Lawbreaker Tolerance and the Jesuses
Two items from Slate webzine caught my eye and are quite worth a mention. The first, from a discussion group colleague, is a current series on the concept of "lawbreaker tolerance." It is a fascinating look at the limitations of government in light of its responsibility to prosecute with summary execution. That work is here, "American Lawbreaking" by Columbia law professor Tim Wu.
The second, a piece from a few years ago I came across in a search, is another man's take on the fact that there are so many Jesuses out there that knowing the real one is quite a puzzle. That is, unless you merely go talk to the real one. Alas, most people don't like talking to the real one because they fear the shocking discovery that He is so different from theirs. That piece is here, "Jesus Christ, Choose Your Own Personal Savior" by Chris Suellentrop.
The two Slate pieces are intertwined in more ways than you may think. Even though government finds many ways, however wittingly or not, to look the other way when people sin, this does not change the fact that they still sin, and an unenforced law still condemns.
When the only antidote to sin, Jesus Christ, is introduced, so many counterfeits proliferate that the jaded World inhabitant becomes quite befuddled about what exactly to do.
It is much like the ending of the brilliant Monty Python film The Life of Brian. When Brian is pardoned just after being put on a cross for crucifixion, a Roman guard asks, "Who is Brian of Nazareth?" someone on a cross not Brian says, "I'm Brian of Nazareth." Others pick up the cue and claim that they are Brian, and when the real Brian joins the chorus the guard obviously cannot distinguish him from the rest.
What is the way to know who the real Jesus is?
Once again, it really isn't that difficult. How about just talking to Him and find out.
For my take on the World of Jesuses phenomenon, it is here.
The second, a piece from a few years ago I came across in a search, is another man's take on the fact that there are so many Jesuses out there that knowing the real one is quite a puzzle. That is, unless you merely go talk to the real one. Alas, most people don't like talking to the real one because they fear the shocking discovery that He is so different from theirs. That piece is here, "Jesus Christ, Choose Your Own Personal Savior" by Chris Suellentrop.
The two Slate pieces are intertwined in more ways than you may think. Even though government finds many ways, however wittingly or not, to look the other way when people sin, this does not change the fact that they still sin, and an unenforced law still condemns.
When the only antidote to sin, Jesus Christ, is introduced, so many counterfeits proliferate that the jaded World inhabitant becomes quite befuddled about what exactly to do.
It is much like the ending of the brilliant Monty Python film The Life of Brian. When Brian is pardoned just after being put on a cross for crucifixion, a Roman guard asks, "Who is Brian of Nazareth?" someone on a cross not Brian says, "I'm Brian of Nazareth." Others pick up the cue and claim that they are Brian, and when the real Brian joins the chorus the guard obviously cannot distinguish him from the rest.
What is the way to know who the real Jesus is?
Once again, it really isn't that difficult. How about just talking to Him and find out.
For my take on the World of Jesuses phenomenon, it is here.
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