Part 12 (2/2)

1 For information on this ministry, go to For information on this ministry, go to goodnewstour.com goodnewstour.com.

CHAPTER 8: THE REVOLT AGAINST VIOLENCE.

1 This event is depicted in the award-winning French film This event is depicted in the award-winning French film Joyeux Noel Joyeux Noel and thoroughly discussed in Stanley Weintraub, and thoroughly discussed in Stanley Weintraub, Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce (New York: Plume, 2002). (New York: Plume, 2002). 2 2Raca was an expression used to call someone ”worthless.” was an expression used to call someone ”worthless.”3 Something similar could be said of Jesus' command to offer one's coat to anyone who demands your coat and going the extra mile when someone forces you to go one. See Walter Wink, Something similar could be said of Jesus' command to offer one's coat to anyone who demands your coat and going the extra mile when someone forces you to go one. See Walter Wink, Engaging the Powers Engaging the Powers (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1992), 175 84. (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1992), 175 84. 4 4 s.p.a.ce doesn't permit delving into the th.o.r.n.y issue of how to reconcile the Old and New Testaments on the issue of how to respond to enemies. For several perspectives, see C. S. Cowles, E. M. Merrill, D. L. Gard, T. Longman III, in S s.p.a.ce doesn't permit delving into the th.o.r.n.y issue of how to reconcile the Old and New Testaments on the issue of how to respond to enemies. For several perspectives, see C. S. Cowles, E. M. Merrill, D. L. Gard, T. Longman III, in Show Them NO Mercy: Four Views on G.o.d and Canaanite Genocide (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003); P. Craigie, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003); P. Craigie, The Problem of War in the Old Testamen The Problem of War in the Old Testament (Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2002 [1978]); V. Eller, War and Peace: From Genesis to Revelation War and Peace: From Genesis to Revelation (Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2003 [1981]). Right now I would simply emphasize that Christians are called to base their view of G.o.d and their lifestyle on Jesus, not the Old Testament. (Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2003 [1981]). Right now I would simply emphasize that Christians are called to base their view of G.o.d and their lifestyle on Jesus, not the Old Testament.

CHAPTER 10: THE REVOLT AGAINST RACISM.

1 I continue to speak of ”race” and ”racial reconciliation” only because this is how most people continue to speak, and it's therefore the most effective way of identifying the issues that need to be confronted. I continue to speak of ”race” and ”racial reconciliation” only because this is how most people continue to speak, and it's therefore the most effective way of identifying the issues that need to be confronted. 2 2 For example, Luke 9:52 54; 10:30 37; 17:11 19; John 4. For example, Luke 9:52 54; 10:30 37; 17:11 19; John 4. 3 3 I apologize to my non-American readers for my restricted focus at this point. But racial dynamics differ significantly from country to country and are highly complex. I can only speak with confidence about the specifics of the race dynamics in my own country. I apologize to my non-American readers for my restricted focus at this point. But racial dynamics differ significantly from country to country and are highly complex. I can only speak with confidence about the specifics of the race dynamics in my own country.

CHAPTER 11: THE REVOLT AGAINST POVERTY AND GREED.

1 Ronald J. Sider, Ronald J. Sider, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity (Nashville: Nelson, 2005), 24 25. (Nashville: Nelson, 2005), 24 25.

CHAPTER 12: THE REVOLT AGAINST THE ABUSE OF CREATION.

1 I know it's heresy to many to even raise this possibility, but there are actually some interesting (though mostly ignored) arguments calling this into question. See, for example, Bjorn Lomborg, I know it's heresy to many to even raise this possibility, but there are actually some interesting (though mostly ignored) arguments calling this into question. See, for example, Bjorn Lomborg, Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist's Guide to Global Warming Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist's Guide to Global Warming (New York: Knopf, 2007); Patrick J. Michaels, ed. (New York: Knopf, 2007); Patrick J. Michaels, ed. Shattered Consensus: The True State of Global Warming Shattered Consensus: The True State of Global Warming (New York: Row-man and Littlefield, 2005); S. Fred Singer and Dennis T. Avery, (New York: Row-man and Littlefield, 2005); S. Fred Singer and Dennis T. Avery, Unstoppable Global Warming-Every 1 Unstoppable Global Warming-Every 1,500 Years (New York: Rowman and Littlefield, 2007). For my part, I'm not convinced either way. (New York: Rowman and Littlefield, 2007). For my part, I'm not convinced either way. 2 2 There's a number of ways to reconcile this biblical teaching with the scientific evidence of millions of years of violence in creation leading up to the creation of humans. See, for example, Gregory A. Boyd, There's a number of ways to reconcile this biblical teaching with the scientific evidence of millions of years of violence in creation leading up to the creation of humans. See, for example, Gregory A. Boyd, Satan and the Problem of Evil: Developing a Trinitarian Warfare Theodicy Satan and the Problem of Evil: Developing a Trinitarian Warfare Theodicy (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 2001) 293 318; and ”Evolution as Cosmic Warfare: A Biblical Perspective on 'Natural' Evil,” in Thomas J. Oord, ed., (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 2001) 293 318; and ”Evolution as Cosmic Warfare: A Biblical Perspective on 'Natural' Evil,” in Thomas J. Oord, ed., Creation Made Free: Open Theology Engaging Science Creation Made Free: Open Theology Engaging Science (Eugene, Ore.: Wipf and Stock, 2009). (Eugene, Ore.: Wipf and Stock, 2009). 3 3 I go into much greater depth on this in an essay ent.i.tled ”Satan and the Corruption of Nature: Seven Arguments” at I go into much greater depth on this in an essay ent.i.tled ”Satan and the Corruption of Nature: Seven Arguments” at gregboyd.org/essays/apologetics /problem-of-evil/satan-and-the-corruption-of-nature-seven-arguments/ gregboyd.org/essays/apologetics /problem-of-evil/satan-and-the-corruption-of-nature-seven-arguments/, and Satan and the Problem of Evil Satan and the Problem of Evil, 242 318. 4 4 See Boyd, See Boyd, G.o.d at War G.o.d at War, 182 8 4 ; E . Yamauchi , ” Magic or Miracle? Diseases, Demons and Exorcisms,” in The Miracles of Jesus The Miracles of Jesus, eds. D. Wenham and C. Blomberg, (Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1986), 90 93; P. Davids, ”Sickness and Suffering in the New Testament,” in Wrestling with Dark Angels Wrestling with Dark Angels, ed. C. P. Wagner and F. Pennoyer (Ventura: Regal, 1990), 215 17; and J. Kallas, The Significance of the Synoptic Miracles The Significance of the Synoptic Miracles (Greenwich, Conn: Seabury, 1961). (Greenwich, Conn: Seabury, 1961). 5 5 Alfred Lord Tennyson, ”In Memoriam,” LVI, in Christopher Ricks, ed., Alfred Lord Tennyson, ”In Memoriam,” LVI, in Christopher Ricks, ed., The New Oxford Book of Victorian Verse The New Oxford Book of Victorian Verse (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987), 27. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987), 27. 6 6 See, for example, Richard Dawkins, See, for example, Richard Dawkins, The Devil's Chaplain: Reflections on Hope, Lies, Science and Love The Devil's Chaplain: Reflections on Hope, Lies, Science and Love (New York: Mariner, 2005). For a more in depth discussion of natural evil and various responses to it, see Boyd, (New York: Mariner, 2005). For a more in depth discussion of natural evil and various responses to it, see Boyd, Satan and the Problem of Evil Satan and the Problem of Evil, chapters 8 10. 7 7 Howard Bloom, Howard Bloom, The Lucifer Principle: A Scientific Expedition into the Forces of History The Lucifer Principle: A Scientific Expedition into the Forces of History (New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1995), 2. (New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1995), 2. 8 8 See Boyd, See Boyd, Satan and the Problem of Evil Satan and the Problem of Evil, 39 49, 294 95. 9 9 This doesn't mean he wasn't This doesn't mean he wasn't also also symbolizing the impending judgment of Israel, as commentators uniformly hold. symbolizing the impending judgment of Israel, as commentators uniformly hold. 10 10 For a fuller discussion, see Boyd, For a fuller discussion, see Boyd, G.o.d at War G.o.d at War, 205 13. 11 11 For an introduction, I strongly encourage readers to view the film For an introduction, I strongly encourage readers to view the film From Farm to Fridge From Farm to Fridge ( (chooseveg.com/animal-cruelty.asp). Other informative exposes on factory farms are We Are Awake We Are Awake ( weareawake.ning.com/video); ( weareawake.ning.com/video); Factory Farming Campaign Factory Farming Campaign ( mendations, see ( mendations, see gregboyd.org gregboyd.org.

CHAPTER 13: THE REVOLT AGAINST THE ABUSE OF s.e.x.

1 There is much debate over Jesus' exception clause in Matthew 19:9 (”...anyone who divorces his wife, except for s.e.xual immorality”). I'm most persuaded by those arguments that suggest that the exception clause refers to the betrothal period in which a man and woman were There is much debate over Jesus' exception clause in Matthew 19:9 (”...anyone who divorces his wife, except for s.e.xual immorality”). I'm most persuaded by those arguments that suggest that the exception clause refers to the betrothal period in which a man and woman were legally legally married but had not yet become ”one flesh.” See J. Wenham and W. E. Heth, married but had not yet become ”one flesh.” See J. Wenham and W. E. Heth, Jesus and Divorce Jesus and Divorce (Nashville: Nelson, 1985) 169 78. There's also much debate over what Jesus means when he says a divorced man who marries another woman ”commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). In my view, Jesus was again confronting self-righteousness att.i.tudes by reminding his audience of G.o.d's ideal for people to have a single, lifelong ”one flesh” relations.h.i.+p. Even (Nashville: Nelson, 1985) 169 78. There's also much debate over what Jesus means when he says a divorced man who marries another woman ”commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). In my view, Jesus was again confronting self-righteousness att.i.tudes by reminding his audience of G.o.d's ideal for people to have a single, lifelong ”one flesh” relations.h.i.+p. Even thinking about thinking about s.e.xual activity outside of this ideal technically const.i.tutes ”adultery” (Matthew 5:28). But Jesus wasn't thereby revoking the Old Testament's permission to get remarried. Indeed, Jesus seems to s.e.xual activity outside of this ideal technically const.i.tutes ”adultery” (Matthew 5:28). But Jesus wasn't thereby revoking the Old Testament's permission to get remarried. Indeed, Jesus seems to a.s.sume a.s.sume that a divorced woman will get remarried, despite the fact that it falls short of G.o.d's ideal (Matthew 5:32). that a divorced woman will get remarried, despite the fact that it falls short of G.o.d's ideal (Matthew 5:32). 2 2 See Deuteronomy 22:13 17, for example. See Deuteronomy 22:13 17, for example.

CHAPTER 14: THE REVOLT AGAINST SECULARISM.

1 Though, interestingly enough, there is evidence the Western worldview is beginning to change. The last several decades have witnessed an explosion of interest in Eastern and pagan religions as well as the occult. This is generally referred to as ”the New Age Movement.” Though, interestingly enough, there is evidence the Western worldview is beginning to change. The last several decades have witnessed an explosion of interest in Eastern and pagan religions as well as the occult. This is generally referred to as ”the New Age Movement.” 2 2 Brother Lawrence, Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of G.o.d The Practice of the Presence of G.o.d ( New Kensington, Penn.: Whitaker, 1982). ( New Kensington, Penn.: Whitaker, 1982). 3 3 If you'd like to explore the practice of the presence of G.o.d in more depth, see my forthcoming book, If you'd like to explore the practice of the presence of G.o.d in more depth, see my forthcoming book, This Sacred Moment: Reflections on Practicing the Presence of G.o.d This Sacred Moment: Reflections on Practicing the Presence of G.o.d (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009). (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009).

WHAT CAN WE DO? AN ACTION GUIDE.

1 On the practice of resting in Christ, see G. Boyd, On the practice of resting in Christ, see G. Boyd, Seeing Is Believing: The Transforming Power of Imaginative Prayer Seeing Is Believing: The Transforming Power of Imaginative Prayer (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004). (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004). 2 2 By the way, you will find you are much better at discussing theological ”hot topics” with others in a calm, loving manner when you are freed of religious idolatry. Religious (as well as political) debates become acrimonious primarily because some element of the person's core worth or security is being leveraged on the outcome. By the way, you will find you are much better at discussing theological ”hot topics” with others in a calm, loving manner when you are freed of religious idolatry. Religious (as well as political) debates become acrimonious primarily because some element of the person's core worth or security is being leveraged on the outcome. 3 3 Wink, Wink, Engaging the Powers Engaging the Powers, 317. 4 4 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: A Discussion of Christian Fellows.h.i.+p Life Together: A Discussion of Christian Fellows.h.i.+p (New York: HarperCollins, 1954), 110 22. (New York: HarperCollins, 1954), 110 22. 5 5 For example, Romans 4:7; Colossians 2:13 15; Hebrews 10:18. For example, Romans 4:7; Colossians 2:13 15; Hebrews 10:18. 6 6 For a profound a.n.a.lysis on how autonomous individualism came to define American culture as well as on how it is now destroying American culture, see Wendell Berry, For a profound a.n.a.lysis on how autonomous individualism came to define American culture as well as on how it is now destroying American culture, see Wendell Berry, s.e.x s.e.x, Economy Economy, Community and Freedom: Eight Essays Community and Freedom: Eight Essays (New York: Pantheon, 1992). (New York: Pantheon, 1992).

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