Hypocrisy of Religiosity

Mark 12:35-37

             In Jesus' time there was somewhat of a monopoly on religiosity set forth by the religious elite. Anyone in temple would be fairly knowledgeable of scripture and so it is a wonder when Jesus speaks with authority and knowledge. Even more fascinating it seems is the fact that Jesus is pointing out a peculiarity of the scripture writing itself. 'How can the scribes say....?'

            How many times have we heard some charismatic seemingly authoritative televangelist pouring over a text from scripture and doing exactly what Jesus is pointing out in this scripture as a problem. Words and passage are taken out of context and so the Bible can be used to justify and prove anything we want at any given time. Proving one thing one moment and proving the exact opposite in another moment when the situation suits. 

              This is how people, churches and religions seem fit and justified to condemn being gay and 'the gay lifestyle'. Take part of a passage, take it out of context, rework a word, mistranslate a few here or there and voila! Homosexuality is an abomination! Personally I am most amazed at the story of Lot in Sodom and Gomorrah. In that passage male rape is the basis to condemn same sex attraction and love while they omit the offering up of two daughters for rape instead. I am not aware of any situation when rape can be equated with any kind of love. When can rape be equated with consensual love and sanctified committed love? 

               There is a song from my youth called signs. ' Signs, signs, everywhere signs'. Perhaps we should have a song about words. Words that hurt, words that are used as tools and weapons against the will of God. What is His will? Of all the words in scripture the most clarifying and the one that is clarified by Jesus' life is LOVE. That is the filter. That is the way to discern what a passage tries to convey. When the Bible was used to condone slavery because it seems condoned in scripture, you have to ask, is this about love? Certainly not. Is male rape ok? Is offering your daughters for rape ok? It is mentioned in the Bible. Is it then ok? The words are there. But is it love? Is it loving? is it life giving? 

        Scripture words are tools  and not the actual words of God. The love of God is the lens to determine what is correct and what is not.              

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, ‘How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared,
“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand,
 until I put your enemies under your feet.’ ” 
David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?’ And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.