Believing the Unbelievable with Dr. Nijay K. Gupta - Episode 867
Mar 4, 2024
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Dr. Nijay Gupta discusses the uniqueness of early Christians, the mystery of God and time, and the reputation problem of Christianity. The episode dives into the challenging nature of early Christianity, the dedication of Paul to his spiritual mission, and the motivations behind acts of grace and healing by the apostles. Contrasts between Roman traditions and Christian practices are explored, emphasizing the transformative impact of empathy and service in sharing the gospel.
Early Christians were perceived as unique for rejecting Roman cultural norms and practices, setting them apart from mainstream society.
The early Christians' perspective on faith allowed them to see the 'unbelievable' through a lens of belief, challenging societal norms and offering an alternative vision of reality.
The commitment of early Christians to living out their faith through radical actions and values demonstrated their unwavering dedication to Christ's teachings, earning them the title of 'believers'.
Deep dives
Early Christian Deviation from Roman Culture
Christianity was considered weird and dangerous by Romans due to its deviation from Roman cultural norms. Romans were accustomed to a religion that involved temples, priests, sacrifices, and statues, while Christians rejected these practices. The early Christians did not conform to Roman beliefs and were seen as threatening the peaceful coexistence with the Roman gods. This deviation and uncompromising faith in Jesus set them apart from the rest of Roman society, earning them the reputation of being extraordinary believers.
The Concept of Believing the Unbelievable
Early Christians were known as 'believers' due to their unique perspective on faith as a distinct form of sight. They believed in the 'unbelievable,' seeing through the lens of faith what was impossible to see with physical eyes. This perspective aligned with teachings in Corinthians and James, emphasizing that faith provided an alternative vision to understand reality. The act of belief was rooted in seeing the world through God's lens and acting in ways that challenged societal norms.
Earning the Title of 'Believers' Through Acts of Faith
The label 'believers' reflects the early Christians' commitment to living out their faith with an unwavering dedication to Christ's teachings. Acts of faith, such as treating the poor with honor and reversing societal norms, demonstrated their firm belief in the teachings of Jesus. Their actions, often deemed nonsensical by Roman standards, illustrated a different set of values guided by faith rather than social status. By embodying this radical transformation of social dynamics, early Christians earned the title of 'believers' for their steadfast commitment to living out their faith.
Sorcery and Compassion in Ancient Times
In the ancient world, sorcery was a common practice for monetary gain and dark activities. Sorcerers like Simon Magus used spells for profit, with laws prohibiting such practices. While sorcery aimed at harming others, the compassion shown by Jesus and the apostles stood out. They offered healing and grace for free, disrupting the profitable sorcery industry, highlighting a contrast between greed-driven sorcery and altruistic compassion.
Divergence Between Roman and Christian Beliefs
The early Christians challenged the Roman religious norms by valuing inherent dignity and equality among individuals. Unlike the Romans who focused on power and glory, the Christians prioritized humility, compassion, and generosity, reflecting the teachings of Christ. The Roman gods demanded respect and adherence to traditional rituals, while the Christian followers sought intimacy with God, emphasizing continuous prayer and personal transformation. This divergence showcased a radical shift from societal norms, leading to a deeper connection with faith and communal values.
Our friend and one of our favorite theologians around here, Dr. Nijay Gupta, is back! If you're like me and geek out when talking all things Scripture, I think you're really going to love this episode. Not only is Dr. Nijay a professor of New Testament, but he’s also a senior translator for the NLT Bible, the New Living Translation, which we’re using for the month of April on Let’s Read the Gospels. So clearly this is our guy for all our questions! Today we talked about the first Christians being so different from Roman culture, the mystery of God and time, and the reputation problem of Christianity. Dr. Nijay is just so brilliant! Be sure to grab a copy of his newest book, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling.
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NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends.