Sean Major-Campbell | Evolution in theological thinking

THANKS TO those readers of Family and Religion, who continue to ask questions and raise concerns. Last week DG expressed concern about my reference from time to time, to an evolution in biblical thought and theological thinking. The truth is that it is not easy to acknowledge some of this reality.

Last week, I noted that the Ten Commandments on their original presentation is not a Christian presentation. I then cited some examples of what, though biblical, was not necessarily Christian.

In Deuteronomy 23:1, there is a reference to one who is a eunuch: “He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.” It reflects a tradition in which men who were castrated, were not allowed in the temple. In some traditions they were even scorned since some had sexual relations with other men and never had a family.

By the time we get to Isaiah 56:4-5, there is a special affirmation for eunuchs. “For this is what the Lord says:

“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant — to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.”

Look at the interesting development in scripture though. In the New Testament, the eunuch is one of the earliest converts to Christianity. Read about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40.

Then there is Exodus 20:5 where a favourite quote of many Bible readers is well used: “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.” The Prophet Jeremiah, however, had other ideas. In Jeremiah 31:29-30, “In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.

But everyone shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.” The prophet Ezekiel also found that it was not enough to just keep on repeating something because it was presented as a commandment from God. “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.”

You see, dear reader, the Bible is not a monolithic text. It is made up of different theological perspectives. In other words, even where it is supposedly, God’s laws, these are coming through people, earthen vessels informed by their understanding of the divine.

When Paul says, for example, something like, women should cover their heads, he is speaking out of a cultural context. Clearly, there is nothing ungodly about a woman choosing not to cover her head. We have to be careful that we do not end up advancing “Paulianity” over Christianity.

On another note, remember that storms and hurricanes are part of nature. They do not come because of sin. They happen because nature intends them to be part of the ecological system.

We cannot pray away clogged drains, or the hazards associated with refusing to evacuate where necessary. We may, however, use our brains to exercise wisdom. Three weeks ago, I told friends that we are having September weather in June, so I am expecting a September event. Well, Beryl has started what may very well be a set of such events for the Caribbean.

With this record-making storm in June, and the attendant heat as a result of climate departure, places like Jamaica are in for weather extremes never before seen by our current generations. The ocean may very well increase its claim on land faster than anticipated.

And did you know that in the Bible, the ocean is often understood as the place of primordial chaos and demonic forces? That is why the psalmist often affirmed the power of God to overcome the deep waters or to lead one beside the still waters. Check out Psalm 69:1, “Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.” This is not a reference to literal water, but instead a reference to the challenges of life in the midst of tremendous distress.

The literary purpose of the calming of the storm narrative in the gospels is to make the point that God has power over the forces of evil, the forces of nature, and yes, the force of our fears.

May this be a good week as we continue to prepare for this active hurricane season. Peace be with you all.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human dignity and human rights. Send feedback to seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.