Good Ideas Which Man Messed Up | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Here is a quick review of my previous article:

        •  Man is a social creature with a pecking order

        •  We need and have some kind of rules to help us live together

        •  Any approach to social order can be good or bad---depending on how it is used

        •  All social groups --- even Christ-followers --- have good and bad results

        •  Nobody and no social philosophy is Perfect

    Now let's apply these observations to societies based on religion---starting with Jesus.

    Each Colony founded on religious principles was a royal failure

    Many of the early colonies established in the US with a theocratic (just follow God) dream ultimately failed. The reason was that soon members were saying vastly different things to them "from God." How do you debate such? You end up leaving or complying! It was true in the Old Testament accounts of how the leaders of Israel told the people to do many vile things because "God commands it."

    Jesus had the same problems with his disciples early in their time together. Peter was the most outspoken one. He was also the one who denied Jesus 3 times under his cross---all to be safe rather than bold when the swords and spears ruled that day. The Roman Catholic Church claims he was the first Pope since Jesus gave him the "keys to the Kingdom."

    In his last words before his ascension Jesus was asked by his disciples, "When will you bring in the Kingdom?" His answer was clear: "The Kingdom of God is within you." In other words, "I don't do it for you. You are responsible for living it out now!"

    Arrogant and domineering people who must claim "God said this . . ." are using an argument without logic and real reason. That is dangerous!

    What rules do you choose to follow as you form any society?

    Before Jesus we had the 10 Commandments Moses brought down for Mt. Sinai. They formed the basis of Jewish society and law. In our day we claim America came from a Judeo-Christian mindset. Some want to claim America is a "Christian" nation even though our Constitution is clear: "Congress shall make no laws concerning religion." The Founding Fathers were deists far more than the special category of Christ-follower. Deists believe in God, but they hesitate to say there is some perfect representation of God here on any earthly religion.

    When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered: "Love the Lord your God AND you neighbor as yourself." That was asked him of the Pharisees and Scribes who were the lawyers of the day. They had added many minute rules for daily Jewish society with them at the arbiters of their following. You may remember them charging Jesus and is disciples of harvesting on the Sabbath when they walked through a field and plucked grain they husked in their palms before they ate it.

    Jesus asked: "Is the Sabbath made for man or man for the Sabbath?"

    The Pharisees called it "building a fence around the law." What they meant was to add little rules you would break before getting to the main 10 commandments. If you think nothing has changed with society since Jesus, then check the catalogue-size book in the back seat of a Highway Patrolman with all the "fences around the law" to fill out a traffic ticket correctly.

    The lawyers dominate our NC Legislature and that of DC. The more laws they write, the more work for their buddies with law degrees loving their billable hours to defend people charged with running afoul of the law. Our nation started with a Declaration of Independence and next a Constitution ratified by the original 13 Colonies, now States. Compare the law volumes today with the first law library in Boston and you see a massive expansion---all looking to "build a fence around the Constitution."

    All societies begin with laws---called "Mores" (more-a's) ---by sociologists. That which is acceptable in one society is anathema in another! For example, no woman in Jewish society could own property and work to make a living. They were totally tied to men. In Egypt and Greece women could own property --- and even be priestesses. In Greek society homosexuality and prostitution were accepted. In Jewish law it would send you to hell or a stoning!

    Ego Trouble rears its ugly head in Jesus' band

    Perhaps, the biggest trouble Jesus had was internal with his immediate followers. Soon after enlisting the 12, they began to battle over who would sit at Jesus' left and right which were the places of honor at any meal. Those different personalities spanned from arrogant and outspoken Paul to Andrew who became famous over bringing a small lad to Jesus with his loaves and fishes to offer to a big crowd. Judas was the one who betrayed his Savior for money! All kinds of different men and women followed Jesus. Some better and some worse---all striving to follow some most high standards by God's Son.

    The most astounding example of ego-competition was at the Last Supper as the disciples debated among themselves who would sit beside Jesus ---to the exclusion of a basic custom of a servant washing dusty feet of any coming to dinner. As they fussed and fumed, Jesus quietly took a towel and began to wash their feet without a word being spoken. Actions speak louder than words / no amount of written material can erase the basic humility and love of Jesus example!

    I shall continue this analysis of society with another article soon to follow . . .