Like most people, I live with some serious self-delusions. One, among many, is the delusion that I am a theologian. Perhaps it’s a result of close proximity to Asbury Theological Seminary and my regular interaction with seminarians and, occasionally, a real theologian. I am happily content and inwardly (?) pridefully thinking I’m a theologian.Undoubtedly,I am serious about theology. Unfortunately being serious about theology doesn’t make one a theologian. The difference between me and a theologian is like the difference between Dr. Fauci and Donald Trump. I have lot to say, but I’m not an expert.
I’m not saying I don’t have something worthwhile to say theologically, I just need to remember who I am. The truth of the matter is…I’m more like Gomer Pyle than N.T. Wright.
That reality came to mind this morning. In the course of my regular readings, I have these “Golly Shazam” moments where my ignorance becomes obvious and my reaction is “Golly Shazam”. Those moments are powerful antidotes to my self-delusions. Momentarily, I feel the innocent, humbling and joyous experience of discovery. In is on those occasions I am most like Gomer.. “Golly Shazam”.
Today was a double header for “Golly Shazam”. I will share one encounter from today and the other in my next “Golly Shazam” post
Today’s post by Richard Beck brought new insight that challenges me at the core of my masculinity.
The Temptation of Joseph
“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
Matthew? 1:19 NIV
…one of the notorious things Adam does to Eve is throw her under the bus, blaming her, when God confronts him in the garden. …Adam’s sin against Eve symbolizes all of the sins of men against women throughout history. Similar, then, to how Mary overturns the sins of Eve, Joseph has to stand in his moment of perplexity and doubt to reverse the sin of Adam against Eve. In Adam, men blame and stigmatize women. Men don’t believe women, Joseph’s trial, then, is that a man must believe a woman. Joseph has to believe Mary. And in believing Mary, Joseph overturns the sin of Adam.
“For the perpetual excuse
Of Adam for his fall–
‘My little Eve, God bless her, did beguile me and I ate’
you must now atone,
Joseph, in silence and alone.”
As a man, Joseph must endure the trial of being himself marginalized and excluded: “To-day the roles are altered; you must be
The Weaker Sex whose passion is passivity.”
“You must learn now that masculinity,
To Nature, is a non-essential luxury.”
The temptation of Joseph is passing as a man, and for all men, this trial of marginalization and doubt. To reverse the sin of Adam against Eve, Joseph must accept his peripheral role and believe Mary.
Joseph here faces his #MeToo moment.
Golly Shazam!