Far-Right and Far-Left, Hug Each Other!
There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
The Bible's first five books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books are part of the Pentateuch, which the Jews call the Torah. Penta means five, and teuchos means an implement or book. Tradition holds that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. Instead, the Pentateuch was written by a few authors at different times, emphasizing different places. One writer, named "J," called God by the name of Yahweh. Another competing writer told similar stories while calling God Elohim. J was from the southern kingdom of Judah, while E wrote from the northern kingdom of Israel. Later, scribes blended the two stories into one series of books.
Several Biblical books appear contradictory because they have more than one writer from differing perspectives. J and E share a common faith in the one God and are part of the people of Israel. Yet, because J and E are part of two different nations, their goals and needs are different and often at odds. A contemporary parallel might be a far-right conservative Baptist from Texas, whose writing was enmeshed with the writing of a left-wing liberal United Church of Christ person from Boston. Both are Christian. Both trust in the same God and worship weekly. Still, their differences are often considered overwhelming.
J is not more faithful than E. Israel was not more holy than Judah. History will judge both nations wanting. Yet, God will guide, forgive, and bless both feuding nations. While the scribes attempted to blend the two narratives, which continues to create confusion and theological pain, it also adds to the depth of faith through spiritual questioning and the need for further reflection. If only the far-right Baptist and the far-left Congregationalist could recognize the value of comparison and the areas of agreement.
Today, consider the depth of intellectual and spiritual diversity even within the same paragraph within a single chapter of biblical writing. The more we investigate the depth of biblical history and interpretation, the more room there is for diversity and acceptance. Pray for God to guide the world's Christians to reexamine their faith and to make room for those from other theological perspectives, whether from ancient Judah or Israel. "Love thy neighbor" means the far left embracing the far right and the far right not punching the weirdo coming at them for a hug!