Introduction
Radical reformation was a response to the 16th century belief of corruption in the Roman Catholic Church. It was also the magisterial protestant movement whose leader was Martin Luther and many other reformists. Radical reformation began in Switzerland and Germany and gave rise to several radical protestant groups in Europe. Some of the early forms of radical reformation focused on the imminent end of the world. This kind of reformation was known as millenarian. One can presume that Jesus of Nazareth was a radical reformer who had views that were extremely radical even by modern lights. This essay will explain Jesus’ radical ides and clearly show how they are still radical by today’s modern understanding.
Discussion
Jesus has been portrayed as a model of radical political action. Faithful Christian disciples are expected to adopt the political approach portrayed by Jesus of Nazareth. An example of such a political approach is pacifism. Pacifism can be defined as the belief that disputes between two or more nations can be and should be settled peacefully. Hence, pacifists are opposed to violence or war as a means of resolving disputes. Such opposition is demonstrated by refusal to take part in military action. Jesus of Nazareth was also a pacifist. He was strongly opposed to war and violence (Ratzinger, Brumley and Levering, 2008). He always advised his disciples to live peacefully in harmony. Jesus believed that disputes between two or more warring nations could only be settled through peaceful means. Hence, the pacifistic view of Jesus qualifies him to be termed as a radical reformer.
Jesus did not advocate for the overthrow of Rome garrison in Jerusalem. Instead, he encouraged people to assist soldiers and cooperate with them. His listeners were puzzled with his ideas. However, this idea also increased the number of Jesus’ followers. Jesus taught that violence was that way of the world and that his followers had to please God by seeking peace. Jesus is often regarded as the prince of peace and this further emphasizes on his pacifist stand (Ellens and Rollins, 2004).
The same case applies to today’s political systems. There are several political leaders who have radical views just like those upheld by Jesus of Nazareth. Such leaders are often opposed to violence as a means of settling disputes. Instead they advocate for peaceful negotiations between two or more warring countries. They believe that peaceful negotiations allow the warring nations to come into and agreement and solve the incumbent disputes. A good example of non-religious version of pacifism can be found in the ideas upheld by the reformists of the 20th century such as William James. James believed and acknowledged that military services and war did not produce virtues such as discipline and courage. Hence, James is a modern example of a man with radical view of pacifism.
The other view that presents Jesus as a radical reformer is his teachings about the Kingdom of God. Jesus preached neither about God in terms that would allow humans to know Him nor about himself as the central focus of faith. Instead, he taught about the Kingdom of God. The Jews believed that that God had always been active in history and that He reigned with acts of power so as to modify the order of things on earth. By the time of Jesus, Israel had experienced several catastrophes that had destabilized the country politically and economically. The Jewish expected God’s kingdom that would bring them freedom through a vanquishing Messiah (Hoffman, 2007).
The kingdom of God was proclaimed as good news to the poor and the downtrodden. Hence, the actions of Jesus could be termed as a symbol for the coming kingdom in a world that desired change. The same case applies to the modern society where people are in need of change. Several political leaders are elected into political offices with the hope that they would bring about the eagerly desired change. For instance the current United States President, Barrack Obama was elected into office because he had a message of change. The expected changes can range from political, economic and even social changes. Several changes such as political and constitutional changes are also common. These changes are aimed at improving people’s lives and bringing about societal or national development.
The message of liberation and oppression from the poor can also be applied to today’s society especially during the colonial period. During that period several people poor and oppressed and desired freedom from the said oppression and slavery. The post-colonial period was marked by freedom from slavery and oppression. So many people became free and got the opportunity to live peacefully. Freedom brought with it an opportunity for self-development and societal development.
The view of Jesus as a holy person who was not a deity at conception and the chosen Lamb of God can be termed as radical (Ratzinger, 2008). This is due to the fact that a similar view is upheld by the Monarchian sect. this means that the belief that Jesus was the savior of mankind and the king of kings promoted a form of government. A monarchy is defined as a form of government whereby all political power is nominally or absolutely lodged with an individual. According to Jesus’ teachings, those who believe in his word shall inherit the Kingdom of God. Hence the kingdom of God is more like a monarchial government whose ruler is God. Christians hope to inherit the Kingdom of God when the World comes to an end. This kingdom has been described as a place where they will be an everlasting happiness and endless. The poor believe that they will be freed from oppression while the heavy laden will rest.
Hence, the kingdom of God has been likened to a monarchial government expected to bring about change. The monarch as a political entity justifies the fact that Jesus’ teachings about God’s kingdom were politically radical. Hence, Jesus was a radical reformer since he believed in change and this change was only possible if one believed in his word and teachings. The same case applies to today’s government systems where citizens are required to follow some form of law and order. So many nations have constitutions or set of laws set and agreed upon for a government.
References
Ellens, J. H., & Rollins, W. G. (2004) Psychology and the Bible: From Christ to Jesus.
ABC-CLIO.
Hoffman, M. B. (2007) From rebel to rabbi: reclaiming Jesus and the making of modern
Jewish culture. StanfordUniversity Press.
McGrath A. E. (2010) Christian Theology: An Introduction (5th Ed). John Wiley and
Sons.
Ratzinger, J., Brumley, M., & Levering, M. (2008) Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism
In the Jordan to the Transfiguration. Ignatius Press.
