The Politics of Jesus, by Obery M. Hendricks

Of the thousands of things that I am grateful for, in this weekend holiday, one is for the book that I just finished. This book of which I speak has been quite entertaining, but more so, educational. This book has given me an opportunity to look at the gospels in a way that I had never thought of. Also this book provides a detailed explanation of what life was like for the Jews of first century Palestine, under Roman rule. This book? It is The Politics of Jesus by Obery M. Hendricks, Jr.

I suppose that I had not really given serious thought to how Jesus impacted the Jews and the social culture of that area during his life time. I suppose that my focus has been so much on Jesus’ will for us as individuals, and our lives spiritually, that I haven’t taken the time to realize just how radical His teaching were politically.

Thanks to Brother Hendricks, I have such a deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings, specifically the Sermon on the Mount. I had thought that the individual, of which Jesus cares so much, had so much to learn about their own spirituality through the teachings of Christ when given that day. Love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and so forth. It seems as though I have been under the wrong impression of what these teachings were really addressing.

My impression of the Sermon on the Mount is that Jesus’ call for Christianity is a call for a passive mind set. Don’t strike back no matter what! Resist and evil person! Go the extra mile, and so forth. But, let me show you a glimpse of the insight that Hendricks has…

“But when we look more closely at the Gospel account we see that Jesus counseled not resignation, and passivity, but a definite action: to offer the other cheek. Why? Because by taking an action, the powerless and the oppressed became more than victims; they became actors who asserted their humanity, their somebodyness. By turning the other cheek they took back their dignity and refused to be defined by those in power. Instead, they defined themselves, and their self-definition was this: that they were not inferior beings, and they would perpetuate that fiction by hanging their heads. Rather their voluntary submission to additional insult said, “Strike me again if you life, insult me again, but I no longer care what you think of me. I now define myself.”
Thus turning the other cheek made a bold statement of equality of humanity and self-worth. Even if those who were dominated were struck again, it was on their own term; the had dictated the action. In the sense that the one striking and the one being struck were no both active participants in the act, thy had become equals. In a word, turning the other cheek was an act of self-determination.”

This is really insightful. But I suppose I should set this up more. Hendricks goes into great detail as to how significantly oppressed the Jews were at the time. The Jews, who were not Romans citizens, shared very little personal freedoms in their life. For example: Jesus says that if someone ask you to walk a mile, walk with them two. The history of this that Hendricks shares, is that it was a Roman custom to force a Jew to carry the soldiers packs and supplies for a mile, then they would release them and choose somebody else, and do it again. This humiliated the Jews. In fact, this practice was so customary, that it became legislation in the Roman congress. Jesus is saying that if you are asked to walk one mile, walk the other, thus negating the humiliation, by saying, I choose to walk this extra mile, and that is in my own personal agenda, thus, taking the power away from the legionnaire (or whom ever), and putting it back into the Jew. His arguments go on from there, and are very powerful.

I never realized how empowering the teachings of Jesus were, considering I do not feel oppressed or impoverished. I think that after reading this book, I might consider myself to be exploited, oppressed, and impoverished, but only because of the powerful persuasion of Hendricks argument. But, it was empowering for the first century Jews, and for sure one of the main reasons that He (meaning Jesus) was so incredibly popular for those first couple years. Jesus wasn’t passive, he was passive resistant. He resisted the Roman oppressing by giving back the personal power and the individual, and stripping the power of the oppressors.

This is a whole new perspective for me. I suppose know full well what the social and political scene was during Jesus’ lifetime is a serious advantage. Although his teachings are timeless, the were so very applicable and accessible to the first century Jew.

Hendricks finds it hard to grasp some of Paul’s teachings, considering what his understanding of Jesus’ core message was. Paul talks of recognizing your government and paying due recognition. He finds that Jesus’ teachings don’t encourage this. He does however point out that Paul, as a Pharisee and Roman citizen would have been raised in an environment of privilege, as to Jesus was born in a small Jewish town, and raised in the country, and appealed to the country people. I however think that it is God’s grace that Paul was chosen personally by Christ to lead the evangelistic efforts of the gentiles (as does Paul). Paul’s background and personal history gave Paul an advantage to reach out to others like him. The balance is perfect. I think that Hendricks’ difficulty is could simply be solved with a few personal bible studies.

Although Hendricks does have some terrific points of view, a reader should try not to let his few, but definite, mistakes in his understanding of scripture. One such mistake is that he thought it was Peter who was nicknamed the son of thunder, when we know it was James and John; and if fact Peter was Simon’s nick name. He also has difficulty with understanding why John the Baptist would call Jesus the ‘lamb’ of God. This again shows that he is more academic that spirit based, if you can understand that. Hendricks has served as Professor in several theological seminaries, and schools. Being that the case, we can easily forgive him (for we know that seminary is an excellent place to have ones personal faith destroyed).

Hendricks also goes into Modern politics, and offers some insight into politicians who show no personal piety, that do great things socially, and other presidents that show much personal piety, and have shown little or no interest in the needs of Americans in the low income bracket. He talks of how the needs of people should be seen as a holy thing. He shows that Jesus treated the needs of people as a holy thing. I appreciate what Hendricks has to say, and agree with almost all of it.

Over all, I consider this book, “The Politics of Jesus” by Obery M. Hendricks, Jr. to be an essential read for anybody who is a Christian, or would like a fresh perspective on the life of Jesus. You may not agree with every thing that Hendricks has to say, but you will be blown away by his point of view. I easily give this book five stars (out of five). If you know me personally, then I say to you, you must read this book, because I am so looking forward to talk to somebody about what he has to say.

You can find this book here - THe Politics of Jesus - There is another book by the same title by John Howard. That is not the book that I am endorsing.

Love...

I read this entry http://www.salguod.net/weblog/archive/001156.shtml in a blog that I read, and I found it simply profound. Just when you think that you are alone in your convictions and thoughts, you find that you have unity with rare, but there are allies, as it were. Not that one isn’t an ally if you don’t see it my way, in fact, it is just the opposite. So, I ask myself, what is the solution to this issue. The great Christian Church is in deep, deep despair, and there doesn’t seem to be a solution. I think that this point in the history of the Christian movement was discussed by Christ and the Apostles, via the Holy Spirit in the written word.


Look here in Matthew 7:15 on… “15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”


I think of that chap in Denver, who was leading one of the most influential evangelical churches of the country, and he got caught with his pants down. His sin was ousted by his homosexual partner, concerning having an affair with him, and doing crystal meth together. This man, whom was supposed to be a religious, moral, and spiritual leader in the Christian faith and his sin, was out of control. It is no wonder that there are those who are completely frustrated with modern Christiandom, and seek other avenues of faith. But I think that this scripture in Matthew is pretty self explanatory. Good trees bear good fruit, and bad to bad. This leader is bearing bad fruit, period, so what will Jesus, or what does Jesus say? “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Lawlessness is sin, evil, following Satan, and so forth.


The old expression you can’t judge a book by its cover couldn’t be truer, but yet sometimes the spine will also give it away; if that makes any sense? There are so many “Christians” out there, but yet, not many at all. Acclimating Christiandom is a far cry from being one. I know that there is an expression that religion can be a crutch, well, I agree with that. RELIGION is a crutch; but being a true Christian is extremely difficult at times. It is not burdensome, just sometimes a challenge. It’s funny what a person can go through and still remain the loving person that God calls for, and how quickly we can give in to our sinful natures. The difference from a Christian and a religious person, is that the Christian is all about the Cross of Christ. Every thing has to do with the sacrifice made on the cross, everything! When viewing anything in life, or in confrontation, or challenge, or even in ease and luxury, it is all about the cross of Christ. But the religious person will use blanket platitudes to justify their actions, and excuse themselves from dealing with reality. It is easy to avoid dealing with serious matters of the heart and mind when you can brush it off because it is of “the world”. It is also just as easy to excuse your sin with the old platitude, “Christians are not perfect, just forgiven”, or “Hate the sin, love the sinner” and so on.

The greatest challenge of the Christian is to act, think, and be responsible for ones own actions and heart. What I’m talking about is the most destructive forces in the world; sin! Sin is selfish, self destructive, ego centric, narcissistic, and most of all, self elevating towards choosing self over God. Sin is an act of rebellion. Sin has always come at a price. When Adam and Eve became aware of the knowledge of Good and Evil, what did God provide for them? Animal skins. Cain and Able? The blood sacrifice was greater than the vegetable offering; and it continues through out the bible, all the way to Jesus on the cross, a one time sacrifice for all mankind. Life is in the blood, the bible says, and the price of sin has always been blood. Sin likes to be marginalized. Sin likes to be forgotten, and over looked. Sin likes to hide in our hearts and souls, deep where nobody can see it. Sin likes to find the arrogant and the proud. It runs from the contrite and humble. It flees from the confessions of the subservient to God. It hates the light, and loves the dark.

It says in John 3:19-21, “19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
It is hard to deal with the sin in your life, but it can be done when you consider the cross in all things. The only way one can over come your sin is to come to the cross, and find motivation to always obey God. I think that one of the things that many “Christians” don’t like to hear, is the word “Obedience”. But yet, it is essential…

1 John 3:4-6, 21-24 “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.” “21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”

Obedience is essential Christianity, but what is it that we are to obey? It isn’t rocket science, it is simple. But it is more than JUST loving one another, it is also believing in the name of Jesus Christ. It would be “nice and cozy” to think that God’s universal message is just to simply love one another, but that is impossible with sin in the picture. There is a reason that we must believe in the name of Jesus Christ, and that is because it is only through him that we can be saved.

But think how earthly loving one another is! There is no room for ethereal ethical emotional transcendences’ when it comes to being a Christian. No my friend, it is so much more. It is physically meeting each others needs, and sacrificing ourselves for the well being of one another. In stead of being selfish, it means that we mow our neighbors’ yard if we can and they can’t. It means getting up an extra hour early to give that co-worker, who hasn’t been blessed with a car, a ride to work. It means talking to that old guy in the corner of McDonalds during breakfast, just so he will have some company. It means buying groceries for your neighbor who is bed ridden. It means sending anonymous cash to somebody you know who, where just $20 could make a big difference, really needs it.

Through our faith in Christ, we must act on opportunities both revealed and created to be charitable. Love isn’t just being nice and caring, if fact, that is just an expression of empathy. Love comes in action. Love is being nice and caring, but not just the face value of being nice and caring, but the will behind and the follow through. Look at what James has to say…

James 2:8-19 “8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!”

Nothing could be truer when it comes to Christianity when they say that actions speak louder than words. I don’t think that what God has in mind for our lives as Christians is what modern popular Christiandom theory practices. Modern Christiandom focus’ on church growth, doctrinal differences, worship models, and philosophies and correct paradigms. I read something on the weekly publication of my church that made me sad. It was our annual bring your neighbor day, and on the inside cover of the little brochure thing stated what makes us different than all other churches. It listed: dedication to the restoration movement; not a denomination (which isn’t really true, just Google Alexander Campbell); mission work; belief in the bible teaching of One God expressed three ways; baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week; autonomous congregation; biblical leadership of elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers; salvation by grace through faith received upon obedience to God’s Word, eternity of Heaven for the righteous and eternity in Hell for the sinner (which I think is biblically inaccurate, well, I know it is…); and that the bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, the sole authority and guide in religion with the motto – Speak where the bible speaks, and be silent where the bible is silent. There were a few other mentions concerning teaching plain bible truth, not something culturally popular, to worship and live so that God would be glorified and edified, and not that man might be entertained or amused. Then, after four paragraphs of these statements, it says, “Again, thanks for being with us. Let us know how we may serve.”

It’s like, okay, here is us being really combative (although I agree with almost all of it), and love ya by the way. I mean, talking about missing the elephant in the room. Sure, it is good to have conviction, but this isn’t what Jesus had in mind when it came to representing himself. I’m sure of it! In lieu of this most excellent post of Salguod’s, I would even say that the thing in the church publication is divisive if anything. Are we so determined to be right that we completely miss the boat? It comes to a point as to where the institution becomes more important than the will of Christ. It’s the wagon pulling the horse, or the tail wagging the dog…

One cool thing is that every month, the church publishes its previous month’s budget, down to the last penny. That is really way cool. But the sad thing is that we maintain a 30 + thousand dollar balance, and give the average of $100.00 a month in benevolence. Granted, we receive benevolence from the church three or four times a year, mostly food, but there is almost NO outside the church giving. It saddens me deeply. I have approached the eldership on this issue, months ago, and to this day, there seems to be no difference. There are so many people in this area that need help, and yet they don’t get it. A couple of churches in the neighboring town have a daily lunch and dinner, but we do nothing. We have the facilities to do something like that, but we don’t. No free store, no free dinners, nothing. This is one of the reasons that I became disillusioned by my last church. They collected a weekly benevolence, but when we asked for help on a regular basis, we started being refused, simply because the couple of brothers “in charge” of that part of the ministry, thought that I should be working, and that is why we shouldn’t receive any more help. Regardless of how unbiblical that attitude is, it became unpractical for us, and we were more or less forced to move where the help was. Now, we are incredibly grateful for what the FcoC has done for us, and I completely believe that the elders have my best interest in mind, but what of our community? It is quite frustrating for me.

Our “unifier” as it were, or the “factor” that will heal modern Christiandom is the love of our neighbors, and the love that we have for each other. The example in James that talks of loving your neighbor, isn’t conversion, it isn’t correction of doctrine, it isn’t baptism, it isn’t church history, it isn’t conditional giving, it is meeting the needs of others, period. I’m not talking like the Salvation Army or the Red Cross, but I’m talking about a nation of selfless people. I’m talking about a brotherhood under the name of Christ that is unbreakable by opinions and differences.

I have never seen a perfect church. I’m not talking about sinless, no, I’m talking about dogmas, doctrines, practices, and paradigms. I think that because we are human, we don’t need to seek such a thing, but my point is that no one is better equipped than any other. All modern Christian churches, as far as I have observed, are equally inadequate, in the thinking that if you break one law, then you are as much as a law breaker as one who breaks ten laws. Granted, some churches are way out there, and many are harmful and damaging, but who is to say that those that seem to be less damaging aren’t in fact all the more damaging?
Now, where do I go from here? That is yet to be determined, but I’m open to suggestions. I think that going to church is important, but many times, attending the church I attend goes against my conscience and faith. BUT, I really don’t know of a church that wouldn’t do that. That is MY challenge…