Barth series 5 of 7 Freedom in the Command of God

Introduction:

During my second year of Seminary, I had the pleasure of taking a yearlong “theology and ethics of Karl Barth” course at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary taught by Dr. John Burgess.  The year accounted for three credits hours in which we covered Karl Barth’s “Church Dogmatics Volume 3: The Doctrine of Creation Part 4.” The setup of the class was to read anywhere from 25-40 pages of Barth a week and produce a detailed outline of the material in the readings. We then would meet once a week to discuss the readings. At the end of the course, we were asked to prepare a 20-page paper that covered a main theme in the Church Dogmatics Volume. This series of blogs consists of sections from my paper that I wrote for the course. As you will see in the posts, I was specifically impressed by Barth’s discussion of ethical issues in the light of the Command of God and what he calls the exceptional case to that command. There are many other things that I loved in this volume that are not covered in these post, and I am in no way claiming to have fully comprehend what Barth is getting at, I just want to share some of my thoughts in hope to continue my theological pursuit after seminary!

Part 1 of 7 (Introduction) 

Part 2 of 7 (On Suicide)

Part 3 of 7 (Ethical Issues) 

Part 4 of 7 (Just War)

    After a thorough discussion of Barth’s views concerning the Command of God in the light of specific ethical issues of the everyday life of an individual, there are certain things that become evident. The first is that Barth has a high respect for the Command of God and what it means for humanity. If at all possible Barth believes that the Christian should follow the Command wholeheartedly. The second is that respect for the Command of God shows that Barth draws a profound respect for human life and the preservation of it. The third, Barth respects the Command of God enough to not limit the Command to an absolute principle, and leaves room for the Command of God to be a living rule, in the lives of believers allowing for the Command to change in the exceptional case. The next part of the essay will focus more deeply on these three conclusions drawn from Barth’s discussion. 

    For Barth, humanity obeying the Command of God is an essential factor for the preserving of the life of all people. It speaks the truth in a world that is filled with lies and provides order in a world that would otherwise be chaos. It also provides guidelines for humanity, and for a proper relationship with God. Barth sees this relationship of humanity to God as a very active lively relationship in which the living God reigns in the lives of Christ-followers, and the believers are provided freedom to follow God where they are led. This relationship and freedom as shown above leads Barth to believe that there cannot be a limit to the Command if it is truly acted out in the context of a relationship and freedom. Barth sees the Command of God as something that is constantly being spoken (living Command); as opposed to something that was only spoken many years ago (written Command). This shapes his entire view of Church Dogmatics and it certainly shapes how Barth understands his section on the “Protection of Life”. The written Command is the guide given to man to interpret the active Command of God. Barth does not believe that humanity should disregard the written Command especially what is recorded in Holy Scripture. If at all possible Barth believes that those Commands should be followed and obeyed above all other things. But Barth wants to allow freedom for the Command of God to reign and this includes taking into account different circumstances that people may face. In the context of an active relationship, God may encourage a person to perform an act that is against the written Command. 

    This respect for the Command also leads to the respect of human life. The present demand “thou shall not kill” resonates to Barth and the importance placed on the human life by God. This is not to suggest that human life is special in and of itself. Apart from the Command and relationship with God, human life lacks meaning and falls short of its intended purpose. Nevertheless, the Command of God is active and alive. This means that it is not just those who read the Bible that are impacted by the Command of God, but all people in the world have some interaction with the Command whether they realize it or not, because the Command of God is alive and active. This is the purpose given to humanity by which Barth understands all ethical issues. This is why Barth can say the Church’s duty is to remind the state that it is to seek peace in all its affairs, and reframe from taking lives if at all possible. This is not just a suggestion for Barth it is a demand from the Command of God. Nevertheless, if the state has truly acted out all oppositions to facilitate peace without any success and the threat of harm still remains then Barth feels that the Command of God could very much be saying to enter into war to preserve human life and bring peace.

Ferguson: How can I curse who God has not cursed?

My soul is in distress. I have fought within in myself whether or not I should post my opinion of what has taken place in Ferguson, Mo. I have wondered if it is even worth it to maneuver through my inward struggles with the situation. As I scanned the newsfeed of my Facebook last night I was overwhelmed by the ignorance and insensitivity that many of my friends displayed toward this case. These things more than any, led to my hesitation to raise a voice.  However, I have come to believe that every voice is important and needs to be heard… even my own.

A Call for peace 

My main focus in this post is to lead the reader to a place where they can hope and pray for peace. I realize that in order for peace to move passed an idealistic concept, we must actively pursue it. That means we cannot just sit back in hiding expecting peace to appear. No, we must fight for peace by raising our force in the face of injustice. Peace cannot exist where justice does not prevail. Scripture tells us in the book of Ecclesiastes that there is “a time for war and a time for peace.” Yes, indeed for everything there is a season.  When justice is absent the time to fight is at hand; in order that we can turn and idealistic concept of peace into a realistic reality! 

A human life was lost

What does justice mean in this recent tragedy of Michael Brown’s death? What I find so hard is that both sides feel that they are in the right and they have been wronged. Nevertheless, we can all agree that Michael Brown losing his life is terrible. Regardless of the law of the land, it is the earth that cries out for the blood that was shed on its soil. This is an outright representation of the fallen-ness of our world and there is no other way to make sense of it. The command “ Thou shall not kill” forces us to recognize that human life is of value, especially to God and that it deserves the utmost respect. Criminalizing anyone including Michael Brown and justifying their death is just another testament to the how far our world has fallen.

Racial Tension is real 

The racial tension should not be pushed aside or ignored. This entire situation is an outcry from a people group who feel that they are unfairly treated. This is the justified uproar of a people whose history is immersed in being treated inhumanely, with prejudices and animosity. A people who were delivered from slavery. However, while there has been many steps forward and others may suggest that the struggle is over, those with my skin color are constantly aware of the daily struggle to succeed and the inequalities in this country. As an African American male, I stand behind these observations and can confirm them as true. 

They expect me to just let it go?

My biggest problem with all of this is I feel that many voices are demanding that I accept the decision that was made by the grand jury as justice. People are yelling that because Michael Brown was a “criminal” that he deserved to die and I am supposed to accept that. Was it not Jesus who promised paradise to the criminal who hung on the cross next to him (Luke 23: 39-43)?  I am upset that some people basically rejoiced in the riots that took place shortly after the decision was announced, because it allowed them to say, “I told you so.” I’m upset at the decision to change the time of the announcement to after the sun went down. Most of all I am upset that people expect me to just leave it alone and let it go. To watch the mother of Michael Brown send out a loud cry that made the earth tremble, and to just sit back and do nothing! It’s not happening! Not this time. This is just too much. I will not sit back I will not be silent and I will not give up on my people. 

Wake up and listen U.S.

It is time for the United States to wake up. It is time for the voices of the African American community to be validated in the eyes of the elite. These riots were cries from those who have yet to be heard. You could choose to blame those who were rioting or you can choose to blame everyone who ignored the voice of the black community and deemed it irrelevant. 

A word from the Lord

In the Book of Numbers, chapter 22, Balak the King of Israel begged a man named Balaam to curse Israelites saying, “Behold a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and they are dwelling opposite me. Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you cursed is cursed.” 

I feel like there is a lot of pressure for me and others to curse African Americans people who are the people of this country who were recently brought out of slavery.
However, God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse them for they are blessed.” 

This continues a few chapters with Balaam refusing to curse God’s people because the word that God gives to him. Balaam gives three prayers blessing Israel each time God speaks to him, but the one that really spoke to me was his first. Number 23: 8-9 (ESV)

8How can I curse whom God has not cursed? 
How can I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced? 
9For from the top of the crags I see him, 
From the hills, I behold him 
Behold a people dwelling alone, 
And not counting their self among this nation

So I ask you, how can I curse my people who God has not cursed? 
How can I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced? 
I see God 
And I see my people who feel alone 
And who do not count their self as a part of this nation 

I will not abandon my people! 

This is how I feel. I will fight for peace, but I will not abandon my people! I cannot. God has not cursed us, but has blessed us and cries out with us! 

This is not meant to be just a post a post. I am praying right now for proactive call from the Lord to make a difference. I have felt a call to prison ministry lately. I am trying to confirm this along with other calls. I will keep fighting for peace. However, as I said earlier, “ Peace cannot exist where justice does not prevail.” 

Fenced in

"People should not be dying trying to live and find work for  their  family" Mark Adams demanded as he revealed to us how many sojourners have lost their lives in the Arizona desert. 

 

Friday November 7, 2014 had arrived and after a breakfast at a nearby hotel from the Shalom House, it was finally time for Bob and Carol and myself to meet the rest of the posse. Slowly but surely we all arrive at the Frontera de Cristo headquarters in Douglas, Arizona. The process of trying to feel each other out had begun. Chairs were arranged in a circle with our “Border to Border: Coffee, Migration and Faith” booklet in the seats with our names listed in the bottom right-hand corner of the booklet. I found mine and sat down as we prepared for biblical reflection. The passage for the day was Ephesians 2: 1-22. Verses 14- 18 stuck out to me the most:

14 For Christ himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. Christ purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 Christ came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Christ we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

I love how Paul explains how Christ has made peace and destroyed the barriers and dividing walls of hostility. Our Lord and Savior makes peace, creating a new humanity out of what once was two. This word of God hits so hard.

 After the introductions and reflections we hopped in the van and do not stop until we approached one of the largest (and ugliest) fences I have ever seen.

It was time for the border infrastructure tour. Taking into consideration the passage we just reflected on, this border infrastructure presented itself as a stark contrast to Paul’s words. Having realized this, I was immediately struck with sorrow.

We climbed out of the van and were able to see that the fence extended as far as the eye could see in both directions.

 We also quickly became aware of the border patrol officer with the large border patrol suburban and his machine gun, watching us intently.

About every 200 to 300 yards, a tall pole towered out of the ground with several cameras on the top. As we drove towards the hills I looked through the gaps on the fence and saw a town on the other side which I later discovered was Agua Prieta. It didn’t look too much different than the side we were on, but someone felt it was necessary to spend millions of dollars for this barrier of a fence.

Our plan was to drive up the large hill but, officers on the U.S. and Mexico side had stop on the road to talk so we stayed at the end of the fence. 

Mark Adams asked us to walk up and touch the fences. As we were holding on to it he read the passage to us and asked us to repeat after him. In unison we chanted, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ… For Christ himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility… Christ purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace and in his one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility…” We continued through the rest of our passage.

“My goodness, that was powerful,” I thought to myself. There was  something  that appeared to be freakishly wrong as we reflected on  Scripture and stood by the fence.

We climb back in the van all awestruck from our experience and the obvious presence of the divine in the reading of Scripture. We then ate at another wonderful Mexican restaurant and prepared to visit the U.S. Border Patrol headquarters.

So now we head to the place where it is the Border  patrol  government workers duty to ensure that “outsiders” are not successful in their attempt to cross into the U.S. What will that be like?  

Shalom (Peace) House

Welcome all!

These next series of post will be highlights the events, difficulties and spiritual implications of my border to border trip from Auga, Prieta Mexico to Chiapas, Mexico. Our trip was organized and led  by Frontera de Cristo. It was very well done and I am extremely impressed with my experience so if you are looking for a mission trip I would highly recommend their organization.

Now to take you on my journey, Thursday November 6th, 2014 I wake up well aware that my luggage is half way packed and there are still some last minute things that need to be picked up from Wal-Mart before I head to the airport. However, this is of no surprise to my wife or me as I always seem to be in a dazed paralyzed state of mind right up until it is crunch time. Finally, after everything is gathered together Sarah drops me off at the airport I say my goodbye and Sarah sheds her tears, then I’m off to retrieve my boarding pass.

While I am on my short flight from Wichita to DFW I realize that my feelings about the trip are very stagnated. For one, my wife and I had just moved into a new apartment not even a week before the plane left the ground so we were not by any means fully unpacked. I knew nothing about the trip (however I did know that the Church I work at and the Presbytery offered to cover the cost so I was not going to turn it down). Finally, I was somewhat concerned about not knowing any Spanish.

After switching flights in DFW, I arrive at Tucson, Arizona where I awaited my bag. A women approaches me and ask, “Are you Damian?” and I respond, “I sure am” and she informed me that Jeff (a member of the FDC’s board) was ready to pick us up. The women’s name was Carol and her husband's Bod. Bod is a retired Methodist Pastor and Carol is a retired Math teacher. They both attend a Methodist/ Presbyterian congregation. I should also add they are two of the sweetest individuals I have ever met.

We arrived at a Mexican restaurant in a part of Tucson that is projected to be 90% Hispanic, needless to say the food was authentic Mexican food and the first fruit of what would be a plentiful harvest of tasty goodness that my teeth got the pleasure of plowing into! We learned very little from Jeff about our trip, but it was obvious that his purpose was to get from point A to point B and feed us. I did however learn that Jeff's Presbyterian Church which is 2 hours from the border did not really concern itself with the difficulties of immigration; and even in a town with a large Hispanic population their Church still lacks diversity and is predominantly white (Go figure welcome to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A denomination smh).

After a two-hour delay we said our goodbyes to Jeff and our caravan finally was on the road for a close to 3-hour journey to Douglas, Arizona where we would stay for the night. When we arrived we were greeted by Jack and member of the Mennonite denomination who transported us to the Shalom house (Shalom means peace in Hebrew). 

It sounds more epic than it was, but it was still pretty impressive. Jack informed us that his wife and he had a heart for taking in anyone who may needed assistance or a place to stay. 

They simply provide people in need with the things one needs to survive, food, shelter, care and love!  However, they realized that their own home was not big enough. 

So they bought a house to give to anyone who needed it at no charge. 

The house had two bedrooms one bathroom a living room, dining room, kitchen and laundry room.

Jack and Linda pay the utilities and if someone calls when it is open they are happy to let them stay.

It was a wonderful example of the love of Christ. This set the tone of the trip that Carol, Bob and I would experience. A couple who was willing to open their arms to people in need!

Barth series 4 of 7 (Just War)

Introduction:

During my second year of Seminary, I had the pleasure of taking a yearlong “theology and ethics of Karl Barth” course at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary taught by Dr. John Burgess.  The year accounted for three credits hours in which we covered Karl Barth’s “Church Dogmatics Volume 3: The Doctrine of Creation Part 4.” The setup of the class was to read anywhere from 25-40 pages of Barth a week and produce a detailed outline of the material in the readings. We then would meet once a week to discuss the readings. At the end of the course, we were asked to prepare a 20-page paper that covered a main theme in the Church Dogmatics Volume. This series of blogs consists of sections from my paper that I wrote for the course. As you will see in the posts, I was specifically impressed by Barth’s discussion of ethical issues in the light of the Command of God and what he calls the exceptional case to that command. There are many other things that I loved in this volume that are not covered in these post, and I am in no way claiming to have fully comprehend what Barth is getting at, I just want to share some of my thoughts in hope to continue my theological pursuit after seminary!

Part 1 of 7 (Introduction)

Part 2 of 7 (On Suicide) 

Part 3 of 7 (Ethical issues) 

The last issue that will be addressed in the attempt to understand Barth’s view of the Command of God “thou shall not kill”, is the question can there be a just war? For Barth, if there is such a thing as a just war, then the restrictions would be stricter than those placed on suicide, self-defense, and capital punishment. Barth understands war as an action in which the nation and all its members are engaged in killing. What Barth means by this is that though the citizens may not be a part of the military and involved in the actual killings, all who desire or permit the war are also involved in it.[1]  The only way this would not be the case is in the rare occasion that the citizens were to wage war against the service of their country. But since this is often not the case, when loyalty and devotion to a country is taken into account, it is safe to say that all people are in some way involved in a war. Barth suggests that killing in war calls into question the whole morality and obedience to the Command of God. It certainly raises the question among Christians, “how can a Christian believe and pray when at the climax of this whole world of dubious action there is a brutal matter of killing?[2]”  In the light of the Command of God and its demand for the respect of human life, war seems to fall very short for many reasons, an obvious one being that war does not make a person better.

    The first essential notion Barth wants his reader to understand is that war should not, on any account, be recognized as normal for the Christian view of a just state.[3]  But Barth does not shy away from the fact that the state possesses power and must be able to exercise it. Nevertheless, according to Barth, Christians must push for the state to use their power only in the case of an ultimate ultimatum. The Christian Church must challenge the state in every way in properly determining and judging what qualifies as the ultimate ultimatum.[4] Barth pushes for the Church to have an active voice in the state’s process of determining the ultimate ultimatum for justification of war. If the Church fails to step into this role then they cannot expect their voice to have any meaning in the state’s darkest hour. Guidelines are given by Barth as to what Christian ethics is to emphasize. The Church should push to ensure that it never is the case that the state’s motivation and focus in war are the annihilations of human life.[5]  They should rather be concerned with fostering life of all parties involved in the dispute. There should also never be an argument that suggests that annihilating life is a process of maintaining and fostering it. This type of biological perspective is corrupt and cannot serve as a normal rule of ethic. Barth makes his point clear when he says, “According to Christian understanding, it is no part of the normal task of the state to wage war; its normal task is to fashion peace in such a way that life is served and war kept at bay.[6]”

    However, as displayed earlier and championed by Barth, absolute principles are not ideal in approaches to ethics and so he sees and identifies the mistakes of pacifism.

The major objection regarding pacifism is, “in its abstraction of war, it fails to understand it as in relation to the peace which precedes it.[7]”  Barth is not concerned with absolute principles or rules against war, but the motivation and reason behind the state’s decision. If the motivation is wrong, for example, when the interest of the state is bearing capital, rather than preserving the life of humanity, Christian ethics demands an outcry from the Church.[8]  On the other hand, Barth seems to suggest that if there was a war in which motivation rested in the fact that the state was seeking to preserve the life of humanity then it would not be against the Command of God. This comes from Barth’s concept of freedom of the Command of God to reign in the lives of believers.

    Peace is the real emergency in which all the time, power, and ability of Christian ethics is devoted. The justifiable war must be focused on the restoration of an order of life that is meaningful and just.  The Church should be encouraging the state to do its best for justice and peace, to look for solid agreements and alliances with international courts and conventions, to push for all nations to display openness, understanding and patience towards others, and educate the young people to lead them to prefer peace over war. All this concludes that the Church should not preach pacifism, but instead encourage peace, and only treat war as the last resort.

---

[1] P. 447

[2] P. 454

[3] P. 440

[4] P. 398

[5] P. 441

[6] P. 458

[7] P. 458

[8] P. 459