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The Truth and False Prophets (Matthew 7.15-20)
The philosopher Michel Foucault says that claims to know the truth are always grabs for power. You simply cannot separate truth and power. Behind any metanarrative there lurks a power play, knowledge claims are violent impositions by powerful institutions, universal truth claims are simply masks for ideology and the will to power. I think we know this to be true, and have seen this play out politically in nations and organisations.
Yet Christians believe they have been given a true story which, far from being a tool to legitimize power, ‘presents a vision of community life which resists claims to power by modelling itself on the self-giving and powerlessness of Christ.’[1] The truthfulness of this story does not make it violent. On the contrary this story is about the cross where the violent took our Lord and killed him so that those who were oppressed would be liberated.
This is part of the sermon I recently preached on Matthew 7:15-20. As you listen you will find out why I found this teaching of Jesus very confronting.
The Truth and False Prophets (Matthew 7.15-20)
MP3 | St Philips, York Street (6PM) | 4 July 2010
[1] Graham Tomlin, The Power of the Cross: Theology and the Death of Christ in Paul, Luther and Pascal (Carlisle, Cumbria, U.K.: Paternoster, 1999), 99.
Hey man,
Been listening to a few of your podcasts and thought I’d let you know that I’m really digging them. Great stuff… actually just listened to the false prophets one this morning.
Hey Dave. Thanks again for your encouragement.
Just been looking at Stoop. I love that MLK quote. I might just post a segment of his sermon ‘The American Dream’ this arvo.
Have you read any Hauerwas or Yoder? They are champions of non-violence. I love reading (and listening) to Hauerwas, and think they challenge the machismo of even Christian culture, but ultimately I do believe the state – even when it is made up of Christians – bears the sword to terrorise bad conduct (Rom 13:1-7).
Dave we should catch up some time, if you are ever in Sydney, or when I come up to the coast, which is a couple times a year.
yeah man.
that sounds great. email me so I’ve got your email addy and we’ll stay in touch. be cool if you wanted to write a piece for Stoop too if you’re interested.
be good to keep up contact etc.
i don’t get to syd too often but it’s only an hour down the road so we might have to line something up sometime!
peace mate,
dave