Tag: society

The Parable of the Shrewd Steward

Luke 16 contains, I think, the most difficult parable to understand.

Below is a brief explanation which I believe makes a lot of sense. This explanation is inspired by the book Social-Science Commentary of the Synoptic Gospels by Bruce J. Malina and Richard L. Rohrbaugh.

Click here to read the parable.

The first thing to know is that parables are simple stories told to teach a lesson. They are not allegories. The characters in the stories are not necessarily allegories representing other people. The master in this parable, for example, does not represent God — he is exactly what the story says he is: a rich man. The next thing to know is that 1st century Judea was an honor/shame culture. To be honored was more important than having money. The third thing to know is that most of Jesus’s audience were very poor and had a lot of debt. Therefore, this parable is about forgiveness of debt, restoration of honor, and mercy.

It’s interesting to note that the four explanations given by Luke (1. vs 8; 2. vs 9; 3. vss 10-12; 4. vs 13) do not seem to help understand the parable that much. Alas…

The steward publicly dishonored his master by squandering his wealth without his knowledge. The master had to be told by a third party what was happening, which was very embarrassing for the master. Everyone knew what was happening in his own business before he did. He was dishonored.

The master could have had the steward thrown into prison, but instead chose only to fire him. The master was merciful.

In like manner, the steward showed mercy to the debtors in hopes of gaining their favor to be able to call on them for help after being fired. This action caused the community to praise the master for his great generosity. The master’s honor was restored, and he commended the steward for that.

It ends up being a restorative situation for all: The master is more honored than ever before, the steward keeps his job, and the people receive much needed debt relief. Such is the kingdom of heaven.

The Pharisees (who heard Jesus tell this parable) were unmerciful, dishonorable, and lovers of money. What they highly esteemed was an abomination to God. (Luke 16.14-15)

😬🤡😬🤡🫡🇨🇦

From the National Post

Here is an uplifting article about Canada’s bright future…

A secret RCMP report is warning the federal government that Canada may descend into civil unrest once citizens realize the hopelessness of their economic situation.

“The coming period of recession will … accelerate the decline in living standards that the younger generations have already witnessed compared to earlier generations,” reads the report, entitled Whole-of-Government Five-Year Trends for Canada.

Click here to keep reading

Christianity is Mostly Man-made

Christianity is true. Jesus is the Son of God, who entered into His own creation as a man, who took upon Himself the sins of the world, died on the cross, and rose from the dead, defeated death and sin, and now offers eternal life with God to all those willing to except it.

There are two main things God gave to us at the beginning of Christianity: 1) The Law of Jesus Christ, which includes: A) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind; B) Love your neighbor; C) Baptize new believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; D) Do communion (which includes the bread and wine, but also the gathering together of believers); 2) The Scriptures, which are inspired by God and useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training.

Those two things, the law and the scriptures. Everything else is man-made.

How do I know the rest is man-made? Because of diversity. The Catholics believe the pope has authority over the whole Church. Non-Catholics don’t believe that. It’s a man-made idea. The Eastern Orthodox believe they are the one true Church. Non-EO don’t believe that. It’s man-made. Calvinists believe God predestined all people to either heaven or hell before they were born. Non-Calvinists don’t believe that. It too is man-made. Charismatics believe that speaking in tongues is essential for a full Christian life. Non-Charismatics disagree. Man-made. All of our doctrines, creeds, confessions, tenets, worship styles, church architecture, methods of baptism, methods of communion, calendars, church governments, theologies, etc. are man-made.

This is okay. In fact, it is necessary. Everyone needs to be able to obey the law of Jesus Christ. We all have the freedom and obligation of conscience. You think if you don’t speak in tongues you are quenching the Spirit? Then you better speak in tongues. You think disobeying the pope is the same as disobeying Jesus? Then you better obey the pope. You think praying through an icon of Jesus is necessary to reach the real Jesus? Then pray through that icon. You think drinking beer is evil? Then don’t drink it. Find the place in your world where you can worship God.

Christianity is really quite simple. Jesus (the true Israel) is our High Priest, and He cleanses us from all unrighteousness, brings us up to the Father, and fills us with His Spirit.

The rest is man-made.