The Human Choice - 20
CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
Subject: THE SOCIAL SCIENCE OF JESUS
The whole of the Gospels should be taken seriously and, although we know that changes have been made by translators and vested interests of one kind or another, there is a risk in assuming too much.
In any case that is not going to be a great problem for us because we are only quoting those statements attributed to Jesus that are of especial importance from a social science and creation point of view. These statements are less likely to be embellished or altered to satisfy human weaknesses.
Each reference will be numbered in its order with each witness.
Our first reference from Matthew is from where we find Jesus being tempted by the devil. Jesus is invited to demonstrate His power by turning stones into bread.
Jesus - M't. 4:4. Man cannot live on bread alone; he lives on every word that God utters.
The word of God refers to the order of creation and Jesus reminds us that we must take the whole of life, both spiritual and physical, into account and not just feed the flesh. A point to be noted by parents who dote on satisfaction of a child's physical needs only.
The devil then tempted Jesus to demonstrate God's protection. Jesus - M't. 4:7. Scripture says again, "You are not to put the Lord your God to the test."
Here Jesus reminds us that so far as is possible we are responsible for our own welfare and must not put it on to God to look after us in matters that are our own responsibility. We usually create our own problems by our contempt for the laws of creation and must suffer the consequences.
The devil then offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would do the devil homage.
Jesus - M't. 4:10. You shall do homage to the Lord your God and worship Him alone.
God, as we will see, is Spirit. We must only give homage to the Truth and the Spirit, not to any false or deceitful concept of creation and its consequent immoral lifestyles.
Jesus - M't. 5:18. I tell you this: so long as heaven and earth endure, not a letter, not a stroke, will disappear from the law until all that must happen has happened.
The Law is the Authority resulting from the order (or structure) of creation and will not be altered until the purpose of the creation is complete. Here we see evidence that God uses no magic or supernatural powers which would allow an end result to be achieved without having to go through a logical process of intelligent endeavour as is demanded by a set order. Such an order is essential if there is to be any rational progress in understanding and advancing creation.
Jesus - M't. 5:25-26. If someone sues you, come to terms with him promptly while you are both on your way to the court; otherwise he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the constable, and you will be put in jail. I tell you, once you are there you will not be let out until you have paid the last farthing.
The lesson here is that we are all on our way to the judgment day and it is well to clean up our quarrels quickly because we do not know when our time is to come. If we were to more honestly accept that justice delayed is injustice, and that going before the judge is not a pleasant prospect, we would be less inclined to let pride and prejudice stand in the way of settling disputes and many problems would be nipped in the bud.
Jesus - M't. 5:27-28. You have learned that they were told, "Do not commit adultery." But what I tell you is this: If a man looks on a woman with a lustful eye, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Adultery is a serious social crime not remarkably different from other forms of promiscuity or prostitution. This applies also to divorce for any reason other than unchastity. "Lustful thoughts" are important in the influence of our own behaviour and may influence others at a telepathic level.
Jesus - M't. 5:33-35. Again, you have learned that they were told, "Do not break your oath", and, "Oaths sworn to the Lord must be kept." But I tell you this: You are not to swear at all - not by heaven, for it is God's throne, nor by earth for it is his footstool ... Plain "Yes" or "No" is all you need to say. If people are honest with each other there is no need for extravagant language; extravagant language indicates insecurity.
Jesus - M't. 5:38-39. You have learned that they were told, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But what I tell you is this: Do not set yourself against the man who wrongs you.
We now enter a very contentious part of Christian teaching and should not find it surprising if mankind has sought to see the words of Jesus as offering humanistic answers to questions of social behaviour. Jesus warned that many who claim to be Christians will not pass the test. Many claim Christianity but follow human interpretations rather than the direct words of Jesus. We will see a number of comments that combine to reveal the true path for those devoted to truth.
Some would have it that, as Jesus promised forgiveness of sins, Christians will be forgiven any crime, and should not be judgmental of any behaviour. The three little monkeys of Satanist evolution: "see no evil; hear no evil; speak no evil;" capture the hearts of many but few enquire of the Mum & Dad of this trio - Know & Do Nothing.
We cannot avoid evil if we cannot see evil. We cannot hear truth if we cannot hear lies. We cannot warn of evil if we cannot speak of evil. Nor are we guilty of being judgmental when we uphold the law; the judgment has been handed down.
Some teach that Christians are excused all wrong, which is only true to the extent of wrong innocently entered into. Those who accept Christ also accept a responsibility to live by Christian values. A true Christian will always try to behave responsibly and in accord with moral law. It certainly is not correct that a person can claim to accept Christianity and then be free to live immorally.
Comments by Jesus correcting teachings of the Old Testament are now being misapplied. Jesus, as we shall see, came to a specific community and, though this community was to be enlarged, it must not be taken that social behaviour in the spiritual family should be extended to include the antichrist family.
Jesus taught a spiritual community where it was not then, any more than now, unusual for dispute among family and friends or community associates.
It is not uncommon for war between Christians; this would not occur if leaders accepted the practical social science of Jesus.
We should have a generous attitude, even to those with whom we are in dispute, and be quick to settle differences.
That we do sometimes see very bitter and spiteful disputes between groups of people professing Christianity indicates that the Christian commitment of such may be in some doubt. choice20.htm