more than...well, two minutes anyway...that the fox was really clever enough to relieve the crow of its cheese, but I still get the point relevant to my ego!

But friends, I have trouble with the notion of rationalization. Here's the thing - the proponents of rationalization say that we have to look to the times and see that they didn't have science and understanding. Somehow, our invention of the atom bomb has given us brilliant insight into how simple of mind the people of biblical times must have been - so the miracles happened, but were just unexplained science. Here's the trouble I have with this thought: leaving the wonders of science and sliced bread aside - rationalization says the human experience is so substantially different now than it was then that we are all but different beings. Check it - Jesus is said to have healed the blind, returned the dead to life, and fed many thousands of people with a pack of fun buns and a box of Highliner Fish Sticks. Now blind has always meant blind, and that means (and meant) CANNOT see. I don't think the young man outside the Temple would tell you any differently. Not since Cain, has dead meant anything but NOT ALIVE. Folks in Jesus' time knew dead when they saw it - it had been around for a while and they too had to deal with diagnosing it, and treating it. The trouble for them remains our trouble today - it's not so good to keep the dead lying around the living room (especially in the summer). Finally, my family of six does well to keep everyone happy at the table with a half a haddock and a 10 pound bag of french fried potatoes. There is NO WAY that Jesus, the disciples, and a little boy all made the mistake of seeing only two little fish and five loaves, if there was really enough food there to keep a McDonald's restaurant going for a month.

We can no more today return sight to a man or woman born blind by spitting in the mud and wiping it on their eyes than regular people could 2000 years ago. Doctors are not able to command the dead to live again anymore than they could while Jesus walked the earth. And, I can split my sandwich with you, and we'll be okay, but in a crowd of 5000 (plus wives and kids) at least 4998 are going hungry. The stories of the miracles, along with the rest of the Gospels, leave us with a decision that can't find the middle ground of rationalism. Each of us must confess they happened as supernatural facts, or refute their historicity all together.

I believe in miracles, and in demons, and in the eternal life Jesus promised - I believe in the supernatural. The Gospels document these aspects of the human experience. Now I'm stuck working through what that means for my life on this side of the grass. I want to leave you with two verses that make my heart swell - I read these few words and I am humbled, and joyous, and courageous, and filled in ways I find hard to express. John 21:24-25.