402 Why Christianity 15: Jesus the Revolutionary (Daniel Fitzsimmons)

Although many throughout the Western world are quick to criticize Christianity, Jesus remains well-liked.  In fact, one of the most obvious answers to the question, “Why Christianity?” is “Jesus.”  To this day, reading the Gospels  draws the reader to Jesus’ magnetic and compelling way of life.  What’s more, the less satisfied we are with our own society, the more we find ourselves drawn to counter-cultural forces.  Jesus of Nazareth is just such a person.  He spoke truth to power and challenged the religious status quo of his own day.  He remains counter-cultural, and this just may be a strong reason for unbelievers to consider him today.

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This is part 15 of the Why Christianity class.

 

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—— Notes ——

• Countercultural forces and revolutions appeal to people because they’re different than what has been done or experienced before.

• Rejection by the established political and cultural norms can greatly heighten that appeal.

• True countercultural forces/revolution substantially affect culture going forward.

• Countercultural forces are often co-opted, first through mainstream acceptance, then by assimilation and appropriation.

• Jesus Christ’s ministry was revolutionary and counter-cultural, as evidenced by his radical message, rejection and ultimate execution by those in power.

• We are to live as examples of Jesus to a desperate and dying world, presenting the message of the gospel as the true alternative to other life-defining – yet ultimately empty – belief systems.