Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times ST87: Listener Question: Why Was the Jerusalem Temple Decorated with So Much Gold?
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Dec 4, 2025 The discussion dives into a fascinating question about the gold decoration of the Jerusalem Temple and its implications for faith and poverty. A.J. shares his emotional responses to the lavishness, while Nijay draws parallels to the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. They explore the balance between worship and social responsibility, examining the symbolism of gold in biblical texts. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of integrating worship with benevolence, highlighting that care for the poor should never be overshadowed by grandeur.
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Pay Attention To Your Emotional Reactions
- Notice your emotional reactions when reading scripture because they can reshape your interpretation and reveal your own priorities.
- A.J. Swoboda urges readers to make non-interpretive observations, consider context, ask honest questions, and track knee-jerk responses.
Megachurch Service Sparked Skepticism
- Nijay Gupta recounts attending a lavish megachurch Christmas service and feeling discomfort at the opulence.
- The contrast with missionaries in Zimbabwe sharpened his sense that Jesus doesn't need theatrical wealth for worship.
Small Church vs. Mega Church Contrast
- Nijay described attending small and massive churches and sensed a mismatch between resources and needs.
- He felt the spectacle of expensive services often lacks a framework of generosity toward the poor.
