Obama's recent comments about the economy made me think. He quotes the NT and says "We must build our house upon a rock." Although I agree with the statement, I disagree with how Obama has intended it to be interpreted. In my opinion, Obama is comparing the rock in the parable with the US economy; meaning that our financial woes will be fixed if we build them on a solid economical foundation. Although I'm sure a solid financial base is good for future economic practices I'm not convinced that the rock Obama is thinking about is the rock that the Bible talks about.
The rock in the NT reference is nothing short of Jesus Christ. There is no other meaning. It doesn't mean a strong financial base, a moral base, or philosophical base. It simply means that if one builds his/her life on the rock of Jesus then the storms will not avail its structure. Although I'm sure Obama's speechwriter thought the quote would deeply connect with the Americans hearing it, I'm rather confident that the reference actually takes away what the Biblical interpretation demonstrates. And therein is the problem with American spirituality and politics. From what I can see there is a lack of committed spirituality on Obama's part and a clear desire to use whatever spiritual context available in order to advance his agenda.
This type of hermeneutics is simply dangerous. It's more popular than ever nowadays to take whatever works for you from the Bible and completely turn it around. Although I do hope Obama is successful at turning the tide of the American economy, I hope it's not at the expense of reinventing a new meaning for a biblical phrase.
3 comments:
For sure. The rock is being obedient to Jesus' teaching. Obama like so many want to hear and say the words of Jesus but the clear teaching is that they are buidling on sand because they do not do, obey the words of Jesus.
Well said. I think this is evidence of a greater cultural battle that is being waged in the U.S. particularly.
Estoy de acuerdo.
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