Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Robertson's Rant
I am troubled right now. Pat Robertson's rantings have done nothing for the sake of the Gospel. His call to kill someone is a perfect example of why it is so distressing that so many people use religion as a political soap box. But I believe I am the one that needs some help here today, so I am going to ask this question: In Matthew 5:39, Jesus makes a difficult statement - "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil." What does Jesus mean when He says this? I am quick to admit that I do not know everything, so whatever insight you have will be deeply appreciated.
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8 comments:
Isn't this the same guy who, some years ago, proclaimed that God had told him that he was going to be the next President of the United States?
At any rate, sometimes our religiosity just seems to get in the way of God's leadership in things.
Thanks for the post.
Hello Ron,
Like you I was troubled to by the "news" reports of what Pat said. After seeing what he said in the context of his speech, I have to say I don't really disagree with what he said totally.
The BIG problem I have with it is that Pat says he's called to the "full time" ministry of the gospel, I think. I think if any one has this "calling" and they make public comments on politics, they do not serve the Gospel of Jesus as they should.
I believe when Christ was telling us to resist evil, He was talking about on a personal level and even more when some one is evil toward us because of who we are as Christians. I don't know any Christian that would resist evil when someones is threatening their family or any innocent person or persons for that matter.
Of course this only my interpretation and opinion.
Ron I tend to agree with Tim in that Jesus gave no further explanation, only to do it. I can imagine how that by resisting we actually give power to the evildoer. I suspect that if we are to do battle it should be in the high places of the heart and mind. I think Kris made a valid point as well. We have to be careful to identify the responsibility that God has appointed to government and respect the power and authority that He gave with it. While we are to be harmless and wise, government is to be a terror to evildoers. My ignorance on this particular matter prevents me from forming any opinion but honestly even if I had I would likely hold it. I have something else to render to Someone else.;-)
Tim,
Since you brought up more than what Ron said I feel like I do need to clarify my opinion. I did not intend for my thoughts on resisting an evil doer to mean that I should not obey my call to love my enemies and pray for them. Its hard to do this, that three word phrase is radical, but its what keeps our spirit open to God.
I can still pray and love the person who I have resisted trying to protect my family or my neighbor.
Ron, hello I came over from tencentsworth after seeing your comment there. I think that Robertson is way off the mark in advocating murder.
I know that many people, including Christians, realize that the government may move to protect its interests or people, however, the Word of God is quite clear on this for the true follower of Christ. The sermon on the mount is Christ's direction and basic command in living for Him by His followers. Many try to rationalize that this sermon is for the kingdom to come, but that does not ring true because that time will be one of peace with Christ in control. We are living in a world system that is controlled by Satan, but we are not to operate like the world does; Jesus said that we are not of the world, only in it,. Our weapons are not carnal, we are to love our enemies, doing good to them when they do evil to us by suffering loss of our goods or even our freedom or lives as we serve our God.
Most people will not accept such a strict and literal reading of the sermon on the mount, but look at the comparisons that Jesus made to the Old Testament way of teaching an eye for an eye and hating their enemy. These were completely reversed. Jesus also redefined lust by saying it is the thought that is just as sinful as the action itself. His words are our commands; the apostles and other disciples are never recorded as fighting for their "rights". They may have mentioned them and used certain rights of citizenship at times, but this is no more than we do today. It is far removed from fighting for our rights.
People always say, but if I do this I will lose everything or they will kill me and my family. Well, the Word says that we are considered sheep for the slaughter, but we are not to fear them that can kill the body, only Him that can kill the body AND cast the soul into Hell.
Discipleship with Christ is not always an easy choice or path. The path is narrow and the gate straight and hard for many to see. If the majority is telling us what to do, then I for one tend to look for a problem. I would rather listen to the still small voice of God and read and obey His Word.
Sorry I got so long, I have a problem in knowing when to stop. Just ask Paul. {:^)
I agree with Tim. The point the Lord was making was about peace and love. We are not to hurt those who hurt us. We are to return hate with love.
That is not to say that we are not to resist evil in general. Especially the temptations of the evil one. There is an internal struggle against evil that we are to fight.
The resistance to the internal evil and the passiveness against the external evil are not in conflict.
Consider the gentleness the Lord exhibited when He was spat upon, beaten, cursed, and worse. . .
Jeff,
Thank you for your comments. It was truly not my intent to get involved with the politcal aspect of the situation; rather, I was disturbed that a supposed man of God would advocate the killing of another human being. Whether I like it or not, there are many who consider Pat Robertson a spiritual leader. I pray that they do not focus on the man, but on the God that created the man.
Very interesting subject. I wish I had time to delve fully into all the ramifications. Just a word, here, about how we understand Jesus' teachings. We have to take the whole to understand. Just as we must take the whole of Scripture to understand Scripture. Since Jesus was speaking about our personal relationships, I believe this is what He was talking about--personal level. I do not for one second believe that God intended this type of action on a government level. (No, I'm not advocating killing leaders of countries.)
I'm talking about what we are doing in Iraq. Isaiah 58 comes to mind here.
(Thank you for stopping by my blog, Ron.)
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