Pub Theology 5/28/24 – Two topics for the price of one!
What better way to close out this current season of Pub Theology than with a topic double feature. In keeping with the theme, we’re bringing back a golden oldie from the earliest years of PubTheo conversations to warm things up, and pairing that with a fresh, new feature as the nightcap. So let’s get to it.
This first topic is almost exactly 10 years old, dating to May 27, 2014. And it’s a pretty simple one to lay out. What is more important: a) seeking and saying the truth; or b) toeing the party line? We’re often told that honesty is the best policy, but is it? Are there times or circumstances when it’s better to be less than completely honest? Let’s talk about it.
We can blame (or credit) Jesus for our second topic. In Matthew’s gospel (Chapter 6 NRSV) , Jesus is instructing his disciples on a host of points, from giving alms, to how to pray, to the dangers of love of wealth. Then, beginning in verse 25, he turns to worry.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? … And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life?” After all, he says, the birds of the air neither sow nor reap and yet are fed. The lilies of the field wear no clothing yet are beautiful. In short, God takes care of all or it, so don’t worry about it. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
We’ve discussed in other conversations the annoying habit that Jesus has in the gospels of speaking indirectly or in metaphor (parables anyone?) rather than making his points plain. But here he is, essentially telling his followers, and us, not to worry about because God has it all under control. So how do you understand or apply this text today? Is it perhaps sound first century advice for a rural wandering band of disciples, but impossible or even unwise in modern times?
Join us this evening for our last conversation before we take our usual summer break. The discussion starts at 7pm tonight at Casa Real in downtown Oxford.
