Paradoxology July 29, 2011
Posted by Dan R. Dick in Christian discipleship, Christian witness, Core Values, Integrity, U.S. Culture.Tags: Christian Community, Christian discipleship, hypocrisy, Mission & Purpose, Values
9 comments
Praise God from whom all blessings flow… But who deserves such blessing? The poor? Immigrants (especially those illegal ones!)? The sick (who can’t afford health care)? Anyone who disagrees with me on any of my core beliefs? There is a weird paradox at work when it comes to our views on who should be blessed by God. Those believing blessings are for all get labeled liberal, generally of the bleeding-heart variety. Those believing that blessings are a reward for right belief in behavior are horrified at the idea that from those who have much, much will be expected. We have even aligned our political postures and polemics around such differences of opinion. And should such conversations have financial implications — watch out. Many who have no problem with bread for the poor are fine as long as it isn’t their bread we’re talking about. Yet, when we speak in the broadest, most abstract terms, most people wish everyone in the world could know peace, justice, comfort, and security. Where does it all break down?
