Those of us who identified as “peace and justice evangelicals” in the 1970s and 1980s always struggled with Paul’s writings. A superficial reading of his work, especially the pastoral letters that I’m reading through now, makes it appear that he supported slavery, thought women should be “seen and not heard” and “barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen” (an old phrase I heard as a youth from somewhere), supported corrupt governments, and more.
My views began to change with deeper reading of his works led by some eminent thinkers and theologians. But even moreso as I contemplate on the two letters of Timothy, Titus and Philemon.
Model of a cool church
In these letters Paul describes a lot about what a “cool” church would look like. What a model of Christian leaders would look like. And then in Philemon, where he describes a relationship.
Philemon was a well-to-do Christian who owned slaves. One of his slaves “escaped” and lived with Paul for some time. The time came for Onesimus to leave Paul and return home. Paul writes a personal letter. The arguments are pretty cagey. But it’s the relationship that is interesting.
The Real Revolution
The real revolution wasn’t in Paul and the early church directly attacking the foundation institutions of the dominant culture–family relationships, economic relationships including slavery, and the like. The real revolution was in how we treat each other. It all starts within the person.
Read Philemon to see what the relationship between a master and slave could be. Not tyrant to subject; but fellow Christians working together. Each had a role, but the power dynamics of the roles were undone.
Jesus didn’t teach a single course on organizational dynamics that I recall. Jesus also knew the power of changing people one at a time.
The real revolution doesn’t come with weapons, hatred, power relationships. The real revolution is within me, and you, and everyone. We change people and then we change society.
Look at the changes in society led by Christians. Abolishing slavery. An equal role for women (OK, there are still some place that need change, but change does come painfully slowly). Better justice (although we still have a long way to go). Reducing insidious racism. Health advances available to more people. Feeding people. Caring for people.
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