Michael Rhodes: Practicing Justice-Oriented Discipleship
Mar 26, 2024
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Biblical scholar Michael Rhodes discusses justice-oriented discipleship in an unjust world, emphasizing the importance of economic responsibilities intertwined with faith. He explores power, love, and justice in discipleship, reflecting on the necessity of intentional striving towards righteousness. The conversation delves into biblical teachings on holiness, mercy, and justice, advocating for a deep engagement with these virtues for a fulfilling and transformative life.
Practicing Holy Week traditions can enrich spiritual experiences by connecting them with gospel teachings and emphasizing Gospel justice.
Balancing grace and effort in discipleship is crucial, urging active participation in spiritual growth for righteousness, justice, and mercy.
Acknowledging communal dynamics during the Eucharist promotes transformative power through justice practices, fostering genuine equality and honor for all members.
Deep dives
Practicing Holy Week and Gospel Justice
Practicing Holy Week traditions like using a donkey to tell stories and connecting these traditions with gospel teachings can enrich spiritual experiences. The discussion delves into the significance of Holy Week practices and emphasizes the relevance of Gospel justice in understanding biblical teachings. Moreover, exploring justice and the Gospel during Holy Week fosters a deeper understanding of biblical principles that are crucial for personal growth and communal reflection.
Grace Empowers Effort in Discipleship
The conversation highlights the dynamic relationship between grace and effort in discipleship, challenging the notion that grace negates the need for active participation in spiritual growth. By elucidating the interconnectedness of grace and effort in Christian discipleship, the podcast underscores the importance of striving for righteousness, justice, and mercy as integral aspects of spiritual development. Embracing the concept that grace empowers effort, the discourse promotes a holistic approach to living out one's faith.
The Eucharist's Social Implications and Communal Practices
Examining the social implications of the Eucharist, the discussion delves into the importance of acknowledging the communal dynamics present during the Lord's Supper. Emphasizing the need for self-reflection within the community, especially in relation to economic discrepancies and social hierarchies, the podcast sheds light on the transformative power of communal practices rooted in justice and inclusivity. By reimagining the celebration of the Lord's Supper as a communal meal that fosters genuine equality and honor for all members, the discourse encourages a reevaluation of traditional church practices in light of social justice and equitable participation.
The Importance of Community and Justice in Paul's World
In Paul's world, where a significant percentage of people were close to starvation, community and connections were vital for survival. Paul's teachings encouraged making connections with those in need, emphasizing caring for one another and looking down the social ladder to help those at the bottom.
Political Engagement Through the Lens of Biblical Wisdom
Analyzing the relationship between wisdom and justice in Proverbs, the podcast explores how skilled living in the world must be guided by justice. Proverbs highlights that while acquiring skills is important, the ultimate goal should be righteousness, justice, and equity. It emphasizes the importance of discerning the path to justice and committing to it, showcasing the necessity of political practice rooted in discipleship.
Many Christians and churches are rediscovering that God cares deeply about justice, but opinions abound as to what an approach to biblical justice might look like in contemporary society. We talk with biblical scholar Michael Rhodes about justice-oriented discipleship that is critical for the formation of God's people, which is the theme of his new book Just Discipleship: Biblical Justice in an Unjust World.
JUST DISCIPLESHIP BOOK GIVEAWAY: In partnership with IVP, we are giving away two copies of Michael Rhodes' book Just Discipleship. Go to gravitycommons.com/justdiscipleship to register.
Michael J. Rhodes (PhD, Trinity College/University of Aberdeen) is the lecturer in Old Testament at Carey Baptist College. He is the author of Formative Feasting: Practices and Virtue Ethics in Deuteronomy's Tithe Meal and the Corinthian Lord's Supper; Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in the Way We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give (with Brian Fikkert and Robby Holt); and numerous articles in popular outlets such as Christianity Today and The Biblical Mind. Rhodes has spent more than fourteen years involved in community development and urban ministry work, and is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife, Rebecca, and their four children.