BC in a PC World – 1

By Chris Thomas

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. – I Corinthians 1:18

Corcovado jesus (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

Paul illustrates the worldview concerning truth, especially that of Biblical truth.  To them it is foolishness.  That is an attitude that was prevalent during the time of his writing to the church in Corinth and fast forward to almost 2000 years later; we can see that that attitude remains the same.  The more I read the Word of God and the more my belief becomes rooted within its inerrant, inspired, and infallible truths, the more I realize that in this world of political correctness, being Biblically incorrect will always be considered folly.  In reality, being Biblically correct will involve us to be politically incorrect.  To go any further, we must first identify the meaning of being politically correct.

Merriam-Webster defines “politically correct” as: conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated

The Merriam-Webster logo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One constant remains in the study of Jesus earthly ministry and teachings: people were offended by the truth.  Why, because the light of truth revealed things in an unpleasant light.  Their response would be like that of my wife during a morning which I had arisen long before the rising sun.  I was preparing for a hunting trip and I fumbled in the darkness trying to gather my belongings in our bedroom.  After a frantic search in the darkness, I was left with no choice but to turn the light on.  Immediately, I was given a stare, a pout, and then a firm talking to.  In her own Christian way, she told me to “TURN OFF THE LIGHT!”  By the way, we Christians do not fight, we have intense fellowship.  The writer of Hebrews actually pinpoints the effectiveness of God’s Word.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Dispute of Jesus and the Pharisees over tribute money (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And that illumines the power of truth.  It basically cuts to the matter.  When truth reveals the ugliness of man’s motives, intents, and purposes, they have no other way to respond than to be aggressive, offensive, and crass.  It is incredulous to see how people who are easily offended use Jesus as an example of one who did not offend, yet we find in several places how Jesus’s teachings did in fact offend those he ministered to and taught.

‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.  ‘But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’”  After Jesus called the crowd to Him, He said to them, “Hear and understand.”  It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”  Then the disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?”   (Matthew 15:8-12)

Astounding isn’t it?  Jesus himself called out their intents.  He revealed the truth about their “religious” teachings.  They were not teaching pure unadulterated truth as found in God’s written law, they were teaching their own doctrine, a doctrine that suited them.  Here is one other text to consider concerning those who were offended by Jesus.

When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. (Mark 6:2-3)

As I close this section of our series “BC in a PC World”, I am reminded of the words to His disciples in Matthew:

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.  It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!” (Matthew 10:24-25)

In effect, Jesus is saying, in the way that they have responded to Him and His teachings, they will also respond in the same way to you.

All Scripture quotation is from NASB