Sean Major-Campbell | Literal reading or literary reading

Hyperbole is used commonly, as a literary device in the Bible. This is where exaggerated speech is deliberately used to make a point in conveying a message. This is precisely the case in Matthew 5:21-37. Some Christians are challenged with coming to terms with writings that are not intended for literal interpretation.

In dramatic style, Jesus declares that you should get rid of the eye or hand or any other member of your body that causes you to sin. The eye is to be torn or gouged out and the hand cut off and any other body part got rid of. All this drama just to make the point that sin is dangerous. Most importantly, the reading starts out by noting that anger makes you liable for judgement although murder is often the focus. The point there being that anger is often the genesis for murder.

Consider the following verses: “ You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

If by lusting, one means simply sexual attraction, then the vast majority of us are to be thrown into hell. It just so happens that we are created with the capacity for sexual attraction. Nature places within our make-up an appetite for sexual activity. It also happens that men are sexually stimulated by visual cues which are sensory signals. Nature wants the body to get a message that leads to creation. Most men will therefore find much appeal in various details about a woman’s appearance.

Lust has been seen as an excessive desire for sexual pleasure. A desire that is not motivated by the values of love, but instead by pleasure which may see the other being objectified. The issue then is not sexual feelings for another person. The issue is objectifying the other simply for the selfish gratification of one’s personal desires. That is why in Christian teaching, it is so important that a value system is cultivated around relationships. Sexual harassment and rape are therefore not to be excused on the basis of sexual attraction. In fact, rape is less about attraction and more about the politics of power!

Then have a look at these verses: “I t was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Common sense alone tells you that divorce is a blessing that cannot come too soon for many. Surely, there are more reasons than unchastity (sexual immorality) for a divorce to be considered. Which is worse? A moment of indiscretion leading to sexual activity with another person, or an abusive partner who often uses violence.

A failure to appreciate the deeper nuances of hyperbole, has seen many weaponising the text and treating divorced persons with stigma and discrimination in many religious spaces. Well now you know.

MOVING INTO THE SEASON OF LENT

This gospel text comes at a time when the Church prepares for the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent. The period following Epiphany saw a focus on the light and revelation of Christ. Now the Church moves into a time of “darkness” when we reflect on our mortality and the importance of disciplining the flesh in order that the spiritual may grow. For we shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Lent presents us with an opportunity to face our common humanity. Common, in our quest for freedom from oppression, and the evils of poverty in a world of greed and much wickedness.

Who remembers the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington? She appealed on behalf of our common humanity when in her sermon she pleaded: “ Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you and, as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives. The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; who labour in poultry farms and meat packing plants; who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They … may not be citizens or have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbours. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurudwaras and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.”

Lent is a time for many pious acts related to praying, fasting, and almsgiving. The ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us of our mortality which is another common human reality. Who will feel for the immigrant in their midst? The foreigner in need of care and protection. How many Christians will feel for Cuba in a fuel crisis? Who will speak a word for justice?

May we be guided by Prophet Isaiah’s question: “ Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com.