In our human realm of knowledge, wisdom, and ideas, where we
converse, agree, disagree, argue, and so on, what is the role of charity,
humility, love, and justice? How is it possible to hold firm to something and
yet also be charitable to other points of view, or even be open to the
possibility of having one’s own opinion changed? Is intellectual charity even
an option when we’re trying to proclaim gospel
truth, the truth of good news for the world?
I think often of the Biblical prophets, Jesus included. No
holds barred, they unleashed the gospel truth which condemned their own nation
of idolatry, narcissism, and oppression, while also proclaiming good news to
the poor, sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed. There wasn’t exactly a
polite conversation which took place (though I suppose it’s likely that the
oppressors to whom the prophets were preaching wouldn’t listen to either a
level tone of voice or a shrieking
cry). When you’re passionate for the good news of justice, you don’t worry
about calling the problem perpetuators hypocrites (Jesus), cows (Amos), or
whores (Isaiah and others).
There are two particular scenarios in which I struggle to discern
how the proclamation of gospel truth in the vein of the prophets might be
worked out. The first is in the political sphere, where there is a certain
understanding of the left and right spectrum. The second is where I currently
spend a lot of my time: a graduate philosophy classroom. I’ll focus on the
first.
What does the Biblical good news say into contemporary politics,
and how can anyone, Christian or not, cry for justice? I think the main reason
I started writing this post is to say this one thing: whatever you think of the
other side of the political spectrum from where you happen to be standing, don’t
be arrogant, mocking, or spiteful. Don’t cover up your own insecurities by
adopting a position of superiority. Chanel that energy in a different way. Face
yourself, take yourself less seriously, and surrender your self before God.
I know that there are
people and systems who need to be screamed at in an energized and prophetic
manner. They are hypocrites, cows,
and whores who probably need some of that name calling to jolt them out of the
self-secured sanctuary of greed, lust, and gluttony. But arrogantly mocking
everyone who doesn’t agree with your particular understanding of politics and
justice is hardly a prophetic call towards
justice. I should be clear: I am thinking primarily of some of those on the
political left who criticize the right. I personally have largely left-leaning tendencies
and am convinced by a lot of critiques of capitalism and the free-market. But the
prophetic cry for justice is only genuine if it comes from a soul who is naked
before God. There is then no need to assert one’s own intellectual or ethical
superiority.
Anyone who shakes their head in personal disgust at their political opponents has given up their
right to criticize. Rid yourself of any negative energy that pushes you towards
criticism out of malice or arrogance. Criticize and energize in the knowledge
of your own insignificance before God.
Then you won’t shake your head in personal disgust, but you’ll run naked
through the streets screaming for justice because you’re naked before God. You’ll
be at peace with yourself before God and thus not able to handle the injustices
which arise from the rest of the world not being itself before God.
Spend some time naked before God. Then see
what political criticism looks like.
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