God seems entirely willing to work with imperfect people, cultures, and institutions.

This episode follows on from our last one, exploring issues of human government and nation-states. There's an interesting connection with themes in a recent Ezra Klein Show podcast from the New York Times. Jesus reminded the people who were proud of being Abraham's descendents that God could make stones into children of Abraham. Maybe even some secular institutions can be used by God for his purposes. When Christ wanted to typify the sort of spiritual illness to which self-righteous religious people are susceptible, he contrasted a pharisee with agent of the state (tax collector).

Sorry for some audio quality being lower than usual this week.