My favorite song from Derek Webb's Mockingbird (video H/T Jesus Creed):
don’t teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for
don’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music
don’t teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law
i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law
don’t teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice
don’t teach me about loving my enemies
don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law
what’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid...
do not be afraid...
do not be afraid...
How are Christians different from any other aspect of your society? Isn't it the inevitable consequence of your two-party system (as Washington noted in his farewell address) that there would cease to be discussion of difference but a systematic hardening of division, well satirised by Larry David in 'curb your enthusiasm' where he just can't bring himself to sleep with a Republican. Surely then the Christian behaviour being criticised in this song has little to do with a person's faith and more to do with the structures of your society itself, if anything it is love for one another (fellow believers) that is commended and not just chucking charity at people, as the Didache insists let 'your alms sweat in your hands'. Finally as your first morning prayer has it 'when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.' So please give me a simple new law because Christ is there to empower us to not envy the sinner his fun but to have us delight in the law of God in the inward man. The song smacks of that caustic superiority of the young, thank God for age. Peace.
This is an issue that strikes to the heart of of the difficulties of the Christian faith. Relationships are inherently messy and threatening, especially when the relationship in question is one that unites humanity with a Holy God. We prefer the security and predictability of the definition offered in law to the awe and wildness of the divine.
As always, I have to appreciate God's timing because this post coincides with a post I did yesterday. Hopefully, it will not be too self promoting to share the link. http://exploringthepagus.blogspot.com