200. The Justice Feast, with Michael Rhodes, author of Just Discipleship

Michael Rhodes is lecturer in Old Testament at Carey Baptist College and the author of Just Discipleship:  Biblical Justice in an Unjust World.

From the biblical concept of justice and the role of worship in shaping our approach to justice, to the practicalities of addressing poverty and racial justice, Michael Rhodes takes us into the heart of what it means to live out just discipleship.


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Michael Rhodes emphasizes the importance of incorporating themes of justice into worship and liturgy.
• Worship should create a demand among worshipers to get involved in God's mission of justice and bring the pain of the world into the center.
• The feasts in Deuteronomy are invitations to the good life and wise living, and they also address contemporary justice issues.
• Michael Rhodes highlights the concept of the "feast" and the importance of interacting with people not like oneself.
• Michael Rhodes suggests practical advice for overcoming obstacles, such as increasing proximity to those facing injustice and allowing scripture to unsettle and challenge unjust practices.
• Worship and prayer, such as the Psalms, play an important role in shaping perspectives on justice and discipleship.
• Michael Rhodes emphasizes the concept of tithing in Deuteronomy, where people are encouraged to use their tithe to have a feast before the Lord.
• The justice feast forms the community and the hearts of the individuals who participate, as it teaches them to fear the Lord and relate to God.
• Worship should create a demand among worshipers to get involved in God's mission of justice.
• Michael Rhodes points out the increasing lack of interaction between different economic classes in American society and suggests that proximity to those who are suffering is crucial.
• the justice feast in Deuteronomy highlights the concept of justice as the faithful exercise of power and just structures, including regular contributions for the poor and debt forgiveness laws.
• Michael Rhodes proposes practical advice for overcoming obstacles, such as increasing proximity to those facing injustice and allowing scripture to unsettle and challenge unjust practices.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Michael Rhodes:
  • Twitter - @michaeljrhodes
  • Carey Baptist College
• Books mentioned:
  • Just Discipleship, by Michael Rhodes
  • Practicing the King’s Economy, by Michael Rhodes and Robby Holt
• Related episodes:
  • Ep. 29: Serving the Poor and the Immigrant
  • Ep. 42: Speaking Out Against Injustice
  • Ep. 143: How the Church Can Respond to Immigration
  • Ep. 167: Called to Each Other

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