Its crazy how much of these Prophets word's could be taken today as much as the past. During the past ten years in America we have been fighting in Iraq in order to "help". After September 11th everyone justified the war saying this is God's war. That always made me mad that someone would bring God into something as terrible as war. This is similar to what is happening during the Prophets time, because people think they are fighting for God. In reality, Isaiah and Jeremiah are trying to get through to the people that this is Not what God wants. We need to have faith in God that he will judge wrong doings. It is not our responsibility to judge and make the decision whether another human lives or dies. Human nature causes people to react without thinking. My mom always tells me you gotta think before you act, and I think the Prophets are prime example of doing that. Maybe if we step back and meditate for a little bit before getting pissed off and attacking the first person you see, our decision might be more christian like.
I believe that Day is a great example of keeping faith in God. Another part of Day that i enjoy is that we are walking along Day's journey with God. While i was reading Claiborne it kinda seemed like he was trying to make himself look like the GREATEST CHIRSTIAN EVERR!!!! But with Day i relate with her a lot more on a personal level. That is why i really am enjoying this book. Her story is amazing! She seems like the most down to earth person, and I believe it is because she has the same mindset as the past Prophets. Not only does she not react immediately she understands that it is not up to her, she leaves everything up to God. That is why these Prophets seem so frustrated. God's people have completely lost faith and don't understand that God will provide for them. He always has, but not quite in ways that we understand. God sees what we are unable to understand, and that is why we must have Faith that everything will work out if we leave it up to Him.
I agree with you on the prophets. My big question that you stated in your blog is why does God get to judge when he tells us not to judge? It just seems hypocritical to me. I also tried to imagine myself as the people in the days of these prophets and what I would do when confronted with the issues that are brought forth by them. It's just so hard to imagine the situation. Just think to yourself, what would you do if someone came up to you and was like do this because God told me to tell you and if you don't you will be judged? I seriously don't know how I would handle a situation like that. Reading the prophets really makes you realize how much faith the people of the time had. It's crazy!
ReplyDeleteUnforutunately, as you stated, whilie it mnay seem unbelievable, and even reprensible, God and "war" have almost because synonymous in many cases it seeems. The Bible, while being a book of great inspiration and hope for many people, is also a book of many unsettling accounts and all out atrocity. God and war have been linked biblically in many accounts and as long as humans (His imperect creation) holy wars will continue. I don't believe there is anything that can be called "God's War" because I think the concept of "God is on our side is ridiculous. God doesn't choose any particular side, he doesn't pick favorites. The notion that God somehow agrees with OUR view or course of action in a conflict is incredibly egocentric. God is the ultimate Judge, we cannot predict His judgements for him.
ReplyDeleteyeah i agree with you petey, about how Day is such a grounded, down to earth person with real problems. although i do respect Claiborne to the enth degree, it's much easier for me to empathize with the situations that Day finds herself in. And i really don't think that the gender of her character divides the amount of relatability between the males and females of the class. well, maybe a little, like involving her love life.
ReplyDelete