Reflection and Action
Christian hope for resisting authoritarianism: The passages from this week’s lectionary are written to the people of God in different seasons. A common theme in these various contexts is that the people of God were at the mercy of the empire of their time. Romans was written to God’s people who were a part of the current empire and superpower of their time. How does the understanding of this situation help you better understand God’s invitation in Romans 13? In the psalm for this week, we are invited to join God’s people in praying God’s shalom in our society. Just as the wisdom of these passages ground us in the hope of God to bring justice, we also see that resisting empires is not new to the people of God. As we see in Isaiah 2, God addresses conflicts between different empires and calls the powerful to account. In all these passages, regimes do not have the final word. Instead, the powerful are at the mercy of God who will bring justice and righteousness, making a way when there seems to be no way forward.
Advent hope is not the absence of conflict. Rather, it begins with our longings that arise from holding the painful complexities of our world, our realities, and our stories. As you consider how your family experienced and navigated different empires throughout time, may you find hope in welcoming the wisdom of your communities’ stories in courage and gentleness. Journal your reflections on the following questions or invite a small group from your community to practice Christian hope together.
Authoritarianism is an ideology that requires obedience to authority at all costs. Questions and curiosity are seen as rebellious. Every leader and organized group is vulnerable to creating an authoritarian system. We may unintentionally create this “authoritarian system” in our family, church, and workplace, etc. Where have you experienced authoritarian leadership in your life? How does Christian faith invite us to resist authoritarian leadership?
Grace talked about how authoritarian regimes rely on having people buy into their narrative as the correct understanding of the world. Therefore, other narratives that are different from theirs are considered illegitimate and subversive. This binary mindset creates a culture of control and fear. What is the narrative that divides our communities right now? What narratives are you invited to listen to in this Advent season to build solidarity with others in the midst of differences?
During times of authoritarianism, some groups suffer more than others. How can we extend love and tangible support to those in the congregation who are fearful right now? Who are the people and communities who are most impacted by rising authoritarianism? How can the church use our resources or knowledge to stand in mutuality and solidarity with them?
Authoritarian regimes use isolation to control their populations. Tariffs have isolated the US economically and immigration policies expel migrants and prohibit legal immigration. However, the Bible teaches us that God’s love is all encompassing and meant for everyone regardless of national or class borders. How does Christian hope invite us to a form of resistance?
Reflection and Action
Christian hope for resisting authoritarianism: The passages from this week’s lectionary are written to the people of God in different seasons. A common theme in these various contexts is that the people of God were at the mercy of the empire of their time. Romans was written to God’s people who were a part of the current empire and superpower of their time. How does the understanding of this situation help you better understand God’s invitation in Romans 13? In the psalm for this week, we are invited to join God’s people in praying God’s shalom in our society. Just as the wisdom of these passages ground us in the hope of God to bring justice, we also see that resisting empires is not new to the people of God. As we see in Isaiah 2, God addresses conflicts between different empires and calls the powerful to account. In all these passages, regimes do not have the final word. Instead, the powerful are at the mercy of God who will bring justice and righteousness, making a way when there seems to be no way forward.
Advent hope is not the absence of conflict. Rather, it begins with our longings that arise from holding the painful complexities of our world, our realities, and our stories. As you consider how your family experienced and navigated different empires throughout time, may you find hope in welcoming the wisdom of your communities’ stories in courage and gentleness. Journal your reflections on the following questions or invite a small group from your community to practice Christian hope together.
Authoritarianism is an ideology that requires obedience to authority at all costs. Questions and curiosity are seen as rebellious. Every leader and organized group is vulnerable to creating an authoritarian system. We may unintentionally create this “authoritarian system” in our family, church, and workplace, etc. Where have you experienced authoritarian leadership in your life? How does Christian faith invite us to resist authoritarian leadership?
Grace talked about how authoritarian regimes rely on having people buy into their narrative as the correct understanding of the world. Therefore, other narratives that are different from theirs are considered illegitimate and subversive. This binary mindset creates a culture of control and fear. What is the narrative that divides our communities right now? What narratives are you invited to listen to in this Advent season to build solidarity with others in the midst of differences?
During times of authoritarianism, some groups suffer more than others. How can we extend love and tangible support to those in the congregation who are fearful right now? Who are the people and communities who are most impacted by rising authoritarianism? How can the church use our resources or knowledge to stand in mutuality and solidarity with them?
Authoritarian regimes use isolation to control their populations. Tariffs have isolated the US economically and immigration policies expel migrants and prohibit legal immigration. However, the Bible teaches us that God’s love is all encompassing and meant for everyone regardless of national or class borders. How does Christian hope invite us to a form of resistance?