FM Radio Begins! GNBC Book, p. 5-6
From the Opening Lines of the Introduction through the Neighbor-Citizen Litany
Enjoy this new feature …
FM (Friday Meditation) Radio
… available as an audio recording:
The Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen book passage used in the recording is printed below, for those who prefer to read along with that portion.
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Introduction: Priorities
Jesus Christ – known as the Second Person of the Trinity – is God leading by example. No law giver, no prophet, no patriarchy (or matriarchy), no mere mortal nor group of mortals can reveal the fullness of the Holy Transcendent the way Jesus does.
Jesus preaches and models what it means to be a good neighbor. He is also frequently considered a bad citizen. There is no escaping this tension. Being a good neighbor requires a different mindset and value system than being a good citizen. They often conflict.
Good neighbors treat each other as peers. Good citizens treat each other according to official status.
Good neighbors seek the personal, intimate betterment of themselves and each other. Good citizens seek the external validation of an impersonal system.
Good neighbors align to voluntary, open-ended interactions. Good citizens align to coercive civil authority and imposed, hierarchical social order.
Good neighbors “insource” their ethics; charity and friendship are the key virtues of their relationships. Good citizens “outsource” their ethics; compliance with the commands of rulers and enforcers is a fundamental and necessary aspect (some might call it a “civic virtue”).
Good neighbors consent. Good citizens conform.
Jesus steadfastly chooses to be a good neighbor, especially when faced with the direct brutality of the coercive civil authorities – both Roman and Israelite – and knowing all it would cost Him.
Even prior to His arrest, trial, and execution, the events of Jesus’ recorded ministry show this confrontation between loyalties – neighbor and citizen – in stark terms.
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