Harold Bloom: Jesus and Yahweh
As I went to the website to discover what in the world NPR might have to say about the names of God. It is interesting and could be a fun thing to follow this program and the blog attached...I would welcome any comments :)
3 comments:
Interesting subject...also considering it's from Harold Bloom! Anyway, I also saw online this morning a slide show essay on the "megachurches" and their new architecture. One of the points made was a desire of new churches to be seen as the feel good Jesus generation. Are we moving our faith away from God and putting it onto Jesus, as if they were two different beings? It seems similar to me as the Oldmobile adverisement -- "It's not your father's Oldmobile." Sometimes Christians seem to be worshipping the name of Jesus over the name of God -- like it's the new hip thing. I also think that quite often new Christians or new believers are so put off by the concept of the Trinity that the only way to justify their faith is to concentrate on Jesus. Let's face it, the Trinity can be a confusing concept to grasp. But that's also the point -- we shouldn't separate God from Jesus, but should go on faith to know that they were one and separate at the same time.
Pastor Rod, by the way, it took me a minute to justify the "as I drove to work" phrase... I had a weird mental picture of Pastor Rob driving 5 feet to work!!! Kim
I looked at this article. I am unsure what Bloom's thoughts were - I didn't listen to the program they played last night or read his book, but I'd like to make a comment nonetheless.
A balanced approach to Christianity is necessary. We believe in the Trinity and can have a balanced view of each Person. However, we do not dishonor the Father when we honor the name of Jesus Christ - even if we over use His name. I am AMAZED at the number of references to the "name of Jesus" in the New Testament - the significance and the power and authority that it holds. The apostles in Acts repeatedly called on the "name of Jesus" in their miracles. We can't use His name enough, or sway to Him enough. When we honor Son's name, we honor the Father. That is what Philippians 2:9-11 is all about.
Furthermore, if you really wanted to water down the Gospel, you should TAKE OUT the name of Jesus, not over-emphasize it. It is Jesus who is the Stumblingblock, who is the only Way, who is offensive - the world HATES Him and His name (and His followers).
You can tell someone "God loves you" - even "God the Father loves you" - but when you mention Jesus, that's where our "Christ"-ianity becomes offensive.
All that said, we should have a healthy viewpoint of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I am unsure if that is what Harold Bloom is espousing or not, but just wanted to comment nonetheless. :)
One of the quotes in the online article was this (taken from Bloom's book):
"Jesus, to most Americans, of whatever origin or denomination, is both unique and universal. Has he taken the place once held by God the Father? If so, then the American Religion would evade Freud’s reduction of all religion to the longing for the father. For a while now I have rejected Marx’s notion that religion was the opiate of the people. In the United States it is rather the people’s poetry, both bad and good…”
This quote made me think about the attitudes of some churches to preach the good news without preaching the truth -- and many attendees at church don't know the difference, or want to know the difference. Even though we have the gospel and the sacrifice of Christ, we also must remember the law and the Creator. I for one am already learning so much during this 40 days campaign, and in ladies Bible study and at The Journey! I have always thought that both the truth and the light is being preached, and look forward to hearing and learning more. But that quote made me think of many people who still fear God (in a scary way) and love Christ, instead of glorifying both.
Hopefully not rambling...
Kim
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