This week, we'll look into the book of 2 Chronicles. In it, we see some interesting sentiments that are being echoed even today by religious zealots around the world.
2 Chr 15:3-7 – "...For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law; but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. In those times it was not safe for anyone to go or come, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. They were broken in pieces, nation against nation and city against city, for God troubled them with every sort of distress. But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded."
2 Chr 15:12-15 – They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and with all their soul. Whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. They took an oath to the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with horns. All Judah rejoiced over the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.
The first passage gives us a sentiment heard often today -- that the problems experienced by the people were due to the lack of a proper attitude of religious observances. It ignores that fact that other nations had much of the stability the Jews wanted in their nation, in spite of their lack of religions that the Jews would consider "proper."
The second passage is a horrifying precedent -- the idea that a nation should follow a particular religion is not so unusual, but the idea that any dissenters should be executed is about as repugnant as you can get. It also appears to be part of the attitude we see in many militant religious movements -- follow the “right” religion, or face the sword. Yet here, it's considered a good thing, something God rewards by "being found"!
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