Hmm...deep thoughts on Empire

I am thinking a lot about Empire. Mostly the Roman Empire and its influence on the New Testament and subsequent interpretations of scripture. Was the New Testament written in part at least in part as subversive speak? I think so at least! Perhaps, that is from my own social location and desire to see the myself and my community in the scriptures.

Is it so hard to believe that Jesus was the ultimate radical, revolutionary who was preaching a reversal of the current world order. A world order that included an equitable distribution of the worlds wealth. A world order that included the voices of all in leadership.

What is so wrong with a world like that?

Why is that so threatening?

Just a rant or two before bed.

Gospel

What is gospel truth? I was flooded recently with an image I would like to forget exists but, I cannot. I was reminded of the nice church, and the nice preacher, and the nice church family I was raised in. I am also reminded of the type of prosperity that was preached. The one that taught that the faithful will be blessed with abundance, that those who give more to the church will receive more from their God. What about those who have little to begin with? What about those who cannot give more than they currently do? What about those who have the faith that can move mountains but, are still poor?

We must be careful what we preach someone might take us seriously.

Breaking the Silence

I think we all struggle with silence. Finding silence amidst the craziness of life, breaking the silence when something just must be said, being silenced without our consent or simply being unheard. It is universally sought, fought, encouraged and hoped for.

I have friends who are mothers and they would beg for even a few hours of silence. I have friends who grieve and would do anything to avoid the haunting silence of their grief. I have classmates who seek the silence of the library to gather their thoughts. I have family and neighbors who struggle with being unheard by a system that seeks to deny their voice.

I struggle with silence. Too much silence when I just can't study anymore ( I am in graduate school), too little silence when I just need some time away, the need to break the silence when I feel unheard or denied.

Perhaps silence needs balance like all things. Perhaps we can tear down those strong walls of deafening silence by telling our stories. This blog is the only story I have tell, it is my own.