A newly discovered 4th century papyrus contains a number of Gospel sayings (e.g. pericopes) that present a shockingly different portrait of Jesus.
Scholars are uniformly surprised that such widely divergent alternatives could possibly exist. For example:
Blessed are those who resort to violence to defend themselves, for they will control the earth.
Blessed are those who carry a loaded Colt .45 Peacemaker, for they will be called Sons of the God of War.
When someone hits you on the right cheek, turn your snub-nose .38 upon them and shoot with accuracy.
Do not resist the urge to overpower an evil person, with deadly force if required. Use all means necessary to ensure that you and your lovely ones never feel threatened in any way. For your life is more valuable than anyone else’s.
It should be obvious that no such papyri exists. Just to be crystal clear, this is a spoof.
Sadly, in this age of infantile evangelicalism, we can no longer take it for granted that the average church-goer understands either New Testament teaching or the gospel portrait of Jesus.
Another perfect example of the dire, debilitating condition of conservative Christianity in this country appears in the NBC news story below. It’s called “Armed Volunteers Train in Hopes of Protecting Parishioners Against Potential Attacks.” Take a look:
The interviews speak for themselves. It’s all oh-so American. It’s also as contrary to Jesus’ model, his ethics and the Kingdom of God as one could possibly imagine.
