by jimwalton » Thu Oct 31, 2019 3:33 pm
You seem to think that inequality interferes with salvation. I'd want to know what makes you think that. Historically, Christianity was very successful among the slaves, the poor, and the oppressed people of the world like prisoners, the sick, and the lonely. Though God didn't cause their harshness in life, His message of salvation definitely reaches out to them. But we also know that the rich, the intellectual, and the powerful also turn to God. So what makes you think that "allowing inequality to arise" is an obstacle? Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
> To not actively work to address this inequality of circumstances implies that God doesn't care about equal chance at salvation for everyone.
How so? I'll need you to explain this. The intent was never identicality or us being clones. Uniqueness is a great thing, diversity is a value, and therefore inequality is necessary. That doesn't mean we don't all have a valid opportunity for salvation.
Yes, we try to adjust for inequality in our society, and the Bible also tells us to do that. The Bible probably says more about taking care of the poor and the underdogs than any other topic. So I would say God does do the same (Micah 6.8; Mt. 25.31-43; Gal. 2.10, and so many other texts). You'll have to explain why inequality (economics, abilities, intellect, social status, power) is an obstacle to salvation, and why you think God isn't committed to helping people in oppressive circumstances. So let's talk about it.
You seem to think that inequality interferes with salvation. I'd want to know what makes you think that. Historically, Christianity was very successful among the slaves, the poor, and the oppressed people of the world like prisoners, the sick, and the lonely. Though God didn't cause their harshness in life, His message of salvation definitely reaches out to them. But we also know that the rich, the intellectual, and the powerful also turn to God. So what makes you think that "allowing inequality to arise" is an obstacle? Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
> To not actively work to address this inequality of circumstances implies that God doesn't care about equal chance at salvation for everyone.
How so? I'll need you to explain this. The intent was never identicality or us being clones. Uniqueness is a great thing, diversity is a value, and therefore inequality is necessary. That doesn't mean we don't all have a valid opportunity for salvation.
Yes, we try to adjust for inequality in our society, and the Bible also tells us to do that. The Bible probably says more about taking care of the poor and the underdogs than any other topic. So I would say God [i]does[/i] do the same (Micah 6.8; Mt. 25.31-43; Gal. 2.10, and so many other texts). You'll have to explain why inequality (economics, abilities, intellect, social status, power) is an obstacle to salvation, and why you think God isn't committed to helping people in oppressive circumstances. So let's talk about it.