Evil and Mortality: Lectionary, March 7, 2010

Questions of Evil and Mortality:
Luke 13:1-9

In economics it is sometimes stated that the definition of a recession is when your neighbor is out of a job, while the definition of a depression is when you are out of a job. Today we look at the question of evil, known in theological parlance as “Theodicy,” a term sometimes similar to recession in that we can sit back and talk about the unfortunate plight of others and the various theories as to why this has happened. But when it happens to ourselves, it’s pretty much just plain “ol’ evil.”

Lectionary Passage:
Luke 13:1-9

13:1 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

13:2 He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?

13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.

13:4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem?

13:5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

13:6 Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none.

13:7 So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?'

13:8 He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it.

13:9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"

COMMENT:
Types and degrees of evil:
We often categorize evil into two forms: natural and moral. What do we usually mean by these? How does Jesus seem to be approaching this dichotomy in the passages above?

How do you respond to this statement? Evil can only be experienced, not explained.

Questions of morality, mortality and meaning:
Sin = Death? The awareness of our mortality as our defining moment.
Death as the parameter and determiner of life itself?
What is Jesus saying about this in the fig tree and fruit parable?