Definition of an Automaton
From the Oxford Languages Dictionary:
- A moving mechanical device made in imitation of a human being.
- A machine that performs a function according to a predetermined set of coded instructions, especially one capable of a range of programmed responses to different circumstances.
- Used in similes and comparisons to refer to a person who seems to act in a mechanical or unemotional way.
The "Seven Mountains" Theory
In some Christian circles, these mountains represent key sectors of society where people believe Christians should have influence. My purpose in this post is NOT to support the desire of some leaders to see Christian dominance of these sectors in the world. My purpose is the opposite. It is to show how each of these sectors attempt to make you and I "automatons," and to focus instead on God's plan for unity with diversity in all areas of our lives.
The Sectors of the World
Obviously, some regulation and uniformity are necessary for a society, a group, a community or a culture to function harmoniously and productively. As we consider these different sectors, our success in living in them has to be based on our ability to uniquely contribute to the well-being of others. This could be in many ways, such as financially, educationally, emotionally or spiritually. Probably among many others, these sectors include:
- Family
- Religion
- Education
- Government (and politics)
- Media
- Arts and entertainment
- Business
Being an old accountant, I like to go to the "bottom line.". Here, based on the seven-mountain theory and our lives in each of these sectors, the objective of leaders in each sector is often to homogenate the behavior of sector participants, to make us "automatons!" Here are a few timely examples of where we may be expected to be the same.
Religion
The sellers of religion promote unity as uniformity. While the Bible emphasizes unity it does not require uniformity in the beliefs and behaviors of constituents. Christian nationalism, as I understand it, wants everyone to be the same, following the biblical interpretations of its promoters, becoming "clones" actually. From the beginning, God's will is expressed in Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." A footnote in the Spirit Filled Life Bible states: "In the way he should go is to do the training according to the unique personality, gifts, and aspirations of the child." Not uniformity! Diversity!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the New Covenant, calls believers to unity, oneness (John 17:21), in their believing in Jesus. The Holy Spirit has, however, given all believers different functions, or gifts (Romans 12:4). Unity with diversity!
Religious organizations apply scripture in their "body" and shirk unity with any others that have different beliefs, or statements of faith. This is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Government and Politics
Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen political influence become the approach to government. The attempt by leaders to conform the population to political beliefs of a party, faction or individual has been the way of government for decades. We have even seen the "church" operate increasingly in the "world's" way. The gospel of politics and government has become that "the end is justified by the means." Sadly, those "means" have become nepharious. Hating, judging, lying, threatening, bullying at the expense of everyone different than us has become tolerated, even accepted, as a way of life. This is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
The Foundation of Unity with Diversity
Two questions are before us. Who is Jesus? Who are we? Simple answers: Jesus is The Son of the Living God. Jesus was sent by Father God to pay the price for the sins of mankind. We are the workmanship of God as we are born again in Jesus. We are called to be like Him, loving God and people. We can be transformed by believing in Him and seeking to live like Him through the help of the Holy Spirit.
We can only become one with others by revelation of who Jesus is, and in committing to God's purpose for Him. Loving, accepting and supporting our "neighbors," no matter who they are, what they have done or what they believe is the beginning of our becoming like Jesus Christ. Joining with other believers in a community of believers with like hearts centered on Jesus Christ, accepting our differences, and helping one another to grow into Christ's likeness can be the only foundation for experiencing unity with diversity! The answer to the question in this blog's title is no, God's plan in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not for us to be automatons!
No comments:
Post a Comment