A quick thought on Power
Throughout Scripture there are some dominate themes regarding power:
- God holds power but entrusts it to humanity.
- Dominate (oppressive) power structures are always subverted.
- The coming of the Kingdom of God results in the weak gaining power and prestige.
- Power comes in weakness and sacrifice, not through dominance.
The examples of this are endless:
- Jacob was the weaker, younger brother but fathered the 12 tribes of Israel.
- King David was the runt of the bunch but became the most powerful King.
- Gideon was chosen as a warrior leader because he was the least of those available; furthermore his army was culled to exclude the strongest.
- Jesus was not a conquering King, but lived a submissive, sacrificial life.
- The disciples were not leaders or scholars, they were regular guys entrusted with the future of the church.
The list goes on…
Despite this clear trajectory of power (re)distribution in the Kingdom, we still live in a day and time where the rich and the educated and the privileged lead the way.
What pains me the most is when scripture is used to justify and embolden the (oppressive) power structures – especially when it happens in the church.
When will we learn? It is time for educated, rich, white, western males to step down and learn from those on the fringe. I am convinced the gospel and Christianity can only truly makes sense when it includes and is led by those society has overlooked and disenfranchised.
My friend Terry posted a quick blog entry the other day on similar issues. You can read it here.