20 Compelling Evidences that God Exists by Kenneth D. Boa & Robert M. Bowman Jr

Author:Kenneth D. Boa & Robert M. Bowman Jr.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Apologetics
ISBN: 9780781409414
Publisher: David C Cook

To Moses we owe the emergence of higher religious life and moral culture in western civilization.

—W ILLIAM FOXWELL ALBRIGHT 6

The Bible’s view of human beings also has implications for socioeconomic relationships. In this regard the Bible maintains a fine line. On the one hand, the Bible does not call for violent or disruptive revolt against societies that marginalize or oppress people. Moses led the Israelite slaves out of Egypt and back to their own land; he did not lead an armed revolt against the Egyptian government. Jesus did not support the Zealots—a Jewish movement that called for the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Judea.

On the other hand, the Bible harshly condemns economic injustice and warns of God’s judgment (often through other aggressive nations) against nations (even and especially Israel!) that do not correct such injustice. Thus Amos, for example, warned Israel that the rich who “impose heavy rent on the poor and exact a tribute of grain from them” will find themselves without homes or property if they do not change their ways (Amos 5:11 NASB ). Paul, while not telling slaveowners that they had to free their slaves, encouraged slaves to obtain their freedom if they could—a clear signal to their Christian masters to accommodate such efforts (1 Corinthians 7:21–23). The biblical ideal of the brotherhood of all human beings—a brotherhood that the New Testament emphasizes is realized through Jesus—eventually led nations dominated by Christian teaching and values to abolish slavery and to lead the way in working to abolish slavery worldwide.

So, in its teaching about men and women, about people of different ethnicity and color, and about people of different economic status or position, the Bible shows itself to be far more enlightened, not only than the culture of its day, but also in comparison to most of civilization since it was written. We’re still working to realize Paul’s breathtaking vision: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

FOR FURTHER READING

Boa, Kenneth D., and Robert M. Bowman Jr. An Unchanging Faith in a Changing World: Understanding and Responding to Issues that Christians Face Today. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Oliver, 1997. Includes chapters detailing and defending the biblical view of science, culture, and values.

Kantzer, Kenneth S., and Carl F. H. Henry, eds. Evangelical Affirmations. Grand Rapids: Zondervan-Academic Books, 1990. A collection of essays expounding on the social and cultural implications of biblical faith.

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