Christian Life 30 - On Christian Behavior
I think I'm down to two readers. I may well lose them with this post.
I've spent the last year examining the difference between Eastern and Western ideology and specifically how the Westernization of Christianity has been more detrimental than beneficial to the faith. However, I've yet to deep-dive into the distinction. Let me finally correct that oversight. Throughout this dissertation, my Bible quotes will come from the Moffatt translation, partly because I love Prof. Moffatt's work, but mostly because it was the translation that my finger fell on when I reached onto my Bible shelf to research this piece.
Virtually all Eastern belief systems - and also Western, in as far as it goes - agree on certain fundamental moral principles. We have previously examined the tenets of Buddhism's Eightfold Path and their striking resemblance to Judaism's Ten Commandments. Just as notable is how these beliefs are echoed in the Ten Precepts of Daoism: be kind, be pure, be straightforward, be moderate, be respectful, be equanimous, be withdrawn, be altruistic, don't harbor hatred. Contrary to Western belief, Confucius did not actually found a religion, but referred to classic Chinese literature to divine ethical behavior (called ren) that includes such concepts as respect, altruism and humility. The Hindu code of ethics emphasizes truth, right conduct, love, peace and non-violence. In examining these various belief systems and noting their many similarities, C.S. Lewis decided to call the whole of common Eastern ethics by the Chinese word Tao.
What does any of this have to do with Christianity? We must remember that, for the first 300 years of its existence, Christianity was also an Eastern religion. Early Christians - indeed, Christ himself - would have been familiar with the Tao. It was no coincidence that Jesus began his ministry in Capernaum. This little fishing village sat at the intersection of the Way of the Sea - the main Roman highway that extended from Rome to Egypt - and the Silk Road coming into the empire from the Orient. It was known as much for its trade as for its fish. And, of course, whenever there is the exchange of goods there is also the exchange of ideas.
Within the context of Eastern ideologies, Christians were most noted for taking the concepts of the Tao to an entirely new level, one considered preposterous by many of their peers (and many of us today, as we shall see). Whereas Confucius admonished his followers that "what you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others," Jesus turned it around and made it even more forceful with "whatever you would have men do to you, do just the same to them." (Matt. 7:12) Even as the Judaic Law - borrowing heavily from Hammurabi - says, "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," Jesus counters with "whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well." (Matt. 5:39) In regards to personal morality, Jesus told his followers "You have heard it said 'do not commit adultery,' but I say to you, anyone who even looks with lust at a woman has committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matt. 5:28-29)
The most striking distinction of Christianity in the ancient world comes in the area of forgiveness. Stoics did not believe in forgiveness at all; they believed it thwarted justice. The Roman goddess Clementia presided over anger management, but in her system the concept of forgiveness is confined to rulers toward commoners or among military personnel. The Torah, the Mishnah and the Talmud - the Bible used by Jesus and his disciples - says virtually nothing about interpersonal forgiveness, although there are numerous stories of Divine forgiveness. Rabbinic tradition holds that one should forgive a slight or injustice up to 3 times (Amos 1). So, when Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive his neighbor (Matt. 18:21-22), he no doubt thought that his guess of seven times was being incredibly generous. But Jesus answers that he should forgive "Seven times? I say seventy times seven!"
Again following the example set by Jesus, Christians are expected to live in abject humility. Of himself, Jesus said "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find your souls refreshed; my yoke is kindly and my burden light." (Matt. 11:29-30) Of Jesus, the writer of Peter's first epistle said "He was reviled and he made no retort, he suffered and he never threatened, but left everything to Him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:23) Christians, too, are then called to be perfectly humble. "They must be obedient, they must be ready for any good work, they must abuse no one, they must not quarrel, but be conciliatory, displaying perfect gentleness to all men." (Titus 3:1-2) They should "do honor to all, love the brotherhood, reverence God...be submissive to your masters with perfect respect, not simply to those who are kind and reasonable, but to the surly as well." (1 Peter 2:17-18) This gentleness is to know no bounds, even in disagreement, even at the threat of death: "Even supposing you have to suffer for the sake of what is right, still you are blessed. Have no fear of their threats, never let that trouble you, but reverence Christ as Lord in your own hearts. Always be ready with a reply for anyone who calls you to account for the hope you cherish, but answer gently and with a sense of reverence; and see that you have a clean conscience, so that, for all their slander of you, these libelers of your good Christian behavior should be ashamed." (1 Peter 3:14-16)
Politically, Christians are called upon to be model citizens. Party politics aside, "Remind them to be submissive to their rulers and authorities;" (Titus 3:1) "honor the emperor;" (1 Peter 2:17) "'Brothers,' said Paul, 'I did not know he was high
priest' (for it is written, you must not speak evil of any ruler of your
people)." (Acts 23:5)
In work, Christians are to hold themselves to the highest ethical standards. "I want you to insist on this, that those who have faith in God make a point of practicing honorable occupations...but avoid foolish controversy, and let genealogies and dissensions and strife over the Law alone, for these are fruitless and futile." (Titus 3:8-9) "Whatever be your task, work at it heartily, as servants of the Lord and not of men." (Col. 3:23) "Be obedient to those who are your masters here below with reverence and trembling, with singleness of heart as to Christ himself; instead of merely working when their eye is on you, like those who court human favor, do God's will from the heart, like servants of Christ, by rendering service with goodwill as to the Lord and Master, not to men." (Eph. 6:5-7)
When Christians err, they should eagerly pay restitution, even up to their lives: ""If I am a criminal, if I have done anything that deserves death, I do not object to die; but if there is nothing in any of their charges against me, then no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!" (Acts 25:11)
When it comes to anger, the word is basically "don't." "Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to talk, slow to be angry - for human anger does not promote divine righteousness." (James 1:19-20) "Off with them all now, off with anger, rage, malice, slander, foul talk!" (Col. 3:8) Jesus himself was unambiguous on this topic: "I tell you, whoever is angry with his brother without cause will be sentenced by God." (Matt. 5:22)
None of this jives with Western ideology. One of the foundational tenets of Western thought - that of "be yourself" and "self-love" is completely gobsmacked with this whole "meek and gentle"(Matt. 11:29) stuff. And this "rugged individualist" stoicism isn't confined to the world outside the church. "Certain persons have slipped in..., impious creatures who pervert the grace of our Lord into immorality, and disown our sole liege and Lord, Jesus Christ!...These visionaries pollute their flesh, scorn the powers celestial, and scoff at angelic glories...These people are murmurers, grumbling at their lot, their talk is arrogant, they pay court to men to benefit themselves... These are the people who set up divisions and distinctions." (Jude 4-19 [redacted]) We often mock our rulers, especially if they happen to belong to the opposing political party. " 'Brothers,' said Paul, 'I did not know he was high priest' (for it is written, you must not speak evil of any ruler of your people)." (Acts 23:5) And our tongues are often none too gentle: "Remind them to be submissive to their rulers and
authorities; they must be obedient, they must be ready for any good
work, they must abuse no one, they must not quarrel, but be
conciliatory, displaying perfect gentleness to all men." (Titus 3:1-2)
Sometimes the vituperation coming from the church is a defense against the vituperation hurled at it from the outside world. The second-century apologists knew well this fight; in their case it wasn't just socially driven prejudice and insults, but state-sanctioned persecution. Christians were literally dying at the hands of the authorities. Yet, their protests were always expressed with dignity, respect, and lowliness. In addressing the Emperor Antonius Pius, Justin Martyr starts with the salutation "“To the Emperor Titus Ælius Adrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Cæsar, and
to his son Verissimus the Philosopher, and to Lucius the Philosopher,
the natural son of Cæsar, and the adopted son of Pius, a lover of
learning, and to the sacred Senate.” He goes on to enumerate the crimes against Christians and pleads with Caesar for support, reminding him that emperors are to be pious toward their subjects (Pietas), always using the kindest, most respectful language he could think of. Yet today, modern Western churches face the growing temptation to defend the faith by reviling our leaders and opponents, shouting down our perceived disputants from both pulpit and media platform. But, in doing so, we simply "profess to know God, but deny him by their deeds; they are detestable, disobedient, and useless for good work of any kind." (Titus 1:16)
John 2:25 - He knew all men, and required no evidence from anyone about human nature; well did he know what was in human nature.
1 Sam 16:7 - But the Eternal said to Samuel, ""Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature; I have passed him by, for the Eternal does not see as man sees; man looks at the outward appearance, but the Eternal looks at the heart."
Jer 17:9 - Deep is a man's mind, deeper than all else, on evil bent; who can fathom it?
Rom 7:14-16 - I am a creature of the flesh, in the thraldom of sin. I cannot understand my own actions; I do not act as I desire to act; on the contrary, I do what I detest.
Gal 5:22-25 - But the harvest of the spirit is love, joy, peace, good temper, kindliness, generosity, fidelity, gentleness, self-control: - there is no law against those who practice such things. Those who belong to Jesus Christ have crucified the flesh with its emotions and passions. As we live by the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit; let us have no vanity, no provoking, no envy for one another.
1 Chor 13:1 - I may speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but if I have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Chor 13:4-7 - Love is very patient, love is very kind. Love knows no jealousy; love makes no parade, gives itself no airs, is never rude, never selfish, never irritated, never resentful; love is never glad when others go wrong, love is gladdened by goodness, always slow to expose, always eager to believe the best, always hopeful, always patient.
Finally, it comes to this: in terms of the Tao, for the Christian, "good" is not good enough, nor is "pretty good," or even "exemplary." For the Christian there can be nothing less than to "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt. 5:48)
Pax
Comments