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God's Politics Blog

The Power to Dominate and the Power to Love

by Cesar Baldelomar 04-16-2009 | 1:00pm
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As Christians, our continual task is to explore and mediate on Jesus' teachings, as well as to emulate his deeds. Central to this two-fold task is comprehending the type of power Jesus wielded, namely the power to love. It often sounds repetitive to state that the poor carpenter loved those who were outcast by the dominant first-century Palestine social powers. But it is certainly worth repeating, for so radical was his power to love that it led to his dehumanizing demise.

Liberation theologian Leonardo Boff states that two powers were operative in the first-century oppressive Palestinian context: 1) exousia (Greek), which is the power to unite through patience and understanding of others; and 2) potestas (Latin), meaning the power to dominate through sheer force

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by: Ngchen

04-16-2009 @ 1:19pm

There was an excellent article in Christianity Today that noted God's left and right hand power, and what each can and cannot do. The right hand is the hand of force and justice. It brings order. The left hand is the hand of love and kindness. It brings reconciliation, although at times it may *seem* wimpy. Both are important.

by: JamesM

04-21-2009 @ 7:52am

I am surprised to be reading a postive comment from xfree9 on this blog. I must be living in a parallel universe. Oh no I'm not. His postive comment was mixed with a back-handed slap. Nothing has changed. But he does like the article by the way. By the way, SOJO must feel affirmed by such a comment. Now it has a reason to exist.

by: ail28

04-16-2009 @ 3:58pm

I thought your post was excellent. I am going to recommend to all of my colleagues.

by: xfree9

04-21-2009 @ 9:20pm

Was this comment really helpful? At least I encouraged the author while at the same time letting Sojo see that I think they should listen to the words of the author.

by: JamesM

04-22-2009 @ 4:50am

"Was this comment really helpful?" xfree9

It depends which comment you're referring to.

"At least I encouraged the author while at the same time letting Sojo see that I think they should listen to the words of the author"

Yes, it was heartening to see the encouragement to the author while the "letting Sojo see" part was propheitc, utterly prophetic. I am sure tht if SOJO reads your comment and is moved by the spirit, they will have an epiphany and hold freedom and free markets in same high regard that you do. Then and only then will their prophetic voice ring from shore to shinng shore.

Well back to my parallel universe...

by: xfree9

04-21-2009 @ 9:20pm

Was this comment really helpful? At least I encouraged the author while at the same time letting Sojo see that I think they should listen to the words of the author.

by: xfree9

04-17-2009 @ 11:00pm

"we can and must foster change by using our innate, transformative, and radical power to love

by: JamesM

04-22-2009 @ 4:50am

"Was this comment really helpful?" xfree9

It depends which comment you're referring to.

"At least I encouraged the author while at the same time letting Sojo see that I think they should listen to the words of the author"

Yes, it was heartening to see the encouragement to the author while the "letting Sojo see" part was propheitc, utterly prophetic. I am sure tht if SOJO reads your comment and is moved by the spirit, they will have an epiphany and hold freedom and free markets in same high regard that you do. Then and only then will their prophetic voice ring from shore to shinng shore.

Well back to my parallel universe...

by: xfree9

04-17-2009 @ 11:00pm

"we can and must foster change by using our innate, transformative, and radical power to love

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 4:58pm

Thanks for your comment. While both may be important, I think there is no question that Jesus used the power to love.

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 4:59pm

Thank you for passing the blog on.

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 5:01pm

Thanks for your observation. Just out of curiosity, why are you surprised to read a post like this on Sojourners?

by: Ngchen

05-15-2009 @ 5:37pm

Coming back to this thread belatedly, yes it is true that the bible doesn't speak of "right" and "left" hand power. It is, after all, a human construct. And no I don't mean to assign greater favor to force. Force can do many things, but force cannot make anyone love, or (by itself) bring the kind of positive peace that Israelis refer to as "shalom." Love, in some ways, is itself a kind of force.

However, a problem many on the left tend to downplay or ignore is the very real fact that evil is real, and that sometimes force is necessary to stop it/punish it if there is going to be justice. Justice is not necessarily kind (try saying justice is kind to the guy headed to prison!) but it is nevertheless "good" in some sense. The neat thing about our notion of God is that God is *both* just and kind. And we should be acutely aware of the tension that exists between the two at times.

by: xfree9

04-18-2009 @ 9:50pm

It just seems to me that a lot of supported policies on Sojourners have much to do with the controlling of those in society who do not live their lives according to the ethics and principles that those who write in Sojourners wish they would. I'm for freedom for individuals to pursue their own ends, so long as those ends are peaceful and lawful. Much of what I read here is often about making sure those who live their lives different from those whose values are shared here (most of which I agree with, just not the part that they want to employ the State to force others to live by their ethics and mores).

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 4:58pm

Thanks for your comment. While both may be important, I think there is no question that Jesus used the power to love.

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 4:59pm

Thank you for passing the blog on.

by: Ngchen

05-15-2009 @ 7:37pm

Coming back to this thread belatedly, yes it is true that the bible doesn't speak of "right" and "left" hand power. It is, after all, a human construct. And no I don't mean to assign greater favor to force. Force can do many things, but force cannot make anyone love, or (by itself) bring the kind of positive peace that Israelis refer to as "shalom." Love, in some ways, is itself a kind of force.

However, a problem many on the left tend to downplay or ignore is the very real fact that evil is real, and that sometimes force is necessary to stop it/punish it if there is going to be justice. Justice is not necessarily kind (try saying justice is kind to the guy headed to prison!) but it is nevertheless "good" in some sense. The neat thing about our notion of God is that God is *both* just and kind. And we should be acutely aware of the tension that exists between the two at times.

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 5:01pm

Thanks for your observation. Just out of curiosity, why are you surprised to read a post like this on Sojourners?

by: Ngchen

05-15-2009 @ 5:37pm

Coming back to this thread belatedly, yes it is true that the bible doesn't speak of "right" and "left" hand power. It is, after all, a human construct. And no I don't mean to assign greater favor to force. Force can do many things, but force cannot make anyone love, or (by itself) bring the kind of positive peace that Israelis refer to as "shalom." Love, in some ways, is itself a kind of force.

However, a problem many on the left tend to downplay or ignore is the very real fact that evil is real, and that sometimes force is necessary to stop it/punish it if there is going to be justice. Justice is not necessarily kind (try saying justice is kind to the guy headed to prison!) but it is nevertheless "good" in some sense. The neat thing about our notion of God is that God is *both* just and kind. And we should be acutely aware of the tension that exists between the two at times.

by: xfree9

04-18-2009 @ 9:50pm

It just seems to me that a lot of supported policies on Sojourners have much to do with the controlling of those in society who do not live their lives according to the ethics and principles that those who write in Sojourners wish they would. I'm for freedom for individuals to pursue their own ends, so long as those ends are peaceful and lawful. Much of what I read here is often about making sure those who live their lives different from those whose values are shared here (most of which I agree with, just not the part that they want to employ the State to force others to live by their ethics and mores).

by: Ngchen

04-16-2009 @ 1:19pm

There was an excellent article in Christianity Today that noted God's left and right hand power, and what each can and cannot do. The right hand is the hand of force and justice. It brings order. The left hand is the hand of love and kindness. It brings reconciliation, although at times it may *seem* wimpy. Both are important.

by: JamesM

04-21-2009 @ 7:52am

I am surprised to be reading a postive comment from xfree9 on this blog. I must be living in a parallel universe. Oh no I'm not. His postive comment was mixed with a back-handed slap. Nothing has changed. But he does like the article by the way. By the way, SOJO must feel affirmed by such a comment. Now it has a reason to exist.

by: ail28

04-16-2009 @ 3:58pm

I thought your post was excellent. I am going to recommend to all of my colleagues.

by: Ngchen

05-15-2009 @ 7:37pm

Coming back to this thread belatedly, yes it is true that the bible doesn't speak of "right" and "left" hand power. It is, after all, a human construct. And no I don't mean to assign greater favor to force. Force can do many things, but force cannot make anyone love, or (by itself) bring the kind of positive peace that Israelis refer to as "shalom." Love, in some ways, is itself a kind of force.

However, a problem many on the left tend to downplay or ignore is the very real fact that evil is real, and that sometimes force is necessary to stop it/punish it if there is going to be justice. Justice is not necessarily kind (try saying justice is kind to the guy headed to prison!) but it is nevertheless "good" in some sense. The neat thing about our notion of God is that God is *both* just and kind. And we should be acutely aware of the tension that exists between the two at times.

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: Ngchen

04-16-2009 @ 1:19pm

There was an excellent article in Christianity Today that noted God's left and right hand power, and what each can and cannot do. The right hand is the hand of force and justice. It brings order. The left hand is the hand of love and kindness. It brings reconciliation, although at times it may *seem* wimpy. Both are important.

by: Ngchen

04-16-2009 @ 1:19pm

There was an excellent article in Christianity Today that noted God's left and right hand power, and what each can and cannot do. The right hand is the hand of force and justice. It brings order. The left hand is the hand of love and kindness. It brings reconciliation, although at times it may *seem* wimpy. Both are important.

by: ail28

04-16-2009 @ 3:58pm

I thought your post was excellent. I am going to recommend to all of my colleagues.

by: ail28

04-16-2009 @ 3:58pm

I thought your post was excellent. I am going to recommend to all of my colleagues.

by: xfree9

04-17-2009 @ 11:00pm

"we can and must foster change by using our innate, transformative, and radical power to love

by: xfree9

04-17-2009 @ 11:00pm

"we can and must foster change by using our innate, transformative, and radical power to love

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 4:58pm

Thanks for your comment. While both may be important, I think there is no question that Jesus used the power to love.

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 4:58pm

Thanks for your comment. While both may be important, I think there is no question that Jesus used the power to love.

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 4:59pm

Thank you for passing the blog on.

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 4:59pm

Thank you for passing the blog on.

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 5:01pm

Thanks for your observation. Just out of curiosity, why are you surprised to read a post like this on Sojourners?

by: C_Baldelomar

04-18-2009 @ 5:01pm

Thanks for your observation. Just out of curiosity, why are you surprised to read a post like this on Sojourners?

by: xfree9

04-18-2009 @ 9:50pm

It just seems to me that a lot of supported policies on Sojourners have much to do with the controlling of those in society who do not live their lives according to the ethics and principles that those who write in Sojourners wish they would. I'm for freedom for individuals to pursue their own ends, so long as those ends are peaceful and lawful. Much of what I read here is often about making sure those who live their lives different from those whose values are shared here (most of which I agree with, just not the part that they want to employ the State to force others to live by their ethics and mores).

by: xfree9

04-18-2009 @ 9:50pm

It just seems to me that a lot of supported policies on Sojourners have much to do with the controlling of those in society who do not live their lives according to the ethics and principles that those who write in Sojourners wish they would. I'm for freedom for individuals to pursue their own ends, so long as those ends are peaceful and lawful. Much of what I read here is often about making sure those who live their lives different from those whose values are shared here (most of which I agree with, just not the part that they want to employ the State to force others to live by their ethics and mores).

by: JamesM

04-21-2009 @ 7:52am

I am surprised to be reading a postive comment from xfree9 on this blog. I must be living in a parallel universe. Oh no I'm not. His postive comment was mixed with a back-handed slap. Nothing has changed. But he does like the article by the way. By the way, SOJO must feel affirmed by such a comment. Now it has a reason to exist.

by: JamesM

04-21-2009 @ 7:52am

I am surprised to be reading a postive comment from xfree9 on this blog. I must be living in a parallel universe. Oh no I'm not. His postive comment was mixed with a back-handed slap. Nothing has changed. But he does like the article by the way. By the way, SOJO must feel affirmed by such a comment. Now it has a reason to exist.

by: xfree9

04-21-2009 @ 9:20pm

Was this comment really helpful? At least I encouraged the author while at the same time letting Sojo see that I think they should listen to the words of the author.

by: xfree9

04-21-2009 @ 9:20pm

Was this comment really helpful? At least I encouraged the author while at the same time letting Sojo see that I think they should listen to the words of the author.

by: JamesM

04-22-2009 @ 4:50am

"Was this comment really helpful?" xfree9

It depends which comment you're referring to.

"At least I encouraged the author while at the same time letting Sojo see that I think they should listen to the words of the author"

Yes, it was heartening to see the encouragement to the author while the "letting Sojo see" part was propheitc, utterly prophetic. I am sure tht if SOJO reads your comment and is moved by the spirit, they will have an epiphany and hold freedom and free markets in same high regard that you do. Then and only then will their prophetic voice ring from shore to shinng shore.

Well back to my parallel universe...

by: JamesM

04-22-2009 @ 4:50am

"Was this comment really helpful?" xfree9

It depends which comment you're referring to.

"At least I encouraged the author while at the same time letting Sojo see that I think they should listen to the words of the author"

Yes, it was heartening to see the encouragement to the author while the "letting Sojo see" part was propheitc, utterly prophetic. I am sure tht if SOJO reads your comment and is moved by the spirit, they will have an epiphany and hold freedom and free markets in same high regard that you do. Then and only then will their prophetic voice ring from shore to shinng shore.

Well back to my parallel universe...

by: Ngchen

05-15-2009 @ 5:37pm

Coming back to this thread belatedly, yes it is true that the bible doesn't speak of "right" and "left" hand power. It is, after all, a human construct. And no I don't mean to assign greater favor to force. Force can do many things, but force cannot make anyone love, or (by itself) bring the kind of positive peace that Israelis refer to as "shalom." Love, in some ways, is itself a kind of force.

However, a problem many on the left tend to downplay or ignore is the very real fact that evil is real, and that sometimes force is necessary to stop it/punish it if there is going to be justice. Justice is not necessarily kind (try saying justice is kind to the guy headed to prison!) but it is nevertheless "good" in some sense. The neat thing about our notion of God is that God is *both* just and kind. And we should be acutely aware of the tension that exists between the two at times.

by: Ngchen

05-15-2009 @ 5:37pm

Coming back to this thread belatedly, yes it is true that the bible doesn't speak of "right" and "left" hand power. It is, after all, a human construct. And no I don't mean to assign greater favor to force. Force can do many things, but force cannot make anyone love, or (by itself) bring the kind of positive peace that Israelis refer to as "shalom." Love, in some ways, is itself a kind of force.

However, a problem many on the left tend to downplay or ignore is the very real fact that evil is real, and that sometimes force is necessary to stop it/punish it if there is going to be justice. Justice is not necessarily kind (try saying justice is kind to the guy headed to prison!) but it is nevertheless "good" in some sense. The neat thing about our notion of God is that God is *both* just and kind. And we should be acutely aware of the tension that exists between the two at times.

by: Ngchen

05-15-2009 @ 7:37pm

Coming back to this thread belatedly, yes it is true that the bible doesn't speak of "right" and "left" hand power. It is, after all, a human construct. And no I don't mean to assign greater favor to force. Force can do many things, but force cannot make anyone love, or (by itself) bring the kind of positive peace that Israelis refer to as "shalom." Love, in some ways, is itself a kind of force.

However, a problem many on the left tend to downplay or ignore is the very real fact that evil is real, and that sometimes force is necessary to stop it/punish it if there is going to be justice. Justice is not necessarily kind (try saying justice is kind to the guy headed to prison!) but it is nevertheless "good" in some sense. The neat thing about our notion of God is that God is *both* just and kind. And we should be acutely aware of the tension that exists between the two at times.

by: Ngchen

05-15-2009 @ 7:37pm

Coming back to this thread belatedly, yes it is true that the bible doesn't speak of "right" and "left" hand power. It is, after all, a human construct. And no I don't mean to assign greater favor to force. Force can do many things, but force cannot make anyone love, or (by itself) bring the kind of positive peace that Israelis refer to as "shalom." Love, in some ways, is itself a kind of force.

However, a problem many on the left tend to downplay or ignore is the very real fact that evil is real, and that sometimes force is necessary to stop it/punish it if there is going to be justice. Justice is not necessarily kind (try saying justice is kind to the guy headed to prison!) but it is nevertheless "good" in some sense. The neat thing about our notion of God is that God is *both* just and kind. And we should be acutely aware of the tension that exists between the two at times.