The Transformative Danger of Living the Gospel (06/01/'24) -Viewpoint

The Transformative Danger of Living the Gospel The notion that the gospel, or the message of Christianity, is inherently challenging and transformative, not just in thought but especially in action. The Gospel as a Dangerous Idea Concept vs. Action: Conceptual Danger: Thinking about the gospel can be intellectually challenging, but that’s not where the true danger lies. Action-Oriented Danger: The gospel becomes truly "dangerous" when its principles are put into action. Living out the gospel often requires significant personal sacrifices, changes in behavior, and standing up for what is right, which can lead to social, political, or even familial conflict. Understatement and Emphasis: Understatement: Saying the gospel is dangerous simply because it makes you think is an understatement. True Danger: The real danger lies in the radical changes and actions it demands from believers. It challenges societal norms and personal comfort zones, requiring adherence to God's will above all else. God's Will and the Gospel Primacy of God's Will: The gospel calls for God's will to be prioritized over all other considerations, including personal desires and societal expectations. This can create tension in various relationships, including family dynamics. Faith in Action: The true essence of the gospel is not merely believing in its principles but actively living them out. This means embodying the teachings of Jesus in everyday life, which can be socially and personally risky. Walter Brueggemann's Perspective Dangerous Idea: Brueggemann emphasizes that the gospel is inherently radical and transformative. It is not "safe" or "innocuous" because it demands significant changes in how one lives and interacts with the world. Jesus' Crucifixion: Jesus was crucified not because he was simply a kind person, but because his teachings and actions challenged the existing power structures and societal norms of his time. This underscores the idea that living out the gospel can lead to opposition and persecution. Clarification of Differences Idea: The idea of the gospel involves understanding and internalizing its teachings. This is important but relatively safe compared to action. Action: Putting the gospel into action means implementing its teachings in real-life situations. This is where the true danger lies, as it often requires confronting injustice, making personal sacrifices, and sometimes facing significant opposition. Conclusion The gospel is described as "dangerous" not because it is dangerous to think about, but because living it out requires radical actions that align with God's will. This can disrupt personal lives, societal norms, and even familial relationships, as the believer prioritizes divine directives over all else. Walter Brueggemann’s quote highlights the transformative and often contentious nature of genuinely living out the gospel, illustrating that it goes beyond mere belief to active, and sometimes risky, implementation. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 1, 2024)