An Apocalyptic Christmas, part 2: Militarism and Violence, Dr. Greg Boyd
Dec 19, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Dr. Greg Boyd, primary teaching pastor at Woodland Hills Church and author of "The Myth of a Christian Nation," delves into themes of militarism and violence in the Book of Revelation. He contrasts the violent imagery in the text with Jesus' teachings on nonviolence and love, highlighting a hopeful vision of universal reconciliation. Boyd emphasizes the importance of humility, self-sacrificial love, and dialogue across political divides. He also offers a reflective take on Christmas, advocating for connection and personal purification.
The podcast reframes the Christmas narrative by integrating the apocalyptic theme from Revelation, highlighting the cosmic battle between good and evil.
Dr. Boyd challenges the interpretation of violence in Revelation, promoting nonviolence and self-sacrifice as the true means of achieving victory.
Universal reconciliation is proposed as a hopeful possibility within Revelation, suggesting a transformative journey for all people towards love and redemption.
Deep dives
Accessibility of Biblical Study Tools
The podcast highlights that the world's most powerful Bible study platform, Logos, is now more affordable, making it accessible for users who may have previously considered it out of reach. The speaker shares a personal testimony of reliance on Logos for daily writing and research, emphasizing its essential role in deepening engagement with the Bible. Users are encouraged to start a free trial to explore the extensive features of Logos, which supports in-depth biblical study. The emphasis on accessibility aims to encourage more individuals to delve into scripture and enrich their understanding.
Birth Narrative in Revelation
The podcast discusses the birth narrative present in the book of Revelation, specifically in chapter 12, paralleling the more commonly referenced narratives in Matthew and Luke. This apocalyptic perspective is presented as an unveiling of the same story, illustrating a cosmic struggle where evil, represented by Satan and empires, seeks to undermine Jesus and His followers. By shifting the focus to this narrative, the speakers encourage listeners to reconsider the traditional Christmas story in light of the conflict depicted in Revelation. This invites a broader contemplation of the themes of good versus evil during the festive season.
Nonviolence and the Book of Revelation
The conversation centers around the interpretation of violence in the book of Revelation, challenging the notion that it endorses militarism among believers. Instead, it is argued that true victory is achieved through nonviolence and self-sacrifice, modeled by Jesus. One striking example mentioned is Revelation 19, where the imagery of Jesus's battle against evil is reinterpreted; He defeats His adversaries not through bloodshed but through truth. This thematic inversion highlights that the real strength lies in love and non-retaliation, contrasting with the expectations of violent confrontation.
Universal Reconciliation in Revelation
The podcast touches upon the concept of universal reconciliation as a significant theme within Revelation, suggesting that the text holds a hopeful narrative for all people. The kings of the earth and the nations, initially portrayed as adversaries, are ultimately depicted as being restored and redeemed by truth. This perspective raises essential questions about the nature of God's judgment and the possibility of transformation for those historically aligned with evil. The speakers acknowledge that while the possibility of universal salvation exists, it necessitates a conscious choice towards love and transformation.
Confronting Cultural Militarism
The discussion reveals the challenges of addressing deeply ingrained cultural values of militarism and violence within the church community. As societal norms shift towards acceptance of violence, including reactions to personal safety threats, the speakers underscore the necessity of cultivating a nonviolent ethos in alignment with the teachings of Jesus. This includes grappling with common misconceptions about self-defense and armament in faith contexts. By framing love for enemies and a commitment to peace as the pathway forward, the podcast advocates for a transformative approach that challenges prevailing cultural mindsets.
Dr. Greg Boyd is the primary teaching pastor and vision-caster for Woodland Hills Church and is the author of many books including my favorite: The Myth of a Christian Nation. Greg is also known for his love of yoga, running, drumming, dancing and going on long walks with Gracie, his pet Morkie.
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