Biblical Equality?
I’m reading a book right now called Brand Jesus:Christianity in a Consumerist Age, about the Book of Romans. This guy is pretty realistic about what Paul would and wouldn’t do, and how Paul would feel about modern things.
Which brought up a key question for me: Would Jesus believe in equality?
Certainly, Jesus believed that all human beings have value.
Certainly, Jesus believed that God was available to all human beings.
But equality? Really, that’s such a late second millennial ideal. Would Jesus actually think that equality, in the way that we understand it, is good?
It just always seems to be that we celebrate a very democratic idea only we couch it as if God wanted it that way. For the record, I believe in equality under the law. Democracy seems to really work best with it.
I know, I know. There’s some verses that can be proof-texted to say, “This is equality,” like Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” However, Paul was really talking about division here, not equality.
So, what do you think?
And, on that note, Happy 4th of July, the day that celebrates our equality.
July 16th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Lia, can you unpack the idea more of why you think Paul is talking about division and not equality when you said ‘know, I know. There’s some verses that can be proof-texted to say, “This is equality,” like Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” However, Paul was really talking about division here, not equality.’? Thanks!
Adele