The MDiv program I am studying has a focus in Social Justice, which I love. One, because I am passionate about social justice issues, as hopefully evident in this blog. Two, because it makes the program very unique among other MDivs. Just the fact they offer this focus implies the school not only cares about social justice, but believes it is within the role of the Christian and of the Church to be involved in social justice issues.
I agree.
The two classes which I have taken so far as a part of this emphasis have mentioned a man named Walter Brueggeman. I was required to read his book, "Journey to the Common Good", in my previous class, and in my current class, I am reading some essays by him as well. Brueggeman is an Old Testament scholar and theologian and has been called "one of the most influential Bible interpreters of his time". A common thread in his teaching is to present an alternative to what the church should look like - an alternative to philosophies common in the American church, such as consumerism, capitalism, and nationalism. He calls these practices not only contra-Biblical, but also "aggressively antihuman." Whew!
Now, I am an admirer of Brueggeman, but I don't necessarily recommend his books, unless you like dense, scholarly, somewhat dry theological discussions (sorry). However, if you look up his teachings, perhaps videos on YouTube or if you have the privilege of seeing him in person, that I would recommend. In person, he is an amazingly charismatic teacher who makes Scripture come alive.
In the last essay I read, Brueggeman examines how in the Old Testament Israel confronted challenges to their faith when living within a non-believing culture. The Church in America is living in an increasingly non-believing culture (though, as I have argued previously, it is debatable whether or not this was ever a Christian nation, it is still clear the tide is turning more and more against Christian values). Therefore, there are lessons we can learn about how to maintain our faith and our traditions while surrounded by those who live differently than we do.
For one, Brueggeman notes the Israelites had intentional and rigorous discipline ... for themselves. They did not enforce those disciplines on the surrounding culture. Rather, they gathered as a community and encouraged the practices among themselves. Practices such as prayer, acts of neighborliness, worship, Scripture-reading, and following the Law.
I feel the need to re-emphasis this point. The chosen people, God's people, never enforced their rule or system of belief on others. That's significant. If people were impressed by their way of living, if they converted, there was a process to join the community and then they fell under the same Law and so forth. But outsiders were not ever held to the Jewish Law.
Secondly, the Israelites had a capacity for resistance. They resisted being influenced by the outside culture. They resisted allowing the practices which went against God's way from influencing their people. There were always certain groups of people or individuals who fought back, who spoke the Truth, who challenged the people to resist this influence.
Now, the prophets testify to the fact that they didn't always do this well. In fact, they fell many times. But then they would repent and turn back to God.
One might argue the Church in America has been tremendously influenced by the outside culture. In particular, by the things I mentioned Brueggeman stands against - consumerism, capitalism, and nationalism.
We need to repent. We need to turn back to God and His way. Like, today.
Thirdly, Brueggeman mentions that the leaders of the Israelites studied the Scriptures day and night, in order to put them into practice, model them, and lead the community correctly. Imagine if our leaders were to study with that type of intensity! Perhaps we would have fewer examples of those who have gone astray themselves, falling into sin, and those who lead their congregations far from God's way.
To Brueggeman, it is clear: to know God is to love our neighbors. To know God is to follow His ways. To know God is the root of common good. But if we allow ourselves to be swallowed up or taken over by the culture around us, the influence we think we have.... is gone.
Brueggeman says, "Divine purpose is lived out through human agents." In other words, if we want to see positive change, we must be the ones to take the first steps. To build a more positive, loving community. To cry out against injustice. To care for the least of these. To remind our brothers and sisters of what God's way is about - and what it is not.
Be the change. Be the miracle someone else is waiting for. Be all who God created you to be!
This is how change happens.
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