I thoroughly enjoyed reading your discussion. I concur that parables were/are an
effective way for Jesus to get his readers’ attention. I also think that Jesus was
the best teacher because He taught by example. Jesus’ best lesson was when He
led by example. He exemplified how to live by living His life accordingly. I can
recall when Jesus was questioned about why there would be a need for Him to
be baptized when he was without sin. He replied that everyone was to be
baptized. He never excused Himself from the rules according to the gospel.
As it relates to repetitious behaviors from parables in the bible until recently, the
United States has shares characteristics with Sodom and Gomorrah. Today the
practices of the same lifestyles that brought divine destruction have
resurfaced(Lytton, 2002), beginning with the worldwide promotion of
homosexuality even in the pulpit, gay marriages and participation in parades
celebrating this lifestyle. The biblical instruction that addresses these behaviors
has been ignored. There does not seem to be any fear of d God’s punishment for
disobedience. God plainly states: "I will punish the world for its evil, and the
wicked for their iniquity" (King James Bible, 2008, Isaiah 13:11). The intention of
the story of Sodom and Gomorrah was envisioned to reveal the repercussions of
defiance. If the United States fails to repent of its sinful practices, God’s just
punishment will be enforced just as it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.
References
Lytton, T. (2002). “Shall not the Judge of the Earth Deal Justly?”: Accountability,
Compassion, and Judicial Authority in the Biblical Story of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Journal of Law and Religion, 18(1), 31-55. doi:10.2307/1051493
King James Bible. (2008). Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1769).
