What if the government Christians keep praying for actually showed up—and started taking their comfort instead of their taxes? A kingdom that feels like mercy, not power.
Pretty amazing & the government of my dreams spelled out clear & simple. When you apply the truths of the Bible to modern day civilization in specific examples, itz pretty clear cut & not that complicated.
I didn’t say easy but not impossible. You just ignited a shower of fireworks that spell HOPE in giant twinkling letters in the sky 🎆
I read this with a hand over my heart. Deep within, I know the only way we midwife Shalom into the daylight is to first see it in our mind’s eye. Thank you for helping us do just that.
We have spent so much time elucidating hell—what it must be like, how awful it is—we have painted it into being.
Yes of course, what a wonderful world your utopian Christian society would be. Especially for the fanatics and tyrannical humans.
Although, it doesn't really sound that great if you actually "read" the Bible. The book is literally an instruction manual for domination, subjugation, and surrender. A book that endorses slavery, hates women, and recommends that we murder our children if they are disobedient. 🤔 Hmm? Where exactly do you find this "God of love and forgiveness" anyway? Oh right it's in Matthew, those wonderful instructions teaching people how to live on their knees and happily take a beating from any dictator or war lord that wants to "despitefully use you, and persecute you".
Matthew 5:39
"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also".
King James Bible
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you"
So with this we are told to forget all about self-defense. That is evidently not okay. Nope, we're supposed to "Resist not evil". So that means any war lord, slave master, and human trafficker, will be allowed to run wild and free.
Even though the Old Testament tells us to “Show no pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” – Deuteronomy 19:21
🤔 Hmm... a little bit of a contradiction it seems.
We are supposed allow them to "despitefully use" us.
It's as if these twisted ideas were written by the tyrants and slave masters themselves. 🤔
I'm sure that's just a coincidence.
Although, it certainly seems the Bible is telling us that we should just SUBMIT to the authorities.
Romans 13:1
English Standard Version
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God"
Romans 13:1
21st Century King James Version
"...the powers that be are ordained by God" 🤔
Apparently, it's not a coincidence at all.
At first glance, it looks like Jesus didn't actually agree with the Old Testament. Although, dig a bit deeper and it's clear he was all for it.
King James Bible: Matthew 5:17
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil".
New International Version: Matthew 5:18
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Yep, dystopian totalitarians are loving this book.
"not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen,". Follow the law to the letter he says.
Yep, all the instructions for genocide, for murdering your disobedient children, taking slaves, and forcing women to just shut up and stay quiet. What a great idea.
NIV: Ephesians 6:5,
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ."
I know I have fallen in love with a writing when I wish that it was I who had written it. Not in a jealous way, but a longing to hold an insight so deep and insightful, it touches on the truth of what something is instead of what we've made it to be. I always say that in its truest form, organized religion's intentions may have started as pure but evolved into something sinister and greedy when those in power became drunk with it. This writing elucidates that concept and brings it to life. It should be read in every space where spiritual leaders speak of being the hands and feet of Jesus. Many of them merely exist to be his pockets to hold the wealth pouring their way, which the IRS doesn't tax or ask them what they do with. I no longer need the gathering for my spiritual journey. The spiritual wilderness is now my home. However, for those who still yearn for community, this is the vision of what the new church should expect from its government leaders, which in turn impacts how churches should operate. We shouldn't settle for anything else. I'll do my part from the wilderness.
This means more than I can say. Your words carry the sound of someone who’s walked through the sanctuary, found the door at the back, and kept walking until the wilderness started singing back.
You’re right. The sacred didn’t die. It just left the payroll.
Separation Of Church and Hate ,I recommend reading , this a guide to when you speak to a righteous fake Christian’s by quoting the teachings of Jesus Christ ,it is a way to take back our faith from liars who are mean and power hungry and corrupt . His back story of his Mom was a former Nun & His Dad a former Jesuit Brother & how they got together ,great read 😇
That’s a beautiful recommendation. I’ve heard Fugelsang’s work described as comedy in the service of conscience. Sounds like sacred trouble worth reading.
Taking back the faith from the loud and loveless has always been holy work.
Pretty amazing & the government of my dreams spelled out clear & simple. When you apply the truths of the Bible to modern day civilization in specific examples, itz pretty clear cut & not that complicated.
I didn’t say easy but not impossible. You just ignited a shower of fireworks that spell HOPE in giant twinkling letters in the sky 🎆
🌎Thank you, Brother V., for describing so well God’s kingdom on Earth. I’ll always believe it can happen.🌅
Me too, you hope—giver 💞
May it be so.
A relaxing meditation, and then you awaken: beautiful
An accurate depiction. A vision, really, of what could be if we truly followed the teachings of Jesus.
Scorching truth!
This thread is gold! It shows the possibilities we are still afraid to believe in — but must, eventually, if we are to survive.
You’re right, of course.
I read this with a hand over my heart. Deep within, I know the only way we midwife Shalom into the daylight is to first see it in our mind’s eye. Thank you for helping us do just that.
We have spent so much time elucidating hell—what it must be like, how awful it is—we have painted it into being.
It is past time to reverse our obsession.
Yes of course, what a wonderful world your utopian Christian society would be. Especially for the fanatics and tyrannical humans.
Although, it doesn't really sound that great if you actually "read" the Bible. The book is literally an instruction manual for domination, subjugation, and surrender. A book that endorses slavery, hates women, and recommends that we murder our children if they are disobedient. 🤔 Hmm? Where exactly do you find this "God of love and forgiveness" anyway? Oh right it's in Matthew, those wonderful instructions teaching people how to live on their knees and happily take a beating from any dictator or war lord that wants to "despitefully use you, and persecute you".
Matthew 5:39
"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also".
King James Bible
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you"
So with this we are told to forget all about self-defense. That is evidently not okay. Nope, we're supposed to "Resist not evil". So that means any war lord, slave master, and human trafficker, will be allowed to run wild and free.
Even though the Old Testament tells us to “Show no pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” – Deuteronomy 19:21
🤔 Hmm... a little bit of a contradiction it seems.
We are supposed allow them to "despitefully use" us.
It's as if these twisted ideas were written by the tyrants and slave masters themselves. 🤔
I'm sure that's just a coincidence.
Although, it certainly seems the Bible is telling us that we should just SUBMIT to the authorities.
Romans 13:1
English Standard Version
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God"
Romans 13:1
21st Century King James Version
"...the powers that be are ordained by God" 🤔
Apparently, it's not a coincidence at all.
At first glance, it looks like Jesus didn't actually agree with the Old Testament. Although, dig a bit deeper and it's clear he was all for it.
King James Bible: Matthew 5:17
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil".
New International Version: Matthew 5:18
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Yep, dystopian totalitarians are loving this book.
"not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen,". Follow the law to the letter he says.
Yep, all the instructions for genocide, for murdering your disobedient children, taking slaves, and forcing women to just shut up and stay quiet. What a great idea.
NIV: Ephesians 6:5,
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ."
Adam… be honest.
You didn’t even read the article, did you?
It was satire. A mirror, not a manifesto. You’re swinging at your own reflection and calling it heresy.
Blessed be the ones who finish the scroll before lighting their torches.
Yes I did read it. Well, actually I listened to it. I guess I must of missed something. Because it definitely didn't come across as satire.
Except for the part where you seemed to imply that modern Christians wouldn't be able to handle actually following what Jesus supposedly said.
You didn't seem to read my comment either.
Adam, Acts 2:44–45. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
The first Christian community was basically your “hippy commun,” minus the Wi-Fi.
The point wasn’t economics. It was empathy.
The possibilities for good are endless, but first, we must imagine them.
I like your style.
I know I have fallen in love with a writing when I wish that it was I who had written it. Not in a jealous way, but a longing to hold an insight so deep and insightful, it touches on the truth of what something is instead of what we've made it to be. I always say that in its truest form, organized religion's intentions may have started as pure but evolved into something sinister and greedy when those in power became drunk with it. This writing elucidates that concept and brings it to life. It should be read in every space where spiritual leaders speak of being the hands and feet of Jesus. Many of them merely exist to be his pockets to hold the wealth pouring their way, which the IRS doesn't tax or ask them what they do with. I no longer need the gathering for my spiritual journey. The spiritual wilderness is now my home. However, for those who still yearn for community, this is the vision of what the new church should expect from its government leaders, which in turn impacts how churches should operate. We shouldn't settle for anything else. I'll do my part from the wilderness.
This means more than I can say. Your words carry the sound of someone who’s walked through the sanctuary, found the door at the back, and kept walking until the wilderness started singing back.
You’re right. The sacred didn’t die. It just left the payroll.
In John Fugelsang new book 📕
Separation Of Church and Hate ,I recommend reading , this a guide to when you speak to a righteous fake Christian’s by quoting the teachings of Jesus Christ ,it is a way to take back our faith from liars who are mean and power hungry and corrupt . His back story of his Mom was a former Nun & His Dad a former Jesuit Brother & how they got together ,great read 😇
That’s a beautiful recommendation. I’ve heard Fugelsang’s work described as comedy in the service of conscience. Sounds like sacred trouble worth reading.
Taking back the faith from the loud and loveless has always been holy work.