Tag Archives: Caesar

Ephesians and our politicians

08 Wednesday Aug 2018

Posted by in Politics, Theology

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Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (NRSV) states:

25So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 26Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not make room for the devil. 28Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 32and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. 5:1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

This is a pretty good recipe for how to live if we claim to be followers of Christ – regardless of our calling and vocation.  Would you agree with that statement?  It’s easy to agree with that statement in a general sense isn’t it?

How do we measure up on this?  How about those in leadership positions – both in the church in the secular world?

One argument I hear lately is that we didn’t elect this or that politician to be a saint, but rather to get a job done.   The implication being that following Jesus’ way is a recipe for failure in the world.  Instead, we apparently need people who are opposite of Jesus and his way to run things.  We apparently prefer Caesar’s way to Jesus way of running the world.  Who doesn’t love a guy on a horse brandishing a sword dripping with blood after all?

Considering that Jesus’ way got him killed, there is a valid argument for that.  However, I don’t think Jesus really cared about the same things that our secular leaders do.  Jesus wasn’t interested in accumulating power or wealth.  He didn’t seem interested in making people fear him.  He didn’t care about patriotism or raising an army and crushing the enemy with military might.  He didn’t believe that the strong survive.  He certainly didn’t believe in the ends justifying the means.  He spent time with the lowest levels of society and the outcasts.

I suppose Jesus would never make a good president in America in modern times.  But then again, his agenda isn’t about what is best for the nation, but rather the unfolding of the kingdom of God.

Often when I hear arguments defending politicians for their actions or words, some questions come to mind that I like to ask.  Given what was said by a politician, would you defend the same words by a politician in the other party?  Given the actions of a politician, would you defend those same actions if someone in the other party did them?  If someone in the other political party got the same results, said the same things, acted the same way, treated people the same way, would you be defending this person the same way that you are for your favored politician currently?  Be honest.  Would you do that, or are your excuses really about loyalty to your political party and ideology over anything else.

I ask these questions because I think they relate to the Ephesians text.  This passage from Ephesians is in direct contrast to how our world operates and has operated for centuries.  This passage of Scripture, though, is radical in nature.  It showcases Jesus way against and in opposition to Caesar’s way, the empire’s way.   It comes down to this – where does our salvation lie?  In Jesus and his way, or in some politician, political party, and their ways focused on strength and the ends justifying the means?  Politicians and political parties come and go.  But Jesus is eternal.  I’ll take my chances with Jesus, thank you very much.

Who is Lord – Jesus or Caesar?

03 Tuesday Jul 2018

Posted by in Church, Theology

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Caesar became the emperor of the Roman empire – possibly one of the most successful empires the world has ever known.  It was strong militarily and economically.  It lasted for centuries.  It had major technological impacts on civilization.  It brought about order and governmental practices and ideas that the world still holds onto today.  When it fell, many other kingdoms wanted to be the torch bearers of Rome.  Yet the idea of Caesar as a type of god persisted – someone to be emulated in deed and thought.

Caesar had many titles – Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Savior of the world.  Sound familiar?

They should.  These are titles that Christians have claimed for Jesus since Jesus roamed around Palestine.  Throughout time though, humanity and even the church itself have wavered on this – gone back and forth as to who really is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and Savior of the world.  This wavering showed up in terms of ideas like divine right kings, the Crusades, Just War theory, and more.

Caesar is alive and well and has been over the centuries.  He just shows up in different places and as different leaders through time.  Caesar is a generic title for me, but has real life implications.  Caesar thrives in times of anxiety, violence, anger, and fear. Caesar’s favorite pastime is war.  Caesar’s way is the way the world embraces.

To follow Caesar means that the enemy must be crushed, that the enemy is not human and so it can be killed without mercy, that ruthlessness is a virtue, that violence is the way to victory, that the ends justify the means, that we are to pick up the sword, or gun, or any other weapon and follow Caesar, that might makes right, that the strong survive, that nature must be made to submit, that mercy is a sign of weakness, that Caesar is all-powerful.

But if we claim that Jesus is Lord, them Caesar is not.  And Caesar’s ways are wrong, evil.  They lead to death and destruction.  Jesus’ ways are far different and the world doesn’t like Jesus way.

In the Gospel reading assigned for this coming Sunday, we hear this:

He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

(Mark 6:1-6, NRSV)

The key phrase in this passage is in verse 3 – “And they took offense at him.”  The people who knew him best rejected Jesus as Lord and his way.  Why would anyone reject God’s way?  No wonder “He was amazed at their unbelief.”

If Jesus is Lord, then Caesar is not.  If Jesus is King of Kings, then Caesar is not.  If Jesus is Savior, then Caesar is not.  If this is what we claim about Jesus, then we are called to follow his way, not Caesar’s way – ever.  We are to be theologians of the cross and call the thing what it is – evil.  Caesar’s ways are evil and wrong.

If we claim to be followers of Jesus, we are claiming something that the world rejects and takes offense to.  And Caesar and his followers will lash out at those who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Caesar and his followers will attempt to crush anyone who will not take a knee in front of Caesar.  Caesar and his followers will use violence against anyone who dares to claim that Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not.  These aren’t exaggerations – Caesar has been doing this over the centuries.  Why would Caesar change now?

If we claim to be followers of Jesus, then we ask the follow questions:  pertaining to government – Is this policy assisting in the unfolding of the Kingdom of God, or the expansion of Caesar’s empire?  Is this policy Christ-like – Christ the King, ruler of the universe, or would Caesar be proud?  Pertaining to us individually – Is what I am doing or saying Christ-like or Caesar-like?  Which banner am I hoisting high in my speech and action – Jesus or Caesar?

If we claim Jesus as Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and Savior of the World, then we are to love our enemies, not kill them and crush them.  Love is the only way.  Peace is a way of living, not a destination that comes after you have eliminated your enemies.

If we claim that Jesus is Lord of Lords, then the means and the way of living matter more than the ends.

If we claim to be followers of Jesus, then we answer the call to pick up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow him.  We will turn the other cheek when we are struck, not retaliate, seek revenge, and strike back.

If we claim Jesus is Savior of the World, then we recognize that God loves the poor, the weak, the outcast, the other and calls on us to love them also and to act when there is injustice, not sit idly by and watch people suffer.

If we claim to be a part of Jesus’s Kingdom, then we will welcome the stranger in our midst, not fear them and turn away to what for many will be sure death.

If we claim Jesus as Lord, then we are stewards of creation, not those that ravage the earth in a lustful manner.

If we claim Jesus as King of Kings, then we believe that God is merciful, offers forgiveness, and that love is the only way.  These aren’t signs of weakness.  They are banners of God.

Claiming Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not is not passive.  It comes with an active faith that cajoles us out of our comfort zone and inconveniences us in ways we do not expect.  All of this doesn’t mean that sit around passively and let the world go to hell – in order to maintain a false sense of civility, which is really just comfort for the oppressor – for Caesar and his followers.  It means we are called to live in a way that is far different from the world of Caesar.  Caesar was threatened by Jesus and his way – that is why Jesus was killed by Caesar and the empire.

We speak out about injustices because God cares for those who experiences injustice and likewise we act, and we are to be with them – because their loss is our loss.

We speak out when people are dehumanized and devalued, equated with animals and bugs, because it goes against the imago dei – the image of God.  It is an assault on God’s family.

We speak out and act when there is violence – not responding with violence, but something far different.  Something that the world doesn’t understand.  We put an end to violence and the means to carry out violence.  Violence is not even an attractive option and makes no sense in the way of Jesus.

We proclaim Good News.  The world needs to hear Good News.  But many will reject this news, reject Jesus as Lord and Savior, because they are dedicated to Caesar and his ways.

Some will hear the Good News and their lives will change.  Some will reject it, preferring the path of Caesar.  So what? We aren’t called to convince everyone or make everyone comply – those ways are the ways of Caesar.  We proclaim and invite people into a new way of living.  We can’t control how people will respond.  We rejoice with those that respond and take on a new life, we weep for those that reject Jesus and his way.  And we wipe the dust from our feet from those who will not receive the Good News.  Who’s next?  There are more who need to hear the Good News, to experience Jesus transformation, and to be invited into the Kingdom of God where Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not.

Some will, some won’t, so what, who’s next.

Jesus is Lord.  Caesar is not.  Not by a long shot.  It’s not even close.

Embassy move

16 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by in Politics, Theology

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The US embassy in Israel was moved to Jerusalem on Monday.

I have a range of emotions regarding this.

I’m saddened.

I’m saddened by the move.  Those who know a thing or two about foreign policy and especially the Middle East warned that this would cause an unsettling in the region.  It’s an act of provocation that was unnecessary and potentially dangerous.

In response we saw Iran shooting missiles into Israel from their positions in Syria and Israel shooting back.

In response there were protests.  Initial reports showed that 41 people died in Gaza.  New reports have the number climbing to over 55.  That number will probably rise.  And there will most likely be other incidents that will cause more deaths and killings.

The President sent Rev. Robert Jeffress to offer the opening prayer.  He went and offered a prayer which highlighted how great Trump is.  Jeffress has been on record as saying that Jews are going to hell.  Jeffress was sent.  To Jerusalem.  Where there are a great many Jews.

I’m angry.

I’m angry about this because we have blood on our hands for an unnecessary act that brings instability from the first moment.  But our president loves instability – he’s talked about it as a strategy that he uses.  He likes to keep everyone guessing as to what he will do or say next.  That’s not a leadership strategy – that a strategy for a TV show to get more people to tune in to the next episode.

Do the 55+ people who died in protest matter?  I think it’s time we start asking some serious questions – who counts as a person nowadays?  Did they deserve to be killed because they were protesting?  If your answer is yes, they deserved it, then I ask you – what/who counts as a person?  And what rights do people, human beings, have?  Who counts as a person that deserves to have their life preserved, even in the midst of protest?  Do Palestinians count as people?  How about Muslims?  How about Arab Christians?  How about those with dark skin?  How about those that don’t speak English?  How about those that disagree with those in authority?  Do any of these people count as people?

I’m wondering.

I’m wondering when Christianity will finally acknowledge the reality that there are Christians who worship Jesus as the Savior and there are Christians who worship the Empire and Caesar as savior.

Let me be really clear here – Empire and Caesar go beyond any particular country and can be found in probably every country – Empire is the idea that the might of the nation is of prime importance.  It is the belief that salvation comes through the conquering empire – through military might, cultural dominance, and force of will.  Caesar is the idea that a human leader who is strong – almost god-like – is the savior we yearn for.  We are to worship him and thank god that god sent him, a son of god, to save us from our enemies and establish an everlasting empire that will rule with force and crush anyone in opposition.  And do it in the name of the gods.  Empire and Caesar have existed as the predominate religion of humanity for many millennia, across the world.  Even sometimes under the label of Christianity.  And it is still alive and flourishing today in many places.

Here are the prayers offered by two “christian” pastors at the event.

“We thank you, O Lord, for President Donald Trump’s courage in acknowledging to the world a truth that was established 3,000 years ago – that Jerusalem is and always shall be the eternal capital of the Jewish people,” Hagee said.

“And because of that courage of our President, we gather here today to consecrate the ground upon which the United States Embassy will stand reminding the dictators of the world that America and Israel are forever united,” he added.

(parts of the Benediction prayer offered by Rev. John Hagee)

“We want to thank you for the tremendous leadership of our great president, Donald J. Trump.  Without President Trump’s determination, resolve and courage we would not be here today,” he said.

“And I believe I speak for every one of us when I say I thank you every day that you have given us a President who boldly stands on the right side of history but more importantly stands on the right side of you, O God, when it comes to Israel,” Jeffress added.

(parts of a prayer offered by Rev. Robert Jeffress)

Is prayer about the actions of a president and his courage and action and resolve, or is prayer an acknowledgement of God’s action in the world and about what God is calling us to?  Is prayer designed to worship the god of Empire and Caesar or the God of creation?

(If you think I’m far off base here, I encourage you to read George Will’s article in the Washington Post.  Throughout the article he talks about the words used by those who serve Trump – words that sound rather religious – “humbled,” “thank you for this privilege of serving,” “the blessing of being allowed to serve.”)

I’m just grateful that these pastors didn’t attribute this move to God.  Both of these pastors are huge proponents of Rapture theology – the belief that Jesus is coming back, will sweep away the faithful in a holy escape plan, then pull out his AR-15 and start kicking ass and taking names – bringing vengeance, destruction, and death over the world.  Apparently Jesus is just an extension of the god of Empire and Caesar.

I don’t worship the same god as Hagee and Jeffress.  I don’t believe in their god and what their god stands for.  Their god is the god of Empire and Caesar.  Their god is a god of vengeance, and military might, and might makes right, and the ends justify the means, and only the strong survive.  Their god leads to death and demands bloody sacrifices along the way.  55+ people have already been sacrificed to quench the anger of their god.  But their god will never be satisfied until there is total destruction.  I reject their god.  I reject the god of Empire and Caesar.

The God I worship is a God who calls on us to die – die to self, die to the idea of the Empire and that Caesar is the savior, die to our loyalties, die to our fears and anger, die to our desire to be in control and to know, die to might makes right and that the ends justify the means.  Jesus calls us to pick up our cross and follow him – to die to these things.  We die to these so that we can experience resurrection – new life, transformed life.  I worship a God who is love.  A God who weeps often because of the world and its sick adherence to Empire, Caesar, and Death.  I worship a God who accompanies and calls on us to accompany the outcast, the poor, the weak, those out of power.  I worship a God who does not delight in death and destruction, provocation, and war.  I worship a God who tells us that the world will be conquered by faith and love.  (1 John 5:4)  I worship a God who sends his actual Son into the world to save us from the world not through an divine escape plan, but rather through transformation and renewal.  Not by force and might.  But through Faith and love.  This is the God I worship and serve.  Who do you serve and worship?