How does Christian theology and the beliefs and values of various nations interact with one another? Spencer and Jack discuss on this episode of the Thinking Theologically podcast.

Music:
“Kid Kodi”
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue

Episode #34 Show Notes- Theology on the World Stage

Introduction

Define Some Terms (Merriam-Webster) 

1. Imperialism – the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas; broadly: the extension or imposition of power, authority, or influence
2. Nationalism – loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially: a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups

American vs. Other Nations

• America (i.e., values, beliefs, governmental system, way of life, people, interests) is not inherently better or superior to any other nation. 
  • Revelation 7:9–10 – heaven will celebrate the diversity of human beings and human nations 

⁹ After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰ They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 

• America is not Israel, we are not a theocracy. Our nation, actions, and way of life are not inherently ordained by God. 
  • The Law of Moses, which governed Israel, the only true theocracy to ever exist, was never meant to govern other people or nations. 
  • Note how the OT and NT authors do call other nations (e.g., Rome) to recognize and be obedient to YHWH, but never to become Israel and follow the entire Law as a nation. 

War and the Sanctity of Human Life

• Human beings have been created in the image of God (Gen 1:27)
  • Royal representatives of God 
  • All human life is of equal value. A criminal’s life is of no less value than Mother Teresa’s. 
    • What they contribute to society may be different, but that is not where their value is found. People’s value is found in their image bearing. 
  • We should protect all human life at all costs and in all areas of life.
  • Refugees? 
• As Creator, only God has the right to take human life. At times, God gives this right to his royal representatives within specific and outlined circumstances (e.g., Gen 9:1–7; Law of Moses; OT genocide). Sometimes God carries out this right, reserved only for him, through his emissaries or representatives in human beings. 
  • War?
  • Self-Defense?
  • Death Penalty? 

How Do We Deal with the Reality of a Broken World? 

• Life in a broken world means, at times, we are forced to make a decision between bad and bad or bad and worse (e.g., Tamar). 
  • Go to war with the guarantee of tragedies or allow innocent people to die? 
  • Use self-defense and take the life of one person or allow an entire restaurant of people to die? 

What Can We Do? 

1. Pray!!!
2. NT Wright Quote