Stanley Hauerwas doesn't need his popularity ratings boosted - two reasons - one his stature as pastoral theologian, ethical thinker and ecclesial critic is already assured - two, the popularity of his views is the last thing that bothers him. I'm pleased however that a number of folk have emailed me to say they've bought his Matthew commentary on the strength of what I've quoted and commented on here. Good. But I'll give it (and Hauerwas) a rest now. Meantime, here's the Matthean Hauerwas illustrated by Picasso!
Christian discipleship requires confrontation because the peace that Jesus has established is not simply the absence of violence. The peace of Christ is nonviolent precisely because it is based on truth and truth telling. Just as love without truth cannot help but be accursed, so peace between the brothers and sisters of Jesus must be without illusion.
Yet we must confess that truth is about the last thing most of us want to know about ourselves. We may say that the truth saves, but in fact we know that any truth, particularly the truth that is Jesus, is as disturbing as it is fulfilling. That is why Jesus insists that those who follow him cannot let sins go unchallenged. If we fail to challenge one another in our sins, we in fact abandon one another to our sin. we show how little we love our brother and sister by our refusal to engage in the hard work of reconciliation.
......pastoral theologian, ethical thinker and ecclesial critic.....all three in one short extract. Superb!
Stanley Hauerwas doesn't need his popularity ratings boosted - two reasons - one his stature as pastoral theologian, ethical thinker and ecclesial critic is already assured - two, the popularity of his views is the last thing that bothers him. I'm pleased however that a number of folk have emailed me to say they've bought his Matthew commentary on the strength of what I've quoted and commented on here. Good. But I'll give it (and Hauerwas) a rest now. Meantime, here's the Matthean Hauerwas illustrated by Picasso!
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