July 15

Day 123: Loophole

I did some reading on postmodernism yesterday, trying to contribute somehow to our present sermon series.

Mark Lilla has said, "Postmodernism is long on attitude, and short on argument." (Pretty much sums it up.)

JF Lyotard (in defense of postmodernism) said, "Postmodernism maintains incredulity toward meta narrative (stories and rules that apply to everyone.) All meta narratives are oppressive power plays."

This same writer then applies it to self-determination. "Human beings make themselves who they are by the languages they construct about themselves." In other words, you define yourself with whatever words you choose. Thus applied, if you think you're a hedgehog; then you're a hedgehog. Invent your own reality.

It gets worse. He goes on to say that ethics are nothing more than a linguistic construct. Meaning, law = repression, and decriminalization = freedom.

Even if the previous sentences don't make sense, the news headlines evidence this clearly. "Defund the Police" is now an accepted construct thus goal for some in our culture.

Meanwhile, the Apostle Paul had this to say to the Christians in Rome. These people lived at the epicenter of a heinous, oppressive governmental structure.

Romans 31:1 says, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."

What did he just say?

All authority is delegated by God. Even the 10 Commandments talk of this: "Honor your parents" refers to delegated authority in the home. "Do not steal; do not murder" refer to delegated civil authority.

As all authority is delegated by God, it's because all authority is derived from God. And...all authority is therefore accountable to God.

But so are we also accountable to God.

We are subject to civil authority because we are subject to God. This is clear, as (v2) says, "Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

As Christians, how have we done in honoring the position or role over us...even is we don't like the person in the role or position?

In what ways do our posts on social media platforms reflect our subjection to Jesus?

Postmodernism tells us, not to rewrite the rules, but that there are no longer any rules. But everyone, postmodern thinkers included, are ultimately accountable to God.

As Christians, we are called to a different standard; God's declared standard for us. We are to obey the laws.

Disliking the person, or disagreeing with the laws is not an out clause.

While our country allows for peaceful protest (and at times, oppressive laws have been changed through protest) we must disagree, even protest only with respect for the role and position of those over us. (Cross reference Daniel chapter 3 for a positive example of this.)

To do otherwise is to look for a loophole that God didn't provide.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau