Ben Hein
@brheiny.bsky.social
Neo-Calvinism, Reformed ethics, and church planting for the urban ministry context. Near Westside of Indianapolis. Mostly quotes. Good vibes only.
I already forgot about this post
July 9, 2025 at 11:35 PM
I already forgot about this post
Like the rich man in Luke 16 who is condemned for no other reason than his failure to care for Lazarus, the religious leaders and their system is condemned for no other reason than their failure to protect a widow such as this one.
March 17, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Like the rich man in Luke 16 who is condemned for no other reason than his failure to care for Lazarus, the religious leaders and their system is condemned for no other reason than their failure to protect a widow such as this one.
The religious leaders and the wealthy failed to care for the widows. That was their basic duty. They created a religious system that was impressive because of its size, wealth, and power. Jesus pledges to tear it all down.
March 17, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The religious leaders and the wealthy failed to care for the widows. That was their basic duty. They created a religious system that was impressive because of its size, wealth, and power. Jesus pledges to tear it all down.
Correct. Unfortunately this reading goes back to church fathers who seemed to over spiritualize the passage. It’s reinforced by bad pericope divisions. Take out the pericope headings and spiritualized tradition and the natural reading is she’s a victim, not an example to follow.
March 17, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Correct. Unfortunately this reading goes back to church fathers who seemed to over spiritualize the passage. It’s reinforced by bad pericope divisions. Take out the pericope headings and spiritualized tradition and the natural reading is she’s a victim, not an example to follow.
Jesus’ mission is to bring good news to the poor, including this widow, not to impoverish the poor even further.”
(NICNT Luke, 728)
In Luke’s gospel, This concern for wealth and power while the poor are neglected and exploited motivates Jesus’ judgement on the entire temple system (21:5-6).
(NICNT Luke, 728)
In Luke’s gospel, This concern for wealth and power while the poor are neglected and exploited motivates Jesus’ judgement on the entire temple system (21:5-6).
March 17, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Jesus’ mission is to bring good news to the poor, including this widow, not to impoverish the poor even further.”
(NICNT Luke, 728)
In Luke’s gospel, This concern for wealth and power while the poor are neglected and exploited motivates Jesus’ judgement on the entire temple system (21:5-6).
(NICNT Luke, 728)
In Luke’s gospel, This concern for wealth and power while the poor are neglected and exploited motivates Jesus’ judgement on the entire temple system (21:5-6).
As Joel Green says: “Note that in no way does Luke suggest that Jesus finds the widow’s action exemplary or praiseworthy. How could he, when the religious system was supposed to care for such as these, not render them utterly destitute?
March 17, 2025 at 12:48 PM
As Joel Green says: “Note that in no way does Luke suggest that Jesus finds the widow’s action exemplary or praiseworthy. How could he, when the religious system was supposed to care for such as these, not render them utterly destitute?
[so] Calvinism in its original form could not fail to see the dangers and vices of capitalism from its very beginnings and oppose them with absolute rigour.
André Biéler, Calvin’s Economic and Social Thought, 454
André Biéler, Calvin’s Economic and Social Thought, 454
March 13, 2025 at 1:00 AM
[so] Calvinism in its original form could not fail to see the dangers and vices of capitalism from its very beginnings and oppose them with absolute rigour.
André Biéler, Calvin’s Economic and Social Thought, 454
André Biéler, Calvin’s Economic and Social Thought, 454