Discussion
Re: Christianity in 2010: Who cares?
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Hi Joe
Good to write another exchange on these matters however, ambiguity deserves clarity. Contextually, Matthew 5:17-20 is not about following the Law of Moses it is about Jesus fulfilling that law. In fact Jesus is saying it is impossible to keep all the laws of Moses and the teaching is about following him not the law. In like manner, Luke 10:17-20 is about Jesus sending out the 72 not as you suggest, a quote related the sufficiency of loving God and your neighbour.Dividing the Law, Jesus, and Paul misses the mark. Christians accept that Jesus fulfilled the law and was, in fact, the final sacrifice. Paul consistently points his readers back to the person, life, work, and redemptive acts of Jesus. Christians look to Jesus to find the best understanding of God they can discern. And yes, Christians miss the mark frequently. That is what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 5:17-20. He invites the first hearers and subsequent readers to consider his words and who he is.
As for the trivial question of Jesus’ divinity, that deserves a deeper consideration. Scholars for centuries have engaged that debate and concluded this matters is far from trivial. Jesus’ divinity is the heart of a global religion and although mistakes have been made by many – as with any world view - great weight has to be given on the tremendous sacrifice and charitable work of countless Christians who base their motive upon the divinity of Christ. Your choice to not be a Christian can never be forced to the contrary but in fairness to the argument, understanding the context of Scripture is absolutely necessary for clarity.
Love to chat further
Jack
– Jack Duckworth in Winnipeg | March 7th 2010 at 3:54pm | Link
