A significant difference along the theological spectrum is the basis upon which all interpretation is founded. On the progressive side, the spirit of the Law is the guiding ethic, while on the more traditional line, the letter of the Law guides. Progressives look to the larger intention, traditionalists to the specifics. A modern parallel would be the relationship we have today between justice and law. Human beings create laws to ensure justice. However, when laws are misused or manipulated, law displaces justice. There is widespread distrust of our legal and law enforcement systems because we see ways they so often result in anything but justice.

This is the progressive and moderate view of its disagreement with the more conservative side. God’s justice is always the determinant factor in following scriptural laws and instructions. Human beings have evolved in their ethics to believe slavery is wrong, no matter what the Bible says; child abuse is wrong, no matter what the Bible says; rape and pillage is wrong, no matter what the Bible says; and cheeseburgers and pizza, shrimp, and pulled pork barbecue are all good, no matter what the Bible says. All of the laws in scripture have served a specific purpose in context, but contexts change so different laws are needed. Justice depends on the application of appropriate laws in appropriate contexts. Jesus and Paul understood this really well.

What is the ethical basis for justice over law in our Christian faith? From my perspective it is contained in Genesis and writings attributed to a pair of Johns. God’s creation, including human beings, is good. God is love; does not just love as a verb, but is love as a super-noun and a fundamental identity. And from this wellspring of infinite and unconditional love, God so loved the good, wide, whole world God created, that God extended an unmerited and underserved grace to redeem and reclaim all who will accept and commit to it. If there are parts of creation that God will judge and reject, that is up to God. It is not our place to search for laws, instructions, institutes, and exceptions by which we can play God and choose law over justice and grace.

I cannot reconcile the concept of God as love who judges us not on the basis of our heart of hearts, but on the human prejudices and peculiarities that looks for reasons to reject, judge, condemn, punish, hate, and hurt other children of God on this journey through life. Christianity is not a club we belong to or a home owners association chomping at the bit to find and fine violations. It is a gift to us from God that allows us to take our place in the body of Christ to serve together in unity as the incarnation of the living Messiah, guided, strengthened, and energized by God’s Holy Spirit. Why don’t we want everyone to find a place in Christ’s body? Why do we spend so much time trying to figure out ways to exclude people instead of seeking ways to connect?

What I personally find confusing about the worldview/churchview of my more right-leaning siblings is the sliding scale I se applied. I have a longtime colleague who was religiously and righteously offended by the immorality of Bill Clinton when he was president, who told me as Christians we must be more forgiving and accepting when I asked how he could reconcile the transgressions of Donald Trump. He explained to me, “You can’t even compare these cases. One is a holy man, the other is not.” I agree that we need to be forgiving, but with accountability and consistency. I don’t see Christians values, moral, and ethics driving our political choices these days. I see political proclivities shaping what we call Christian – on all sides. 

I believe that an ethic of God’s love, an affirmation of the goodness of God’s creation, and the very socially-conscious teachings of Jesus Christ, should impact our political decisions. I do not think our politics should in any way, shape, or form become modifiers to God’s justice, work, and will.

Next time: Methics 101 – Respect for Scripture and the Word of God