Bishop Emeritus Dave's sermon today on "LDR Underground Christian Radio" reminded me of the answers the group gave. And one response to
the question "Is Christianity subversive?" is to ask "Are you defining
Christianity as following Jesus, being part of the church, or both?"
The
church is institutional. Institutions are established to consolidate
and hold onto hierarchical power. Jesus answers Pilate's question about
whether he is a king by responding "You say I am." He is not going to be trapped by talking about chain of command power. In the
Lord's Prayer, Jesus prays that the power of established systems or
institutions may give way to the kingdom of God.
Jesus
hints at a different understanding of earthly hierarchies. And Dave's sermon today where he talked about his father pointing out there were two types of authority in the world reminded me of that inherent duality. There is the authority that comes from above that is on your sleeve (his father said this because he was a WW2 veteran) and there is the other kind that comes from below where personal integrity is recognized
Another answer for me is contained in a Buddhist story.
A comfort-loving student named Sona was making efforts to become physically and mentally vigorous. He seemed unsuccessful so the thought came to him: “My family is wealthy;perhaps I can enjoy my riches and yet do good. What if I were to give up the training and return to a rich but worthy life?”
A comfort-loving student named Sona was making efforts to become physically and mentally vigorous. He seemed unsuccessful so the thought came to him: “My family is wealthy;perhaps I can enjoy my riches and yet do good. What if I were to give up the training and return to a rich but worthy life?”
The Buddha understood what
Sona was thinking and said to him, “Sona, were you not skillful at
playing the lute when you were a layman?”
“Yes, I was,” replied Sona.
“And what do you think, Sona, is it possible to play in tune when the lute was overstrung?” asked the Buddha
“No, indeed not. The strings could snap if too tightened,” replied Sona.
“And what do you think, Sona, suppose the strings were slackened and became too slack. Could you play then?” the Buddha asked
“Again, no. Without any tension,the strings could not produce any tones” Sona answered.
“But
when they were neither overtightened nor too slack, but keyed to the
middle, not too tight and not too loose, then could you play
harmoniously?” the Buddha asked.
“Certainly!” responded Sona
“Then,
Sona, take heed that when effort is too strenuous it leads to mental
and physical strain and when too slack to laziness and dullness. So,
please make a firm determination that you will adopt the middle way, not
allowing yourself to struggle or to slacken, but recognizing that
confidence, energy, mindfulness, concentration and wisdom are the fruits
of a calm and equable middle way” the Buddha exhorted.
---Theragathe
One of Christianity's great strengths may be that it is both subversive and not at the same time - a middle way. And, as Dave points out, Jesus not only walks his talk. He also rocks his walk. A beautiful way of saying something more happens with Jesus. Something more than walking his talk. Something beyond living his life by principles he preaches. He helps and heals people and becomes known for this.
Is subversiveness something to be feared or admired? Many Americans may have a different response after this last January 6th insurgency.
Change can be freeing and frightening. Can we rise to the challenge?
Thanks for the shout out, Gary - and great post. I love the word "subversive". It's the verse below the verse, right? The submerged words fighting to be heard. The underlying story which, for me and people of faith I think, is a story of love and empowerment and value. My answer to the question of whether Christianity is "subversive" or not is, "It better be!!" - Peace!
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