Harsh Words

Performative Provocation is not Christ-like love

It is a common defense among those who discuss theology in a rude manner to cite Jesus and Paul as examples that they are emulating. After all, Jesus called some folks a “brood of vipers” others “whitewashed tombs” who look nice on the outside but are dead on the inside, and others children of the devil. Paul, in a rhetorical flourish, suggested that those who wish to boast in their circumcision should go one step further and castrate themselves. Those who fancy themselves as imitators of these men point to these and other examples and claim their harsh words are in the same tradition. However, they miss the mark in several ways.

First, the statements by Jesus, Paul and others are always directed at those in power and authority who are actively oppressing God’s people. These are not random statements hurled at vulnerable people but are aimed at those wielding power and God’s name unjustly. The modern word-slinger is usually hurling these statements at the weak, the vulnerable, and the unbeliever. Second, Jesus and Paul make their statements to the powerful in the presence of the weak. The marginalized are given a powerful voice that aims to lift them up and name the oppression they face directly to the ones oppressing them. We might think of Moses telling Pharaoh to “let MY people go!” The weak are championed and identified with and the powerful are opposed to their face in the presence of those they are harming. The modern pretender is usually in league with other powerful people, flinging their accusations from safely within their institutional castle walls.

Third, Jesus and Paul take the backlash they know will come their way. We don’t need to recount the brutality both men faced as they stood up against the powerbrokers of the day. There was no whining about being “cancelled” because they prized faithfulness above worldly approval and comfort. Indeed, drawing the fire to themselves and away from the marginalized was the point of speaking up. It was love for those being oppressed that compelled them to action so that the world’s wrath could focus on them and exhaust itself, thereby protecting the weak. The modern counterfeit prophet prizes their own position and status and uses their words to discredit others and protect themselves. There is no love found in their motive, except love of money, power, and self.

A simple test can be applied when you stumble across someone claiming to be a modern truth-teller saying harsh words. Does this “truth telling” cost them anything, or accrue credit with their tribe? Do their statements bring relief to those who are suffering, or further build up walls of division? Displaying Christ-like character can indeed require speaking uncomfortable truths, but it is always accompanied by the willingness to suffer for the sake of others.