Patriotism, Love, and Allegiance
July 4th Weekend. Time for reflection on the relation of our faith to nation, power, politics, justice, cultural values, etc. Important ongoing discussion for U.S. Next Week some are traveling to Washington - "Worship in a spirit of Justice."
How does our faith relate to political power in a pluralistic society of private faith? Two pictures from the early church in the midst of the Roman empire. Not the same as ancient Israel (covenant with God), nor as participatory America with sovereign people and separation of secular state from religion.
Paul — the Authorities as Servants of God
Romans 13:1-7. Very influential in history, not always good — Interpreted to mean the divine right of kings or that the status quo is approved by God.
Written by a man whose back was bloodied by Roman rods; who focused on the cross. Paul knew the evils of the Roman empire. Why write this? How do Christians live by their own fundamental values within the power structures of a hostile world?
Realization of God’s sovereignty and universality. God is over everything and working everywhere, not just in the church but in society, even thoroughly pagan society. The Roman empire claimed to be led by "Divine Emperors" but they are simply subordinate servants of God with specific task to promote good and punish wrong.
Christians should expect that of them: Do good; avoid wrong; give what is due: taxes, respect (as expression of love); but never primary allegiance, divine honor. Implied in Paul’s words: The authorities are not us. We have no power to affect them.
God has expectations of them as his servants and will judge them.
John in Revelation — Fallen is Babylon the Great!
John’s vision expresses God’s judgment on Rome: "the great city which has dominion over the kings of the earth" (Rev 17:18) seen as a great harlot empowered by Satan and drunk with "the blood of the martyrs of Jesus." She corrupts others by her power and wealth. She thinks herself invulnerable because of her military power and control of governments and economies (kings and merchants), but God judges.
John’s vision is not just foretelling the fall of Rome, but giving Christians a vision of God’s judgment on corrupt, oppressive, exploitative human power that fails as God’s servant.
In US today, no sovereign emperor, divine king; but a sovereign people. We all become involved in the "governing authorities" - faithful servant or Babylon the oppressor.
Use power for good: justice, fairness, peace, life; against poverty, violence, oppression. Open, fair debate; respect for all people. No theocracy, but active participation.
