Читать книгу Christian Archy - David Alan Black - Страница 5

The older I get, the more I realize what I don’t know. This is a liberating insight. Authors never reach an end to conversations and debates, nor should they.

In the following pages I attempt to reopen an old debate. Neither a professor of philosophy, nor of theology, I attempt little more than brushing lightly those areas normally reserved for specialists. My thesis is simple: I argue that the economic and political necessities of our time are best served when God’s kingdom comes first. The doctrine of Christ crucified for us puts an end to religion as power. The last word in human affairs is represented by a man hanging on a cross (1 Cor. 2:2).

In this book I have attempted to listen attentively to the New Testament, even to what at first blush does not suit me. I have sought to expound the distinctive contribution of the New Testament to the theme of the kingdom of God — what it is, how to enter it, and how to walk worthily of it as its citizens. The character of this kingdom is widely different from what is commonly envisaged today. Its glory is revealed only through suffering — a point that Jesus’ disciples, then and now, have been slow to understand. This truth has tremendous implications for church life. The kingdom of God is in no way imperialistic. It has no political ambitions. It conquers not by force but by love. It is this humble characteristic of the kingdom that is a stumbling block to so many today. Christ’s claim to our total allegiance is one we seek to avoid at all costs. But there is only one way to victory and peace, and that is the way of the Lamb:

They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were bought from among humanity, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouths was found no lie (Rev. 14:4-5; all translations in this book are my own).

This understanding of the kingdom is good news for everyone. The rule of God has been inaugurated. The time has been fulfilled. And the work is all God’s.

I hope that this book will be the first in a series of short studies that encourage fresh discovery of and lively debate with important critical issues in the church. The aim is not to produce monographs in the technical sense but a useable series of pamphlets with guidance at essential points. This explains the brevity of the present work. As this book goes to press it is my fervent prayer that it will awaken new interest in the subject of the kingdom of God and stimulate believers of all denominations to reflect more deeply on the purpose for which the church exists.