Biblical Model 13: The Powers

From scripture to engagement

WarfarePrimarily with Self

But also with the Powers

Your daily disciplines of sleep, work, sabbath, devotions and the disciplines of the beatitudes are the foundation tht enables a walk in the Spirit.

Engaging the Powers depends on those disciplines.

Evangeli Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel)

Pope Francis

Some people continue to defend trickle down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by the free market, will inevitably succeed in brining about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system. Meanwhile the excluded are still waiting (2013:46).

Should a Pope be confronting economic systems?

Should a Pope be confronting Economic Systems?

God was the first economist

“Thou shalt not steal” is profoundly moral and profoundly economic.

We are called on by the scriptures to confront injustice

Injustice is anchored in 3rd millenium systems. Thus we have to confront systems.

Not without abuseThis week I overheard comments about a friend prophet:

He criticized capitalism Therefore he is a socialist

He shook hands with the Chilean President, therefore he is a socialist.

The gospel critiques all, so is subject to none. For this reason the church is to keep its distance from governmental programs that seek to control and subsume under the state. It remains the one voice untarnished by the need to access power.

Theologies for Contexts of Oppression

Anabaptist rejection of power

German responses to Hitler – Berkhof on the Powers

Latin American responses of Liberation Theoloigy - Boff

Pentecostalism with a focus on Power

One of a number of Biblical contexts of response to oppression and injustice Justice Authority Liberation

Weapons of WarFor the weapons of our warfare are …..

Casting down every high and lofty thought…

II Cor 10:3-5

We confront theories, philosophies by:

1. Understanding them

2. Refuting them

Get your doctorate if this is your primary calling. Paul studied under Gamaliel. Daniel mastered Babylonian philosophies. Isaiah was a social analyst. Moses understood the nature of Egyptian rulership.

What/Who are the Powers?

Authorities, rulers, powers

‘isms, Marxism, communism, Marxism, nationalism

Religions, traditions

Cultures

Are they good or bad?

Made by God – to be respected, reflect his nature

Used by Fallen men – to be confronted

Various InterpretationsLuther: the powers are God-ordained structures we

are to submit to and obey.

The Powers are a human projection of collective human dynamics (sociology)

The Powers are High level demonic Spirits intruding into people controlling systems (Pentecostalism)

The Powers are the spiritual dimension of the social, cultural, economic and political structures that govern, part of God’s good creation but have rebelled against God (Berkhof).

Berkhof’s description of

the powers

Confronting the Powers with Community Organizing

ElectricityWater

GarbageLand Rights

Responses to the Powers (Walter Wink)

Discerning the Powers

Unmasking the Powers

Confronting the Powers

Relationship to Authority(Lorne Sanny, when President of the Navigators

What is Authority?

Submission to Authority

Exercise of Authority

Limits to the Exercise of Authority

Confronting Unjust Exercise of Authority

There are levels of spiritual and political authority that God and society give us during our lives.

Fast and pray and seek him for these

4. National/International Justice

How does a country become injust? (Isa 58:9-16) Transgressions are multiplied Denying the Lord, Turning away Speaking revolt ------------- Speaking oppression

(Breakdown of Consensus) Violence ------------- Law & order

Beyond Ethics

Solution: a man or woman to intervene

Justice & Bringing PeaceJustice as peacemaking: Required reconciliation between parties;

rectifying unjust situations

Injustice cried out from the land: We must understand the history of exploitation that force people

Upper class evangelism: The rich can be the key to unlocking the poverty of the poor

The loyal reformers: Bible as textbook for issues of labor, profit, work, management, business

Demonic politics: We reject demonic philosophies, but honor and respect all humans

Contention with authorities: Love, honor and reconciliation should define our contention

Justice & Bringing PeaceContention with authorities: Love, honor and

reconciliation should define our contention

Time and change: Change comes through suffering servants who disarm evil, hatred and violence

Political options: Spiritual discipleship or holistic discipleship

Squatter politics: Steps we can take as Christian people in the slums!!

Unattached: Though we are unattached to this world, we serve it because justice compels us

And what of defense of a people against violence?

The first violence is that of the oppressor. Isa 59 demonstrates how this pushes a nation to a division between right and left. Oppression and rebellion.

We face a conundrum between our pacifist roots, or Baptist roots in protest or just war theories of State churches.

It is more complex when a national government seeks to eliminate a Christian people.

In Chad, do they defend against the Muslims

The sectarian violence across nations in Europe give us every nuance of response to violence

Should the Baptist tribes of Myanmar, defend against the oppression of the Burmese government?

Should the Naga tribes in India defend agains tth 3 million Indian military that rape and destroy?

The Biblical Data on Powers

Deut 32:8,9

Psa 82:1-4

Dan 10:13-14

Matt 12:29

Matt 24:29

Luke 12:11

Rom 8:38-39

Rom 13:1-2a

1 Cor 2:6-8

1 Cor 15:24-26

2 Cor 10:3-4

Eph 1:20-21

Eph 2:1-2

Eph 3:10

Eph 6:12

Col 1:16-20

Col 2:10

Col 2:15

Titus 3:1

1 Pet 3;22

Rev 18-21

References Glasser, A., Charles van Engen, et al. (2003). God’s Kingdom

Extends over the Powers. Announcing the Kingdom. Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Academic. Chap 21.

McAlpine, T. H. (2003). Transformed by Osmosis. In Facing the Powers. Wipf and Stock Publishers.

Grigg, V. (2004)  With Justice for All.  In Companion to the Poor.  Authentic.

Berkhof, Hendrikus. (1953). Christ and the Powers. Scottsdale PA: Herald Press

Dawson, J. (1989). Taking Our Cities for God. Lake Mary, FL, Creation House.

Pope Francis (2014) Evangelii Gaudiium. Vatican Press.