We currently live in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to Christianity. Western civilization is no longer nominally Christian. While I would argue that no culture on earth can claim to be truly Christian, for a long time the western world claimed Christianity and generally followed its morals. That is simply no longer the case.
While we haven't seen any persecutions like what happens in other parts of the world we are seeing a type of social persecution take place. People who take time on Sundays to attend a local congregation often must sacrifice to do so. Their child may not make the best sports team or they may miss out on social events. Being a Christian is no longer seen as a respectable thing in a lot of places, but is instead seen as backwards and even bigoted at times.
Our society, in general, tends to see Christians as simple-minded, reactionary bigots who want to impose their outdated morality and anti-scientific worldview on others.
The first century Christians were in a similar position. Before the government sanctioned persecutions of Nero and Domitian started, Christians were looked down upon by society. They were viewed as incestuous, cannibalistic, unpatriotic atheists. Christians endured a type of social persecution for following Jesus. They were banned from shops and holding public office. They were viewed with suspicion since they didn't participate in the communal idol worship. To be a Christian often times meant sacrificing social standing, money, and friends.
Something interesting is that Peter talks about suffering as something intrinsic to being a Christian. Too often we look at suffering as abnormal, like that isn't supposed to happen to Christians. The truth is very different.
While we haven't seen any persecutions like what happens in other parts of the world we are seeing a type of social persecution take place. People who take time on Sundays to attend a local congregation often must sacrifice to do so. Their child may not make the best sports team or they may miss out on social events. Being a Christian is no longer seen as a respectable thing in a lot of places, but is instead seen as backwards and even bigoted at times.
Our society, in general, tends to see Christians as simple-minded, reactionary bigots who want to impose their outdated morality and anti-scientific worldview on others.
The first century Christians were in a similar position. Before the government sanctioned persecutions of Nero and Domitian started, Christians were looked down upon by society. They were viewed as incestuous, cannibalistic, unpatriotic atheists. Christians endured a type of social persecution for following Jesus. They were banned from shops and holding public office. They were viewed with suspicion since they didn't participate in the communal idol worship. To be a Christian often times meant sacrificing social standing, money, and friends.
Background
1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter around AD 62. This would have been before the persecutions of Nero when the social attitude towards Christians was at an all time low. While Christians weren't being executed or thrown in prison just yet they were essentially ostracized from the community because of their faith.
Themes
The major theme of 1 Peter is that of suffering. Peter is writing to Christians who are suffering and sacrificing a lot to follow Jesus. The tide is shifting ever further against Christianity, and Peter probably knows it's only a matter of time before persecution breaks out in force.
Theological Point
To be a Christian is to put on Christ and, by the power of the Spirit, live a crucified life. It is only by following the example of his death that we can participate in his new life. But putting on Christ means taking off the world. It means living by a different standard and seeing reality through a different paradigm. The world doesn't like this.
To truly be a Christian means to suffer. For some that means facing death and torture, as so many of our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia face. For others it means sacrificing wealth, comfort, and social standing for the sake of Christ. This is what Christians most likely face in America.
In either case Christians are given the same order; persevere. No matter the suffering, be it ridicule, prison, loss of income, or even death, we are called to persevere in the name of Jesus. Our prayer is the same; that no matter what the world throws at us, let us always follow the example of Jesus.
Conclusion
Growing up I always heard that we should always strive to be like the church of the first century. That was always the goal; to recreate the first century church. Something was missing, however, for that to be a reality; persecution. With the way the world is turning against Christians it may only be a few years until we finally get our wish.
When the day of persecution comes, be it social or more severe, the answer is the same; persevere in the name of Christ. Follow the example of Jesus no matter the cost. It is only by sharing in his death that we can participate in his life.
Comments
Post a Comment