Discordance

Perhaps the most interesting thing in The Bible is the what one might call its “Uniform Confirmation Principle.” This states that, whatever your personal and mental inclinations, a passage exists, or multiple passages exist, to confirm them. In today’s world, one can be religious within the perimeter of one’s own personal biases. (Editor’s note: “perimeter” instead of “parameter.” A perimeter is the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or metaphor. A parameter is a mathematical term meaning the attribute of a variable.)

Consider the opportunities.

Want to make a hedonist, multiple divorcee, sadly lacking in moral scruples when pursuing his wants, your new Messiah? Read Second Samuel.

Want to be rich, lose it, and gain it back? Read the Book of Job.

Want to be a sociopath but obtain salvation at the last minute? Read Luke’s account of the crucifixion.

Want to treat your opponents and their children without mercy and be blessed doing it? Read about Moses and the Midianites in the Book of Numbers.

Want to use your vast wealth and power to destroy the public school system? Just check out what the writer of the Book of Genesis or the Apostle Paul had to say about acquiring knowledge. 

Want to go crazy from disappointment and make up a new version of what Christianity is coming to? Read the Book of Revelations.

Exceptions exist in the Sermon On The Mount.

Oh, there is a bit of discordance in the matter of either fulfilling “The Law” or destroying it. There is so much, however, that is in accordance with the life of the Galilean.  We can rely on the vast bulk of the Sermon as a “Constitution for Righteousness.”

The sad thing is that this bulk of The Sermon is in such strong discordance with American life as so many choose to live it these days.