We live in a time of mass confusion. The election of 2016 has led many to the realization that their sources of information are not as reliable as they believed. This world of targeted ads and funneled media has left us in an echo chamber of our own opinions. We now wrestle with concepts like “fake news” and “alternative facts.” How are we to decipher truth from lies in this strange new world?
In the book of Matthew Jesus has advice for just this situation. He says
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes? or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
What Jesus means is that you can recognize the liars by who they are. Instead of judging a source of information by the content of its message, you should look at the character of the person or organization who is bringing you the message.
Why would Jesus say this? Because Jesus is aware that the most evil among us are going to claim to be good people, even Christians. Of course they would. It’s not like they are going to walk in and say “Hi! I’m about to screw you over.” Jesus wants to protect us from liars, by teaching us to listen to a person’s character, not their words.
This means no matter how much someone may support the positions we stand for, we should never trust them if we know they are not good people in their personal lives. This may seem obvious, but the church has failed to listen to Jesus on this one over and over throughout history. The most notable example in recent history, being the German church’s endorsement of Hitler.
How did a whole nation of Christians end up supporting one of the most evil men in history? Because people had the idea that faith and politics were not related. People believed that you had church and spirituality to deal with the afterlife, and politics to handle in the meantime. And that, while the blood of Jesus cleanses you of your sins for the after life, in this life you have to deal with politics and that means getting your hands dirty, making compromises, and working with bad people to get a good result. Jesus knows we will be tempted to think this way so he tells us “Don’t be fooled! A bad tree cannot produce good fruit.” You will never get good results by trusting an evil person.
In this time of confusion and misinformation, it is especially important that followers of Jesus pay attention to his words. Leaders will come to us asking for our support and they will claim to be Christian and they will support whatever causes we support, but if they are hateful, if they are divisive, if they are jealous, if they are prone to fits of rage, if they are narcissistic, power hungry, and self satisfied, you will know them by their fruit. They are not to be trusted. They are not to be followed.
Hey Ted,
ReplyDeleteJust saw your post of this on Facebook. I've been meaning to get in touch with you for years now.
Seems like your not a fan of Paul based on a previous post you made but 2 Corinthians 11:13,14 is relevant.
Also Regarding who is in control of this world - 1 John 5:19 and Luke 4:5,6
Hope all is well with you and your family
Dave
I am a fan of Paul. Did you read the post?
DeleteI did read it and “not a fan” is probably not the right phrase. Just seems that some of what you wrote kind of came off as backhanded compliments to me.
DeleteFor me, Paul’s letters provide vital insight into the 1st century Christian congregation and the various issues that they were facing. Things that I feel are still very much applicable to Christians today. At that time, it was an entirely new religion and they needed adjustments with their thinking. Same for us today from time to time.
Jesus only gave us, or really reiterated, two commandments (Matt 22:37-40) so if Christian’s are truly practicing those two commandments, then the “rules of Paul” should be obvious to us as they are things we would already be adhering to. But alas, we are imperfect and can be easily influenced if we are not watchful as you call out.
I’m not quite sure why you think Paul was convinced that Jesus was going to return within a generation. Could you elaborate?
The best evidence is in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. This is Paul's earliest writing that is included in the Bible. According to my NIV study Bible, there is ample evidence that it was written in AD 51.
DeleteSo it has been almost 20 years since Pentecost, and in this section Paul is addressing some Christians who are apparently concerned about people who have died, because by now there have quite a few Christians who had died, and that is not what they were expecting. They were expecting Jesus to come back and inaugurate a new kingdom in their lifetime. The fact that people were dying was a serious theological issue. What does Paul say? He doesn't say "Hey look guys, this could take thousands of years. You might all be dead before Jesus comes back." He says
"14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."
twice he refers to "We who are still alive..." It seems clear to me that he expects to be alive when Jesus returns.
But even if you don't agree that this scripture proves that Paul thought Jesus was going to return in his life time, you still demonstrate the point of my Paul was Wrong blog, which is that Paul is full of ambiguity, and without being sure of the context and reasons for his letters we can't be positive about what they mean. No other scripture leads to as much confusion as Paul. Brilliant scholars constantly draw opposite conclusions as to the meaning of Paul's words (check out different commentaries on Romans 7).
I love Paul. He is second only to Jesus in terms of his importance for the birth of Church, but like I said in the blog his writings often play the role of FAQ which is exactly what is happening here in 1 Thess 4. People prefer the FAQ because they get to set the agenda, and so you can read Paul and get lost in discussion of whether or not women should preach, or same sex couples should marry, but not so with Jesus. Jesus refuses to let anyone else set the agenda. Even on the cross, it’s His/God's agenda.
I know it sounds like I am criticizing scripture, but I am more being critical of how we approach scripture. I am going to write another blog about this called the Good News Hermeneutic. The point being we should read scripture as Christians. Our mission, which is the same as Jesus’s agenda, should inform how we understand scripture.
Ah, I see what you’re getting at.
DeleteThis would be one of the places where our beliefs differ. The short story on how JWs interpret the biblical “after-life” is most of those who have died will be resurrected to a paradise earth, returning to God’s original purpose for the earth and mankind. A few will go to Heaven that will serve as co-rulers during the 1000-year reign (144k). Pentecost was when the selection of those going to heaven began and it still goes on today, albeit ending soon. But that is for another, longer discussion…
So, for 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 the way I understand it to be is that Paul is referring to a Heavenly class of which the gathering is still going on today. So the We, is kind of like the “Royal We”. The living members who have the Heavenly hope today.
I do agree that Romans 7 can be a confusing chapter that requires quite a bit of re-reading and meditation, but for me verses 1-6 is an illustrated release from the law. Verses 7-12 speak to the sin made known by the law and 13-25 the struggle with sin, specifically Paul’s inner struggle with sin, which I find reassuring when thinking about my own struggles with various things throughout my life.
To clarify, are you saying because “Paul is full of ambiguity, and without being sure of the context and reasons for his letters we can't be positive about what they mean” that these scriptures (His letters) are not understandable and therefore should not be considered or followed by Christians? More to the point do you agree with 2 Timothy 3:16,17?
The few times I have spoken to Christians who essentially want to disavow Paul’s letters, (not saying that this is you) it boils down to them not liking how harsh they perceive 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11, (or as you also cite 1 Corinthians 14:34) especially in the secular climate of today.
You are very right that many try to use various points in the bible as distractions or ways to further their political leanings. Trumps recent comments around wanting to repeal the Johnson Amendment is especially disconcerting, which could further muddy the waters around trying to discern certain so called spiritual leaders true motivations.
Hermeneutic would be interesting. For me, understanding what some might perceive as controversial or confusing Bible passages really come down with if they are compatible with rest of the bible. Obviously, we are not under the mosaic law but we learn much about God and his like and dislikes from studying them. There are countless lessons and principals found in the old testament that are still relevant today.
You're a JW? Right on.
DeleteI just don't think Paul should be taken as seriously as Jesus is all I am saying. Yes. I agree with 2 Tim 3:16 but notice what it says and what it doesn't say. It says "All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." It says nothing of literal truth, or inerrancy, or the idea that all scripture is the same. Also Paul is referring to the Old Testament here. The New testament didn't exist yet.
Look, my issue is that people want to follow the Bible but not Jesus. That is they ignore Jesus's agenda and try to to attach his name to their agenda. Check out http://thepunkgospel.blogspot.com/2015/07/if-you-dont-share-this-you-dont-love.html
Hi Ted!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to read this, since it's just what i always thought: look at the fruits; look at the consequences of what you do to understand if something is good or not...or just try to imagine what can happen as a result of an action, to distinguish the good from the evil.
I would only make a couple of observations:
- I would not care so much about the "divisive" nature of a person, because Jesus Himself was considered blaspheme, strange and offensive by most of His contemporaries...and His actions so many times caused violent fights and clashes between people
(Luke 12, 49-57). So that is not a significant aspect of the issue in my opinion.
- Second, last and most important thing: i would not dwell on judging the person. That is God's job.
And first of all it can be misleading; because sometimes even clumsy, inelegant or rude persons may have good intentions and do good things. While in the opposite case, so often it happened that wolves in sheep's clothing have made the worst things against humanity, presenting a wonderful image of themselves and making the most refined speeches.
So in conclusion, i think that (as You said) we should focus more on the real "fruits", and less on the trees...sure, also on "the character of the person or organization who is bringing the message", right...but first of all we should look at their actions, the passed, the current and the potential future ones.
I hope You'll share with us some new reflection soon, Ted! You are one of the most inspired persons i've ever known. God bless You and your sweet family now and for ever.
Hug,
Michele
Hmmm. Good point on the divisive part, but was Jesus a troll? I'll have to think about that.
ReplyDeleteAs far as not judging people goes, I think the rules are different when someone is trying to deceive you. Jesus wants his people to recognize a liar so he tells them to look at the fruit. Is it a good tree, or is it a bad tree? Also, a false prophet is not just any liar. They are political figures, career politicians, pundits, talking heads.
I know, Ted...We live in difficult times. In my opinion politics have become only "theatrics", and there is not an acceptable option between the 2 (or more) evils...Hate and cynicism are spreading as well as selfishness, vanity, materialism and desperation, all around the world.
ReplyDeleteI don't like to seem pessimist, but i'm really having troubles searching for those good fruits around...Sad to say, but i'm starting to trust no one in my life, and only place trust in the Words of Jesus, and in those few persons (like You) that i can truly tell as enlightened by God, by Love. ...We are living through very dark times anyway.
Sorry Ted, i only wanted to make a clarification...I do not want to be misunderstood. When i wrote " even clumsy, inelegant or rude persons may have good intentions and do good things", for sure i wasn't referring to D.Trump. Obviously i don't think that he is the right person to be the President of U.S. (and same thing i think about H.Clinton).
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about the normal people, our friends, collagues, relatives...everybody. 'Cause i see that there is this dangerous trend nowadays: to feel hate against people who think differently.
I think it's the biggest mistake of all, so i just meant to say: even if we see that someone is on the other side of the fence...and even if we know that that side is just WRONG...well, i know it's difficult, but we have to try not to feel hatred for them.
I KNOW that You don't, Ted, but it's very easy for other people to give in to this temptation, so i just wanted to say "let's be careful" with these campaigns like "Christians against this"...or "Christians against that".
More than against, i think we should try to offer, propose something ELSE to our brothers and sisters (of any political faith), to make them understand that NONE of those politicians nowadays is good.
As You wrote elsewhere, if we don't oppose this system/government we are accomplices: i totally agree! We must do that. ..But i'd want to see people stop fighting each other, and direct their discontent and anger against the real culprits of the state of things. Sorry for my confused way to express myself, hope it was clear this time.
Yes. Michele. Hating each other is futile.Its almost as if someone wants us to hate each other.
ReplyDeleteWell, this is not futile; it's the most important thing for the system to keep things running...to keep us busy with divisions, fights, porn, drugs and netflix.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree, but please explain.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree, but please explain.
ReplyDeleteTed, first let me say sorry because reading my comments again, it looked like i was trolling or something, instead i had the greatest respect for You and your words (with wich i mostly agree), and i was just trying to say one thing that i'm strongly convinced of.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is this: in the current global capitalist system that has come about worldwide, power, money and the possibility of resolutions are inevitably in the hands of the rich and the powerful. Banks, multinationals, etc...but even at a lower level, power, welfare and RIGHTS first of all, are directly proportional to the money in the bank account, and to the role that one has in society.
If this thing can be even "natural" and right on the one hand, on the other hand the problem is that the mode and the ways with wich this happens is TOTALLY out of control.
I give an example: it's right that if a person takes risks and starts an activity, has projects, puts them into practice, gives job to other people, loses lot of time for a factory for instance, it's right that he gets more money that a simple workman or a cleaner. That's ok. ...But it's CRAZY that, as happened to me when i worked in a doors' factory, i saw workers get 1.200 € at month while the boss took 1 million € in that same month..! It's absurde.
But it happens because there are not rules, it's a dog eat dog world and everybody says "..well, it's always been like this! "...but this is absurde, i must repeat, because also murders, robberies, rapes always happened...but we created laws against them, and police, tribunals, prisons to protect people and punish criminals.
If we have been able to create rules against these kinds of crimes, why haven't we been able to punish also the powerful, rich ones who exploit workers? Why haven't we been able to create rules to distribute wealth equally, so that everybody could have their basic rights? Why is there hunger, people dying without a job and people working 16 hours a day..?
Now i come to the point: because politics is that kind of "police" that should set the rules against all these injustices, but they DON'T DO ANYTHING and never did anything against the rich and powerful! It's like a policeman that doesn't arrest a thief watching him stealing, or doesn't stop a murderer with a gun in his hand shooting at someone, or etc.
The system worldwide is crazily unfair, but no one ever says "ok, now let's raise the minimum wage ten times higher than the current one", or "ok, the maximum income for a manager will be ....USD", or "the maximum amount of working hours per day will be 4, so that everybody can work, and the salary will be 5 times higher than the current one".
THIS would be a regulation!...and the start of a real livable world.
Now it's a hell on earth...people can't live with their salaries, they fight with each other for jobs or to avoid dismissal...it's like a jungle.
...I will end now my too long comment (sorry again Ted):
ReplyDeletewhy is it POSSIBLE that such an unjust system has been created, developed and still thrives..?
Because we accept to vote for people that we already know, they will NOT DO anything against the state of things, on both sides. Even if the state of things is an incredible worldwide bloody mess.
And we accept it all because we are scared to lose that little something that they give us (..that "netflix" i wrote about, but also socials and videogames are similar...they are what latins called "panem et circenses"..); we content ourselves with little, miserable pleasures; we don't care about the millions who die, since we have a passable way to go on at least...and we delude ourselves thinking that it's not our fault, we blame the other side, fighting against our brothers for miserable matters...when in fact we are all to blame.
We think that we are cool using drugs or alcohol to express disgust against the system, instead we only give them what they want...a maneuverable mass of dizzy folks.
To finish this reflection, i think that only a new transversal political force could change things. And change could be reached by passive resistance to unfair laws, brotherhood and care for each other rights, union instead of fights between poors, strikes, and first of all organised boycotts of products, shows and services that are made in an unjust way, or produced to dumb people down (idiot tv shows, talents, porn, etc..). Only if we revolt to what they are doing to us, there will be a hope...because right now a very small minority in the world is playing with the other 90%, making them do whatever they want...and THINK whatever they want.