I'm writing on Isaiah this semester, so be forewarned that this seer's biblical theology will be informing my thoughts in coming months. Below is a quote I won't have room for in my book, but is worthy of discussion.
"Idolatry is Isaiah's primary concern about us. This is offensive, because we thought we left idolatry behind centuries ago. But Isaiah, who understands the power of God, also understands the power of non-gods.
It works on our minds. Every day we shift our deepest fears behind amusements, professional achievements, and even lesser fears. As we drive slowly around a car accident, we think, "It wasn't me" to distance ourselves mentally. We think, "They must have been driving recklessly," because blaming is reassuring. We sense how vulnerable we are.
But any evasion of plain dealing with God is idol-manufacture.
And we do not let go of our idols easily. In heaping our idolatries together, we assemble a culture—a brilliant, collaborative quest to prove ourselves. ... Ignoring and forgetting is why we hold this banquet called the American Dream.
... Our cheery but demanding idols, with their empty promises, are failing us. The fact is, death watches us, stalks us, takes aim, and shoots straight.
- Raymond C. Ortland, Isaiah.
Any thoughts? Or would you rather shift this discussion behind some amusements?
- Cory
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Blog Archive
About Me
- Coryslave
- God, my wife, my kids, and friends all love me more than I'll ever deserve.
3 comments:
I found it necessary in studying Isaiah to begin with a solid understanding of both Egyptian and Sumerian/Mesopotamian mythology. It informs many of the passages. Especially those in the first division of the book.
I also found that a good working knowledge of the history of that time period - kings and conquests and such - was vital. That Tiglath Pileser III was a real bugger.
From there I came to understand Isaiah not only as commentary on the Torah and warning to the Israelite people to recall and revitalize their covenant but as a divine correction to the practical and theological errors introduced by neighboring cultures.
Now its one of my favorite books because I think I have at least a rough idea what he was talking about and how it matters today.
As for idolatry I find it interesting what Isaiah refers to as idolatry in 40:18-25..
Seems the Sistine Chapel could be breaking the 2nd commandment eh?
Far be it for me to correct a saint of Upid's caliber, but I think Isaiah is much more than "a divine correction to the practical and theological errors introduced by neighboring cultures." That focuses on the historical context in which the message is delivered. To me, that's more of a starting point. Let me explain ...
While it's true that idolatry comes through sychretism and corruption of values through cultures opposed to God, the message of Isaiah is anthropological, not cultural. It's about human nature and our propensity to rebel against our Maker.
Said another way, Isaiah teaches that idolatry lurks in the human heart, not in just a pagan neighbor. Chapter 1 teaches that Judah's worship was tainted by sin, yet never mentions foreign gods. They're charged with worshiping Yahweh completely by the book [Leviticus]), but it being an abomination to God. Not b/c of synchretism, but b/c of sin tainting it (in various ways, but at least in their neglect of needy people).
Quality hermeneutics study the historical (time-bound) situation and facts (often called the exegetical [observation] stage). Those are then taken to the theological stage, where the time-bound info is sifted out, to distill the timeless theological meaning (interpretation stage). These theological truths can then be tailored to a particular audience (homiletical, or application stage).
That's why I appreciated Ortland's words so much. He'd done this expertly. From the time-bound accusations in Isaiah 1, he properly identified that idolatry is God's timeless concern with humanity. It's takes many forms (which are incidental). What makes it so dangerous is that it's part of humanity's sinful nature. It lurks within all of us today. Ortland then brought some examples of how it can manifest in our lives in America today.
I'm not saying one can't find some meaning in historal culture, Saint. I'm just trying to help people transcend the incidentals and see the timeless message - then they can apply it to themselves, not just think, "Stupid Israelites; they should've realized that Baal worship was idolatry." We need to practice seeing beyond the forms, and recognize function (My post on worship last week was one such exercise).
It's true that Isaiah takes place in the cultural context of the 700's bc. But it's prophetic word warns God's creatures of all times. It's living and active.
So ... I still want to ask, Is Ortland right? Does idolatry exist today, even in Christians? If so, in what ways?
the blogger writes:
"So ... I still want to ask, Is Ortland right? Does idolatry exist today, even in Christians? If so, in what ways?"
shayno responds:
is this rhetorical? of course idolatry exists today! especially in the "first" world west. i see it every Sunday in church and I see it even more in me. how? well in my case i love my bed so i oversleep and blow off my weekly chance to worship God in community. if i read my Bible it is usually not a joy and i rarely count it special. i am a wicked man from a wicked generation i have everything and yet i give nothing. need i say more? (that by the way is rhetorical.)
Post a Comment