Sunday, September 20, 2009

"Behold - I make nothing new whatsoever!"

Thinking Anglicans has just posted a fascinating except from that fine Lagos newspaper, The Guardian on little Martyn Minns’ newly elected Lord and Saviour, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh. Few pieces I’ve ever seen anywhere so effectively illustrate the profound degree of Biblical Literacy prevailing in the peaceful and prosperous nation of Nigeria, and I’d urge My Beloved Sinners everywhere to meditate deeply upon it’s homosensualist-free message.

The most crucial lesson opens the second paragraph: Generally, Christianity is founded on strict conservatism. This, as any GAFCON scholar will know, is completely true: it’s why Jesus was a highly respected member of both the Pharisees and Sanhedrin. It’s also why Our Lord refused to even speak to the Samaritan woman by the well, let alone ask her for a drink. After all; if Jesus hadn’t been a True Conservative he wouldn’t have so clearly explained that nothing will ever destroy the magnificent buildings of the Jerusalem temple.

What’s more, the Apostles continued this commitment by consistently urging converts to continue making regular sacrifices to the Roman deities, which is why emperors like Nero and Diocletian had so much respect for Christians and their contribution to society. It was Christians who strived to ensure the tradition of gladiatorial games was maintained, and Christians who today are doing their best to ensure the age-old tradition American tradition of denying first-world medical care to the poor continues unabated.

No, the idea that following Christ might involve us being called to think in new ways is anathema. Challenging late 19th century preconceptions and exegesis can only lead to people questioning prevailing power structures, and as a former officer in one of the world’s more brutally corrupt military forces little Nicholas Okoh knows only too well how much trouble that can lead to… but the story of how the noble forces in which he served crushed a few disobedient southern states impertinent enough to dare secedeing from the north will have to wait for another homily.

I’m Father Christian and I teach the Bible.

4 comments :

Boaz said...

“Generally, Christianity is founded on strict conservatism.”

Yes, and tidiness!

A place for everything and every woman in her place.

Leonard said...

Behold, another rearend is near!

Lapinbizarre said...

Sounds like a man well-qualified to continue the Nigerian Christian tradition of co-existence with the Moslems. And these people accuse TEC of shaping their religion to the culture in which they live? So, to get to brass tacks, we know where this guy stands on gays in the US; where does he stand on child sacrifice and religious cleansing in Nigeria? The Nelson "blind eye" approach seems suitably military.

Doorman-Priest said...

...strict conservatism, tidiness and good hygiene.