Changing Lenses

Last updated on: May 18, 2016 at 9:16 am by Eric Smith

Changing Lenses 2016-05-18T09:16:44-06:00 Eric Smith

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By: Anonymous

I read the Gospel According to Matthew. Then, I read the Gospel According to Luke. Two perspective on (roughly) the same events, namely, the narrative of Jesus’ life. There are enough similarities to know that the different authors are taking about the same thing, accounting for the same stories and events. The author of Matthew seems to have a particular interest in writing to a Jewish-Christian audience about how to reconcile Jewish law and practices from before Jesus’ time with a new Jewish-Christian identity that has come about post-Jesus. The author of Luke, on the other hand, seems to be writing to a much broader audience, shaped by his (her?) belief that the message of salvation by Jesus applies to Jews and Gentiles alike. Matthew written from and for a Jewish perspective, Luke written from the perspective of an all encompassing historian, attempting to appeal to many. Whose perspective is right? Can there be only one right account? It seems that the incorporation of both into the New Testament as canonical scripture is evidence of their compatibility, despite their differences; that perhaps more than one perspective can be recognized as being real, authentic, and relevant.

I wonder why, then, it seems that we sometimes stumble today when America is viewed through different lenses. Can it not be simultaneously true that America is a great country and that it still has room for improvement if it is to be a better place for more of its people? If you only listen to the democrats, you will likely only hear the perspective that conservatives are not only holding the country back, they are actually trying to reverse the progress that has already been made by advocating for a return to antiquated social principles that benefit some at the expense of others (transgender bathroom bills, for example). From a conservative perspective, the country is going down the tubes, losing the values that made America a great and powerful country. (With this view, is it any wonder that “Make America Great Again” is resonating with some folks?)

So which America are we living in? Which perspective is right? Is it possible that, like the two Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, there is truth and authenticity in both perspectives (and in many other perspectives not articulated here)? It seems to me that if Christians can find a way to find a common identity that respects the varying accounts of scripture, then surely we can find a common identity as Americans that recognizes that America holds many truthful, authentic and conflicting experiences for its people. Surely, a better America represents more of its people, and we should embrace (not attempt to silence and suppress) the varying perspectives that show us a more complete picture of our country as it really is, in a very similar way that Matthew and Luke together give us a fuller picture of Jesus than either voice could alone.

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