Love -- The Christian Way

I remember a church member, years ago, coming up after a service and telling my that she was tired of all this stuff about love. Now I could tell you a few stories about her -- but I'll refrain out of love.

But while the message of love is intrinsic to Christianity, we're not always sure what this means for us. 1 John says: God is love, and yet many Christians have a theology that focuses on judgment and wrath. In many ways the traditional doctrine of the atonement assumes that God's wrath is preeminent and that Jesus died to appease that wrath. We could ask, where is the parental love of God in this idea?

I'm reading Diana Butler Bass's A People's History of Christianity. Because I'm reading for review purposes, I have to be somewhat careful about what I say (don't want to tip my hat as to my findings just yet). That being said, Diana has suggested that we consider a Great Command form of Christianity -- one that she believes is present throughout church history. In this understanding, the Great Commandment -- love God and love neighbor -- is the foundation of Christian faith. With that in mind we're pointed to the opening lines of the Didache, a late 1st century, early 2nd century manual on church life. That manual focuses not on doctrine, but on a way of life --- in keeping with the teachings of Jesus.

Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment. There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what. And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.

If then Christianity is a way of life, and this way of life is reflected in these two commands, then how might we live out this calling?