God's Kingdom

The Christian Right is fond of citing Bible passages to justify everything from homophobia to support for a Greater Israel. As Richard Q. Ford tells us, a parable from Jesus may offer insight into the current situation in Iraq.

There was a good man who owned a vineyard. He leased it to tenant farmers so that they might work it and he might collect the produce from them. He sent his servant so that the tenants might give him the produce of the vineyard. They seized his servant and beat him, all but killing him. The servant went and told his master. The master said, “Perhaps (they) did not recognize (him).” He sent another servant. The tenants beat this one as well. Then the owner sent his son and said, Perhaps they will show respect to my son.” Because the tenants knew that it was he who was the heir, they seized him and killed him.

For an historical perspective reaching back more than two millenia, Mr. Ford's short essay is worth the read.

Thanks to Eliani for the link.