Rev. Michael Piazza in Liberating Word says of Romans 14:1-5 “…Since Christianity was founded by a Jew and Paul of course was a Jew, the faith grew out of Judaism, which had very strict dietary laws. It was a distinguishing mark of the faith, and remains so for those who are strict in their observance. Literally, the early Church was debating what was “kosher” for them to eat. The idea of eating meat that had been offered to “false Gods” brought the whole issue in to sharp focus. Even modern beef-eating Christians from Texas might hesitate. Paul seems to see it as a matter of faith. Those who have strong faith can eat anything without it bothering them, while those who are a little more tentative about their faith might need to eat only vegetables. Paul is saying that those who think they are “strong” shouldn't judge others because God doesn't. “ Who are you to pass judgment on someone else's servants?” Wow! Isn't that a powerful question? It would silence an awful lot of Christian sermons, and an awful lot of Christians.”
Rev. Michael Piazza in Liberating Word says of Romans 14:1-5 “…Since Christianity was founded by a Jew and Paul of course was a Jew, the faith grew out of Judaism, which had very strict dietary laws. It was a distinguishing mark of the faith, and remains so for those who are strict in their observance. Literally, the early Church was debating what was “kosher” for them to eat. The idea of eating meat that had been offered to “false Gods” brought the whole issue in to sharp focus. Even modern beef-eating Christians from Texas might hesitate.
ReplyDeletePaul seems to see it as a matter of faith. Those who have strong faith can eat anything without it bothering them, while those who are a little more tentative about their faith might need to eat only vegetables.
Paul is saying that those who think they are “strong” shouldn't judge others because God doesn't. “ Who are you to pass judgment on someone else's servants?”
Wow! Isn't that a powerful question? It would silence an awful lot of Christian sermons, and an awful lot of Christians.”