I've had a significant bout of what might be best described as "theology disillusionment" lately (similar to this experience described by Stephen over at Undeception). But a recent post by Internet Monk is relevant to my last post, so I thought I'd comment.
In my last post, I discussed Jesus' (seemingly failed) prediction of his own imminent return, and briefly touched on the suggestion that Jesus may not have known when he would return. At the time I didn't even consider it a possibility, but after some thought have allowed it a spot next to the other possible solutions to the problem.
Anyone raising the question "What did Jesus know, and when?" is bound to receive a thousand different answers, some backed up by proof texts and others more emotionally derived. What is common in this discussion (at least among lay-Christians) is the general attitude that the subject of Jesus' knowledge (or lack of it) is interesting, but unimportant.
I'd like to suggest that the issue is more relevant than most would allow. If Jesus truly did not know when he would return, then the expectation of a future (to us) return of Christ is reasonable. But if Jesus' prediction of his own return is to be regarded as authoritative, then it seems more likely that this prophesy was fulfilled around 70AD during the siege and destruction of Jerusalem (and the temple) by the Roman army.
This, in turn, is relevant because it affects how we view the future. Can we look forward to Jesus returning and fixing all the ills of the world? Or are we responsible for affecting this change ourselves? Do we go out and win as many souls as possible, or do we work to end poverty and oppression? So in the end, the answer to these questions lies, in part, in our answer to the question that is the title of this post.
In my Baptist church, both of the options above are heretical to some degree, so again I ask myself: What did I just step in?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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3 comments:
First off, I applaud your efforts here. The most important thing I think you do here is to express that it is OK to question and still be Christian. One of the most profound things I remember my pastor saying (he's mid to late 40's like myself) is that "the older he gets the less sure he is of all the answers." Yet his walk and the way God utilizes his teaching and leadership is beyond reproach.
To your question: BTW: Excellent discussion item. Personally I think the Christ does not know (or at least did not know) the exact time of his pending return. Scripture says as much. But to your point if fully God and fully man, shouldn't he know? There are so (too) many paradoxes like this in the Bible.
I used to struggle with this, but have got teens now that God has layed on my heart "to keep fighting the good fight" in living by example and support - that I don't really have as much time to wrestle with it. And I find comfort in trying to live the life I am supposed to live right here, right now.
Hey, DC. Thanks for the comment. I love that quote from your pastor. I have found that myself, even though I'm not really that old :). Is 31 old?
I think it was C.S. Lewis who said that one of the greatest indicators of a mature Christian is humility. I'd agree: How can someone have an appropriate view of himself but not allow for the possibility that he is wrong?
Joe,
I am with you. We are all going to be wrong about something (certainly many things). (Thank God) that we have a Lord and God that looks to our heart, our motivation, and our ability to respond to his promptings. In essence, do we have the desire and commitment to try and live a changed life by accepting his grace and leadership? To persevere though trials, to encourage, to share, to be humble - but to be useful to God's purpose.
I can get lost in day dreaming regarding the mind of Christ. When did he know he was the Messiah? I think that on some level he knew from day 1, and that God the Father revealed the full plan to him as he matured.
But that view begs more questions: I would love to have some better understanding of the essence of that relationship between Jesus and God while Jesus was on earth: How was God's will revealed to Jesus? - through prayer?, through an inner voice?, through an external voice? or because he was from the beginning (John 1) - he always knew? BTW: Where did Jesus pick up the expertise of the Scriptures like a learned Rabbi? Was it always with him or learned on earth?
Mind boggling!
I still find the story simply amazing - that from such humble (earthly) beginnings - came one who has come who changed the face of our earth.
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