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Zach
Aug 26, 07 - 4:38 AM |
An alternate understanding of Matthew 25:31-46
I came across this recently. I'm not sure whether I agree with this interpretation, but in case anyone finds it plausible or helpful, the idea is that the parable of the sheep and goats is not about individuals at all, but nations. Those nations (or cities, or what have you) who have treated the disciples poorly are personified as sinners suffering God's vengeance. This interpretation isn't the only one that accords with universalism, of course, but I thought it was interesting. |
Mike Burke
 Aug 26th, 2007 - 12:15 PM |
Re: An alternate understanding of Matthew 25:31-46
I'm familiar with this interpretation, and it seems to me that it's weakness lies in explaining "the devil and his angels." The devil is usually taken to be an adversarial nation, but the angels (or messengers) are never explained. Are they lesser adversarial nations, institutions of some sort, or individuals who served the adversarial nation? I've heard it suggested that they're institutions which served the beast power, much like the Gestapo and the S.S. served Nazi Germany (but in what sense would such institutions be allowed to exist after Christ returns to the earth?) If the angels are individuals who served the beast (whatever organizations they may have once belonged to), would they not be included in those pictured by the goats? This interpretation was authored (or popularized) by A. E. Knoch, but I don't believe it stands up to close examination. G-d Bless. |
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