We’re considering Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible
Well, the authors next go to meddling —
We built modern cathedrals with children’s ministry spaces that Disney would covet. We still gave (and give) money to missions, but preferably for a trip that includes me. We sing the (beautiful) praise chorus, “It’s all about you, Jesus.” Who are we kidding? It’s all about Jesus-as long as it’s in a service I like, in a building I like, with people I like, with music I like, for a length of time I like. At some point in this generation, “Take up your cross and follow me” changed into, “Come to Jesus and he’ll make your life better.”
(Kindle Locations 2149-2152).
There’s this Western tendency to make Christianity all about me — what I like, what I want, and what God will do for me. Jesus died for me. Heaven is my home. The first-person plural (“we”) is not really part of my vocabulary — unless we all agree with me.
Indeed, we read God’s promises to Israel as though made to each of us individually —
(Jer 29:11 ESV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
The authors note the research of Christian Smith —
The average teen, according to Smith, doesn’t view humans as existing to do the will of God; rather, they view God as existing to meet human needs. Smith goes on, “What appears to be the actual dominant religion among U.S. teenagers is centrally about feeling good, happy, secure, at peace. It is about attaining subjective well-being, being able to resolve problems, and getting along amiably with other people.”‘ Need a friend? God is there. Looking for direction in life? God has a plan. Want a more fulfilling marriage? God has the answers.
(Kindle Locations 2161-2162).
Consider Romans 8:28 —
(Rom 8:28 ESV) 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
It’s not uncommon in an American Christian Bible study for this verse to be interpreted to mean that God will make it all turn out okay for me — so that there really is no cause for sadness or disappointment. God has a plan. The loss of my child is really a good thing. (No, it’s not.)
But we read our desires and self-importance into the text. First of all, it’s written in the plural. “We” know that for “those” who love God … It’s collectivist. Communitarian. The text speaks of the church, not each church member.
Second, in context, Paul is speaking to a suffering community —
(Rom 8:35-36 ESV) 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
There is no promise that we won’t suffer tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword. Indeed, Paul assumes that things may well typify the Christian’s life!
So what is he saying?
In Romans 8:28 he is asserting that all things–good things, bad things, senseless things, the actions of good people or bad people, good governments or bad empires–are all tools in the hands of an active, caring God who is faithful to bring about his purposes.
(Kindle Locations 2252-2253). But God’s plans may not be revealed for generations. We may not live to see God vindicated and his people blessed. You see, it’s not about me.
When we realize that each passage of Scripture is not about me, we begin gradually to see that the true subject matter of the Bible, what the book is really about, is God’s redeeming work in Christ. God is restoring all of creation (including me), but I am not the center of God’s kingdom work. This is a much greater thing to be absorbed with than ourselves. Here are a couple of tips for making that happen.
First, beware of thinking of the Bible in terms of “what this means to me.” …
Second, to avoid deriving a strictly individual interpretation of a biblical passage, ask yourself how you might apply the passage differently if you interpret it in corporate terms, rather than in individual terms. Practice asking, “How does this passage apply to God’s people?”
(Kindle Locations 2315-2321).
In short, when we’re in a Bible study, rather than asking what this passage means “for me,” let’s start by asking what it means for God’s cosmic, eternal, redemptive plan. Once we see the big picture, perhaps then we can rightly see what it means for us individually.
In reality, the life application may not be blessings and primroses. The life application may be that if I’m called to suffer, I should suffer for God.
(1Pe 4:13-1 ESV) 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
It’s not the stuff of refrigerator magnets and Facebook posts, but it’s the word of God.
Excellent post. But what comes to my mind is that maybe some of those churches out there that are swelling and “growing” are those that feed the “all about me” attitude, making them attractive; while some churches that struggle do so because the honesty and truth of suffering and the redemption of God’s people as opposed to “my” personal happiness” is the heart of their teaching and preaching. Then we find ourselves flip flopping, admiring the “growing” church.
What I see are the evangelicals, even fundamentalists, who love to announce, “Behold, see our churches grow”, while belittling those churches that are more progressive, yet struggling. But listen, with open mind, to the preaching of both. Who, exactly, promises the “easy” life.
When I was at Harding in the seventies, already in my twenties after a stint in the service, so I had seen much by that time, I remember one young man just out of high school claiming in his sermonette that being a Christian makes everything easier. I would like to speak to him today. Now in my sixties I find that my prayers mean more to me if I ask for help to see God in all that surrounds me. It helps me to see more, to see a person, to see life, in all its glory and pain, when I look into a strangers face.
Amen. Wonderful post and great reminder. Modern Churches shape their programs to attract the crowds. This is theme-park Christianity. “Find the booth or ride to make you happiest”. Let’s get back to glorifying God.
We are a joint heir with Christ as a child of His IF we suffer with him. Romans 8. It is about us but about His purpose. We may be sawn in two but His purpose and our obedience will be rewarded.
The Greek plural number doesn’t prove if it’s collectivist or not. Rather the context reveals such. I believe the Roman narrative indicates that it is reflective(both individual and collectivist).
I definitely agree though. Christianity is way more then just self-esteem issues and being encouraged and comforted(although those do indeed have their place).
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“All about me” is not always a rosy, positive doctrine. This same concept may appear in a Christian POV which focuses on personal piety, performance of religious ritual, and self-denial. The idea that God’s pleasure is the product of how the believer performs morally or religiously, or from what pleasures he eschews, is equally misguided. Both views tend to misunderstand the nature of our Father, settling for a characature God as slavedriver with a holy lash or as Santa Claus with a bag of goodies.