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Drunken SilenusExploring the Masterpiece: Drunken Silenus by Jusepe de Ribera Historical Context of Drunken Silenus The Baroque Era: A Time of Artistic Flourishing The Baroque era, spanning the 17th century, marked a vibrant period in European art. This time was characterized by dramatic expressions, rich colors, and intense contrasts. Artists sought to evoke emotion and engage viewers through their work. Jusepe de Ribera, a prominent figure of this movement,
Exploring the Masterpiece: Drunken Silenus by Jusepe de Ribera
Historical Context of Drunken Silenus
The Baroque Era: A Time of Artistic Flourishing
The Baroque era, spanning the 17th century, marked a vibrant period in European art. This time was characterized by dramatic expressions, rich colors, and intense contrasts. Artists sought to evoke emotion and engage viewers through their work. Jusepe de Ribera, a prominent figure of this movement, exemplified these qualities in his painting, "Drunken Silenus."Jusepe de Ribera: Life and Influences
Jusepe de Ribera was born in 1591 in Spain and later moved to Italy, where he absorbed the influences of Caravaggio and the Italian Renaissance. His unique style combined Spanish realism with Italian techniques. Ribera's life experiences, including his exposure to the vibrant art scenes of Naples, shaped his artistic vision. He became known for his powerful depictions of human emotion and the human condition.Spanish Art and Mythology: The Significance of Silenus
Silenus, a figure from Greek mythology, is often depicted as a companion of Dionysus, the god of wine. In Spanish art, Silenus symbolizes indulgence and the consequences of excess. Ribera's portrayal of Silenus captures the essence of this mythological character, reflecting the cultural fascination with themes of revelry and intoxication during the Baroque period.Visual Analysis of Drunken Silenus
Composition and Color Palette: A Study in Contrast
"Drunken Silenus" features a dynamic composition that draws the viewer's eye. The use of warm earth tones contrasts with cooler shades, creating a sense of depth. Ribera's strategic placement of figures enhances the narrative, inviting viewers to explore the scene's complexity. The vibrant colors evoke a sense of life and movement, characteristic of Baroque artistry.Figures and Symbolism: Understanding Silenus and His Companions
In the painting, Silenus is depicted in a state of drunkenness, surrounded by playful satyrs. This imagery symbolizes the duality of pleasure and chaos. The figures' expressions convey a range of emotions, from joy to despair, highlighting the consequences of excess. Ribera's attention to detail in their features adds a layer of realism that captivates the viewer.Textural Elements: The Use of Light and Shadow
Ribera's mastery of chiaroscuro is evident in "Drunken Silenus." The interplay of light and shadow creates a dramatic atmosphere. Silenus's face is illuminated, drawing attention to his expression, while the surrounding figures fade into darkness. This technique enhances the emotional impact of the scene, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes of indulgence and its aftermath.Thematic Exploration: The Nature of Excess and Indulgence
Mythological References: Silenus in Greek Lore
Silenus, often depicted as a jovial figure, embodies the spirit of revelry in Greek mythology. His association with wine and merriment serves as a reminder of the fine line between enjoyment and excess. Ribera's interpretation of Silenus invites viewers to consider the consequences of indulgence, a theme that resonates throughout art history.Alcohol and Its Symbolism in Art
Alcohol has long been a symbol of both celebration and downfall in art. In "Drunken Silenus," Ribera uses wine as a metaphor for excess and its effects on human behavior. The painting serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how pleasure can lead to chaos. This duality adds depth to the viewer's experience, prompting reflection on their own relationship with indulgence.Emotional Resonance: The Viewer's Experience
The emotional resonance of "Drunken Silenus" lies in its ability to evoke a range of feelings. Viewers may feel a sense of empathy for Silenus, recognizing the vulnerability that comes with excess. Ribera's skillful portrayal of human emotion invites contemplation, making the painting a powerful exploration of the human experience.Artistic Techniques: Ribera's Unique Style
Chiaroscuro: Mastery of Light and Dark
Ribera's use of chiaroscuro sets him apart as a master of light and dark. This technique creates a three-dimensional effect, giving life to his figures. In "Drunken Silenus," the stark contrasts enhance the drama of the scene, drawing viewers into the narrative. Ribera's ability to manipulate light adds a layer of complexity to his work.Brushwork and Detail: Capturing Human Emotion
Ribera's brushwork is both precise and expressive. He captures the nuances of human emotion through intricate details in facial expressions and body language. In "Drunken Silenus," the satyrs' playful gestures and Silenus's weary demeanor reflect a deep understanding of human nature. This attention to detail elevates the painting beyond mere representation.Influence of Tenebrism: A Deep Dive into Ribera's Technique
Tenebrism, characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and dark, heavily influenced Ribera's style. This technique enhances the emotional intensity of "Drunken Silenus." The dark background serves to highlight the figures, creating a sense of isolation and focus. Ribera's mastery of tenebrism allows him to convey complex themes through visual storytelling.Legacy and Influence of Drunken Silenus
Impact on Contemporary Artists: A Lasting Impression
"Drunken Silenus" has left a lasting impression on contemporary artists. Ribera's exploration of human emotion and the consequences of excess resonates with modern themes. Many artists draw inspiration from his techniques, incorporating chiaroscuro and emotional depth into their own works. Ribera's legacy continues to influence the art world today.Drunken Silenus in Modern Culture: References and Adaptations
The themes of "Drunken Silenus" have found their way into modern culture. References to Silenus and the consequences of indulgence appear in literature, film, and music. This painting serves as a cultural touchstone, reminding audiences of the timeless nature of its themes. Ribera's work remains relevant, sparking discussions about excess and its impact on society.Art Market Value: The Significance of Ribera's Works Today
Ribera's works, including "Drunken Silenus," hold significant value in the art market. Collectors and institutions seek out his paintings for their historical importance and emotional depth. The appreciation for Ribera's unique style continues to grow, making his works highly sought after. Investing in art reproductions of "Drunken Silenus" offers a way to appreciate this masterpiece in your own space.FAQs about Drunken Silenus
What is the story behind Drunken Silenus?
"Drunken Silenus" depicts the mythological figure Silenus in a state of intoxication, surrounded by satyrs. The painting explores themes of excess and the consequences of indulgence.What techniques did Jusepe de Ribera use in this painting?
Ribera employed chiaroscuro to create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. His brushwork captures intricate details and human emotions, enhancing the painting's impact.How does Drunken Silenus reflect the Baroque style?
The painting embodies Baroque characteristics through its emotional intensity, dynamic composition, and rich color palette. Ribera's use of light and shadow further emphasizes the Baroque aesthetic.What are the main themes depicted in Drunken Silenus?
The main themes include indulgence, the consequences of excess, and the exploration of human emotion. The painting serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overindulgence.Where can I see the original Drunken Silenus painting?
The original "Drunken Silenus" is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. It is a significant work in Ribera's oeuvre and a highlight of the museum's collection.What should I know about reproducing Drunken Silenus?
Reproducing "Drunken Silenus" allows art lovers to bring this masterpiece into their homes. High-quality painting reproductions capture the essence of Ribera's work, offering a superior alternative to prints.How does the reproduction of Drunken Silenus compare to the original?
Painting reproductions of "Drunken Silenus" provide a vibrant and textured representation of the original. Unlike prints, which can lack depth, reproductions maintain the richness of color and detail, making them a cherished addition to any art collection.Shipping Notes
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4.5 ★★★★★
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★★★★★ 5
Marries God's Grace, Orthodox Theology, and Social Justice
When I ordered Timothy Keller's "Generous Justice," I thought I was buying a book about God's justice (in condemning sinners), which has been assailed by so many recently. Never have I been so pleasantly and emotionally surprised by a book. What Keller has done instead is to wed a theology of God's grace to us, and one that is fully orthodox in nature, with a biblical emphasis on social justice. Keller's main thesis is this: God's "generous justice" to humans who are poor in spirit and in great need is a motivation for our administering social justice - as well as an evidence that we have truly received the grace of God.
This is truly a mind-blowing, heart-rending thesis - and it's hit me like a ton of bricks! The very night I read this book, I read (from the Book of Common Prayer) the prayer for Social Justice in our Evening Prayer service at church. Obviously God is trying to teach me something, and I think He's trying to teach you all the same thing. That something is that Christians are to be involved in social justice not only because it's a commandment but because it's a response to a life that's received the grace of God (His "generous justice").
Keller cuts across the great conservative/liberal divide in this book. He has something that most of you will at first disagree about, but when you truly consider it, you'll find that he's probably right. Social justice is about caring for the poor and alienated, both as individuals and as communities. To conservative Christians he preaches that social justice does indeed involve changing entire communities and that real oppression and social injustice still exists in the U.S. To liberal Christians he preaches that much of poverty really does come from the personal moral failings of individuals. In fact, he outlines 3 possible causes of poverty: oppression, calamity, and personal moral failure. He believes that the biblical emphasis is especially on the larger structural factors (although I don't necessarily agree with him here.)
Perhaps most importantly, Keller is putting his money where his mouth is: his Redeemer Presbyterian Church is located in Manhattan.
What Keller does best, beginning with the Old Testament and continuing through the teachings of Jesus and the Epistles is to show God's concern for social justice. You cannot read this book without being challenged to want to be more involved in correcting social injustice, whether at the individual or social level. This book hit me like a ton of bricks because years ago I had read Ron Sider's Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger while in college. I was originally moved by the book but then became aware that Sider had made a lot of errors in his theology and thinking. For years, I allowed this and the liberal emphasis on the social gospel as opposed to the true gospel to shield me from the biblical message of the need for justice.
This book has been like a sledgehammer to my soul, and it will take me months and years to sort out what God would have me do next.
In addition to providing the biblical and theological rationale for caring for the poor and disadvantaged, Keller turns towards a more practical approach towards the end of the book, which was exactly what I needed. He answers questions I and many others have, such as "What if I don't live by an area of poverty?" (then look for the disadvantaged, abused, neglected, sick, single parents wherever you are!) He discusses 3 levels of help that need to be offered: relief (direct aid to immediate needs), development (giving a family or community what they need to move beyond dependency), and social reform (changing the conditions and social conditions that cause dependency).
Keller divides his book up this way:
Introduction: Why Write This Book?
Chapter One - What is Doing Justice?
Chapter Two - Justice and the Old Testament
Chapter Three - What Did Jesus Say About Justice?
Chapter Four - Justice and Your Neighbor
Chapter Five - Why Should We Do Justice?
Chapter Six - How Should We Do Justice?
Chapter Seven - Doing Justice in the Public Square
Chapter Eight - Peace, Beauty, and Justice
There are still things I disagree with about the book, and I have a few areas where I think Keller could have been clearer or more forceful so as not to mislead.
My 1st objection is that Keller seems to emphasize justice in terms of structures more than the justice we seek for individuals (for example, the many ways I seek justice among my kids at home). Keller didn't talk about this side of things enough. He also, in my opinion, doesn't adequately take into account the moral failings that are the cause of so much of American poverty since the 20th century. It's not that he isn't aware of this side of things: I just think he understates it.
Second, while Keller's clearly aware that our contemporary situation is not a theocracy like that of ancient Israel, too much of the time he seems to assume that the social justice we seek is out in the world at large, as opposed to the social justice we seek specifically in the Church. The New Testament letters are clearly more heavily weighted toward how we seek justice specifically in the Church, which is to model social justice for the world, even as the justice of national Israel was to be a model for the nations. He also doesn't address the problem that in ancient Israel and the first century Church, Christians knew who the poor were because there was little social mobility. They knew who was really lame and who was faking; they knew who had fallen on hard times; and they knew who was merely lazy or malicious. It's much more difficult for Christians today to discern this, and Keller makes no (or at least inadequate) reference to the traditional Christian distinction between the deserving and the undeserving poor (an issue that several books by George Grant discuss more adequately).
In spite of these errors or exaggerations, "Generous Justice" is still a book every church should be discussing. Read it, and see if it doesn't break your heart and make you more aware of God's grace to you, as well as your need to do justice to those around you!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2010
★★★★★ 5
How the Gospel & Justice go hand in hand
Anything by Tim Keller is worth reading and re-reading. His book Generous Justice is no different. I worked my way through it last week as I prepped my sermon on James 2.
Here is the main idea of the book: "If a person grasped the meaning of God's grace in his heart, he will do justice. If he doesn't live justly, then he may say with his lips that he is grateful for God's grace, but in his heart he is far from him. If he doesn't care about the poor, it reveals that at best he doesn't understand the grace he has experienced, and at worst he has not really encountered the saving mercy of God. Grace should make you just."
One of the more interesting things I found in the book was how Keller weaved through Scripture and looked at the various places that justice, poor, widows, orphans, etc. are talked about in the Old and New Testaments. He also pointed out how God is introduced in Scripture as "the father to the fatherless and defender of the widow" almost more than any title. Which strikes me because God is often associated with suburbia. If the church and his followers are to be like him, what does that mean our lives should be like? What would we have to do so that we are identified as "the father to the fatherless and the defender of the widow?" Keller answers, "If God's character includes a zeal for justice that leads him to have the tenderest love and closest involvement with the socially weak, then what should God's people be like? They must be people who are likewise passionately concerned for the weak and vulnerable."
But what does doing justice mean? It has become a polarizing word and idea. Often, "doing justice" is associated solely with left wing politics or liberal Christianity, the social gospel. In fact, after spending the last 2 weeks talking about loving the overlooked at Revolution I was asked by someone if we were getting political as a church. While the question is misguided, I understand where it comes from. Evangelical Christianity is more focused on souls and eternity, which we are called to and incredibly important, but we are also called to love people and meet practical needs at the same time. I don't think you can separate the two (or at least we shouldn't separate the two), even though lots of people do. Justice is intricately associated with the gospel. Keller says, "We do justice when we give all human beings their due as creations of God. Doing justice includes not only the righting of wrongs (the gospel), but generosity and social concern, especially toward the poor and vulnerable. This kind of life reflects the character of God. It consists of a broad range of activities, from simple fair and honest dealings with people in daily life, to regular, radically generous giving of your time and resources, to activism that seeks to end particular forms of injustice, violence, and oppression."
Here are a few things that jumped out:
-A true experience of the grace of Jesus Christ inevitably motivates a man or woman to seek justice in the world.
-God loves and defends those with the least economic and social power, and so should we. That is what it means to "do justice."
-The Bible gives believers two basic motivations for doing justice - joyful awe before the goodness of God's creation, and the experience of God's grace in redemption.
I highly, highly recommend picking up this book. Every Christian needs to wrestle with what it means to be changed by the gospel and the implications on how we live and what that means in terms of the overlooked and "doing justice" in our world. For more, check out [...]
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2011
★★★★★ 4
Good Book; Slightly Biased
I liked Tim Keller's book quite a bit. He makes a strong, biblical case for the necessity for christians to do justice. This part of the gospel has been lacking in conservative, evangelical circles. So, Pastor Keller performs a real service, as a conservative evangelical, in speaking out on the issue.
However, there is a slight, conservative, bias in the book. He seems to try to bend over backwards to be fair, but still ends up missing and misstating a few things.
As a conservative, he de-emphasizes the important role of government in social justice and the necessity for christians to actively promote justice in the public sphere. Yes, he mentions this, and even gives some examples where christians should be involved in promoting justice in the public sphere. But, the instances he cites are small cases like when we see injustice in local law enforcement or building inspector corruption. Those sorts of things. That's fine as far as it goes, but it's the tip of the iceberg. The things that can make a big difference in our society in promoting justice are national policies involving health care, housing assistance, education assistance, food stamps, etc.
Mr. Keller avoids talking about those things because they are inconsistent with the politics that conservative christians almost universally support. So, he doesn't want to alienate his supporters. And, perhaps he himself opposes things like national health care. Of course, obviously, that position is inconsistent with what Jesus taught about caring for the poor and sick. Mr. Keller, and other conservatives, would say it's not the government's role to provide health care to the poor; rather the role of the church. And, he would cite some small example of some church that maybe offers free health screenings. Give me a break. Tell me the church I can send a homeless person to where he can live and receive the cancer or heart treatment he needs and then I'll agree with Mr. Keller and the conservatives. Until then, the government MUST play a role in this area and christians should be leaders in promoting that.
But, Mr. Keller, rather predictably, mostly ignores this issue of the actual, true role of modern government in justice -- which necessarily, for better or worse, has to be quite large.
We see this conservative slant to the book other times as well. For instance, when talking about the Sermon on the Mount, Keller says that both conservatives and liberals miss part of Jesus' message. He says conservatives ignore Jesus' words about social justice and liberals ignore his words about personal morality. I just don't think that's fair because I think liberal christians care just as much as conservatives about private morality. It's possible to point to an issue here or there where that's not true; but then it's possible to point to others that point in the other direction. The bottom line is that supporting social justice requires private morality (unselfishness). Mr. Keller cites the private/individual morality issues that Jesus discusses as sexual lust in the heart, adultery, divorce and overwork and materialism. Yet, there is no evidence that liberals are more guilty of these issues than conservatives; in fact, I'd suggest the opposite may be true (certainly with respect to overwork and materialism).
I wish Keller would simply admit the obvious which is that liberal christians are much more on board with the Sermon on the Mount and generally with Jesus' message of promotion of Justice and God's Kingdom on earth. That message is at the heart of christian liberalism. But, rather than simply admitting that this is an area that liberals generally get right and conservatives get wrong; instead Keller reaches for straws that don't exist.
We see this again when Keller says in the introduction to the book that Walter Rauschenbusch (a "father" of liberal christianity) "rejected the traditional doctrines of Scripture and atonement." As evidence for this serious and broad criticism, Keller provides a footnote which fails to provide any quotes, rather it simply references Rauschenbusch's book A Theology for the Social Gospel, Ch. 19 and says that Rauschenbusch therein "rejects the theory of penal substitution."
Yet if one reads Ch. 19 of Rauschenbusch's book, one will find he clearly does NOT reject the theories of atonement or penal substitution. In fact, on page 244 Rauschenbusch states: "As Christian men we believe that the death of our Lord concerns us all. Our sins caused it. He bore the sin of the world. In turn his death was somehow for our good. Our spiritual situation is fundamentally changed in consequence of it." Then on pg. 273, Rauschenbusch says: "The cross is the monumental fact telling of grace and inviting repentance and humility."
Furthermore, Rauschenbusch on numerous occasions in all his books specifically states that his ideas of social justice take nothing away from traditional christian theology; rather they add important things to it. The very things Keller talks about.
Again, Keller provides no detailed information about why he thinks Rauschenbusch denied the theory of atonement -- he simply says he did and in a footnote cites a book that seems to not say what Keller thinks it says.
This kind of unfair and misleading criticism of "liberal" christians is just wrong and we see it too much. Liberal christianity does not deny any of the essentials of the faith (at least the liberals that Keller talks about); but adds the "do" and "God's Kingdom" parts of the gospel that conservative christians too often miss. Keller does a great service in pointing this out. I just wish he was fair to liberal christians who have long been exactly where Mr. Keller has now arrived.
But, again, very good book. And, one that I hope many christians (conservative and liberal) will read.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2011
★★★★★ 5
Book Summary for Generous Justice
I have read several of Keller's books. This one is a must read for every Christian, especially for those who hearts are nudging them toward ministry to the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. I will attempt summarize the book, but I encourage you to read it for yourself.
In Chapter One, citing Micah 6:8, Keller defines biblical justice as care for the vulnerable.
In premodern, agrarian societies, these four groups [widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor] had no social power. They lived at a subsistence level and were only a few days away from starvation if there were any famine, invasion, or even minor social unrest. Today this quartet would be expanded to include the refugee, the migrant worker, the homeless, and many single parents and elderly people. The mishpat, or justness, of a society, according to the Bible, is evaluated by how it treats these groups. (pp.4-5)
Realize, then, how significant it is that the Biblical writers introduce God as "a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" (Psalm 68:4-5). This is one of the main things he does in the world. He identifies with the powerless; he takes up their cause. (p.6)
Keller introduces another word for justice from the Old Testament, tzadeqah, which defines the righteous as those who are "right with God and therefore committed to putting right all other relationships in life." (p10) The two words, mishpat and tzadeqah, are used together over three dozen times. "The English expression that best conveys the meaning is 'social justice.'" (p.14) Keller then turns to the New Testament to point out that Jesus calls gifts to the poor "acts of righteousness." (Matthew 6:1-2) He concludes that "not giving generously, then, is not stinginess, but unrighteousness, a violation of God's law." (p15)
Chapter Two delves more deeply into the the themes of justice in the Old Testament. God gave the Israelites numerous laws "that, if practiced, would have virtually eliminated any permanent underclass." (p.27) There were laws of release from debt every seven years. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 commands Israelites to "be openhanded and freely lend him [the poor] whatever he needs," to help them reach self-sufficiency. Gleaning laws commanded land owners to leave a certain portion of their crops in the fields so that the poor could work to provide food for themselves. Every third year the tithes were put in public storehouses for the poor and marginalized. (Deut. 14:29) Every fifty years on the year of Jubilee, all debts were forgiven, the land went back to its original owners, and slaves were freed.
Each person or family had at least a once-in-a-lifetime chance to start afresh, no matter how irresponsibly they had handled their finances or how far into debt they had fallen. (p.28)
Keller shows how Paul used Exodus 16:18 as a reference when he wrote 2 Corinthians Chapter Eight. He showed how the Israelites were commanded not to hoard manna, but to share it with those who may not have gathered enough. The idea being that "the money you earn is a gift from God. Therefore the money you make must be shared to build up community. So wealthier believers must share with poorer ones. (p31) Before you jump to any conclusions, Keller is not a socialist, but shows how the Bible cannot be confined to any one political or economic philosophy. He cites Craig Blomberg's survey of the Mosaic laws of gleaning, releasing, tithing, and the Jubilee, where he concludes: "the Biblical attitude toward wealth and possessions does not fit into any of the normal categories of democratic capitalism, or of traditional monarchial feudalism, or of state socialism." (p.32)
Keller writes: "One of the main reasons we cannot fit the Bible's approach into a liberal or conservative economic model is the Scripture's highly nuanced understanding of the causes of poverty." (p.33) Whereas liberals blame social forces beyond the control of the poor and conservatives blame the breakdown of the family, poor character, and bad personal practices, the Bible is more balanced. Oppression is certainly one main reason for poverty, and the rich are blamed when vast disparities exist between the rich and poor. I will not cite the references here to be as concise as possible. He writes: "the Mosaic legislation was designed to keep the ordinary disparities between the wealthy and the poor from becoming aggravated and extreme." (p.33) The Bible also lists natural disasters as a cause of poverty. Some people lack the ability to make wise decisions. Another cause is personal moral failure. "Poverty, therefore, is seen in the Bible as a very complex phenomenon." (p.34)
In the New Testament, Keller quotes Luke 14:12-13 to show us "that it is in some respects our duty to give a preference to the poor." (p.46) In contrast to the patronage system in existence in Jesus' day, what Jesus prescribed "would have looked like economic and social suicide." (p.47) Instead of doing favors for the rich and influential, our Lord advised serving those who can do nothing for us. "Like Isaiah, Jesus taught that a lack of concern for the poor is not a minor lapse, but reveals that something is seriously wrong with one's spiritual compass, the heart." (p.51) The parable of the sheep and goats teaches that our heart and service towards the poor and marginalized reflect our heart and service to Jesus.
Perhaps the best chapter in the book is the fifth, entitled "Why Should We Do Justice?" When we delve down into what really motivates our behavior and values, we discover hidden treasure. It is obvious that mere reason and guilt trips will not change people's hearts to be more involved with helping the helpless. Keller comes at the "why" from two angles. The first is what he calls "honoring the image," which is based on creation. "The image of God carries with it the right to not be mistreated or harmed." (p.84) Or to put it another way, "Because we treasure the owner [God], we honor his house [people]." (p.85) Using this line of reasoning, we must acknowledge that everything we have came from God and ultimately belongs to God. We are stewards or caretakers of another's property. Applying the Old Testament principles of mishpat and tzadeqah, we can say, "the righteous [tzaddiq]...are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community; the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves." (p.90) Does this not echo the words of Paul:
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)
With reference to the gleaning laws, Keller writes:
In God's view, however, while the poor did not have a right to the ownership of the farmer's land, they had a right to some of its produce. If the owner did not limit his profits and provide the poor with an opportunity to work for their own benefit in the field, he did not simply deprive the poor of charity, but of justice, of their right. Why? A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God's. (p.91)
The second part of the "why" we should do justice is found in our response to grace. The idea here is that none of us deserve God's grace. Any argument against serving the poor because they don't deserve our help falls apart in light of this truth. James wrote that to look at a brother or sister without resources and do nothing about it reveals a lifeless kind of faith. (James 2:15-16) The doctrine of justification is necessary because the demands of the law are so high that none of us can attain to it. God's commands regarding loving the poor and helpless are so high that we must rely on God's grace to enable us to fulfill them. "People who come to grasp the gospel of grace and become spiritually poor find their hearts gravitating toward the materially poor. To the degree that the gospel shapes your self-image, you will identify with those in need." (p.102) Keller concludes: "I believe, however, when justice for the poor is connected not to guilt but to grace and to the gospel, this 'pushes the button' down deep in believers' souls, and they begin to wake up." (p.107)
The last two chapters deal with practical aspects of doing justice individually, as a church, and in partnership with others in the community. Since I am growing weary and need to move on to some other things, I will leave those to you to read. The last chapter shows how Jesus identified with the poor and oppressed when he hung upon the cross, penniless and without justice. His trial and execution were illegal. God came to earth as a poor carpenter and died as a criminal. He is the advocate of the poor, oppressed, and marginalized people of the earth, and has called his church to join him in manifesting God's love to those who desperately need it.
I hope you will take the time to purchase and read this book. It will impact your life for good.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2011
★★★★★ 5
Awakening My Heart for the Poor
"I would like to believe that a heart for the poor `sleeps' down in a Christian's soul until it is awakened" says Tim Keller in Generous Justice.
He then adds, "when justice for the poor is connected not to guilt but to grace and to the gospel, this `pushes the button' down deep in believers' souls, and then begin to wake up.
For me, Generous Justice, pushed the button, one that God has been pushing the past year or so, to see the world, to see the challenges of the poor and other 3rd world issues, with a desire to make a difference.
What I like about Keller's theology and writing is an understanding of grace. Guilt can motivate, but it's not God's way to motivate. Guilt can push for a moment, grace can drive for a lifetime. And the issues of the poor will take a lifetime of grace to deal with in this world.
Keller does a great job of digging into a Biblical sense of justice. For most people justice works us to just what they think it should be. Justice in the Biblical sense is more then punishment for what's wrong, it's upholding the needs of the poor and powerless. Justice protects their rights and their value before God.
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan man shows justice and kindness to the Jewish man in need. He provides Generous Justice. But Keller picks it up a notch, by pointing out, what if the Good Samaritan travels that road often and keeps finding Jewish men mugged, beaten, left for dead? What does he do then? Generous Justice would be that he works to change the systemic issues.
Generous Justice is not simply how I respond, but how we respond to those in needs as individuals, congregations, and yes, in the political process as well. You may not always agree with Keller, but he will make you think and lay out the possible options to work through.
One of my favourite stories Keller includes is about the Roman Emperor Julian, who was not a big fan of Christians. Yet Julian says about these Christians he despises that they take care of their poor and ours as well. That love, that Generous Justice in action, transformed the world for Christ. We need such a transformation of Generous Justice in our day.
I highly recommend Generous Justice. It is more then a theological / theoretical book of what could be. Generous Justice is a theological / practical book of what by God's grace we can do as we empowered by God to serve the powerless with the power of God's love at work.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2012