My world view is a bit challenged. I think I have the "Protestant" work ethic so ingrained in me that I have always created some division between economics and my faith. They did not connect as much as Yoder made them connect at least. He was able to show me that the practice of breaking bread together was "matter of economic ethics". They are so interlinked and I never saw it before.
I have always believed that I should be an example for Christ out in the world in whatever job I do; the more I make the more I can give, and I always thought that was enough. Now I am wondering if it is enough. Was Jesus calling for something more? If I am to agree with Yoder's interpretation of Jesus' words then I would have to live out a communal life, breaking bread with others daily, instead of just on Sunday through a symbolized sacrament. My life would look radically different. That's scary, but maybe it's really what Jesus meant for us to do all along, and I have just been americanized.
I never wanted to be one of those students who goes to one class or reads one book and is totally won over by the one voice they hear, but Yoder is definitely challenging me to rethink some things I have been so convinced of.
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I have always believed that economics were the evil party. At least that is when I thought that economics meant money. Through these books I have gathered a much different view on what economy means, even though the authors are still generally talking about money matters. I agree with you on feeling like you need to make more to give more. I often neglect to give tithes because I tell myself I'll give so much more once I make money, and I have an issue with finding a church that I find worthy of giving my tithes. In all of this I think I have missed the point of what tithing even is, and that Jesus asks for so much more than just 10% of my paycheck.
ReplyDeleteAs for Yoder, he's opened up my mind so much in just these first two chapters, and is definitely winning me over.