But evidence is needed to substantiate the earlier assertion that the word of the cross is increasingly being regarded as “folly” in Jersey. One recent event may suffice: the sale to a non-Christian religious group of Aquila Road Christian Chapel. The word of the cross will no longer be heard within those walls.
Why should the word of the cross be regarded as “folly”? Why regarded as “the power of God”?
So, first, the “folly”? We need to distinguish between the reasons being given as to why it is “folly” and the underlying reason for all the reasons being given. The given reasons for calling the word of the cross “folly” are some of these: (a) the cross never occurred; (b) the resurrection of Jesus is a fiction; (c) the crucifixion showed the weakness of Jesus, (d) the lack of self-assertion of Jesus is the last thing that will do me good.
What do you think might actually be the reason for these reasons? Is it possible that, deep down, they arise because folk don’t want to lose any autonomy, any self-determination, by having to submit to this man Jesus – something they would have to do if these things are true?
That seems to be correct because Paul the apostle, in writing to the Corinthian people (see bold above) reckoned that those who regarded the word of the cross as “folly” were those who were perishing, that is, those who were failing to re-connect with the very life of God, the author of life itself.
Then, second question, why should the word of the cross be regarded (admittedly not by all) as the power of God? Can there be any real power in a message about a stauros, a stake? Can there be any power in a message about a hangman’s noose? Or about a guillotine? Or about an electric chair?
Think about this parallel situation. Someone has hurt you badly. He has behaved immorally and illegally and has rejected you completely. He hates you and raises his fist at you whenever he sees you. Please will you now transfer to him all your wealth, all your property so as to bless him? Please do that with the express intention of forgiving him and restoring him. Please do that irrespective of whether or not he will turn back and be restored to you.
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