the myth of redemptive violence

I talked recently in a sermon about "the myth of redemptive violence." This idea is embedded in American culture, and in the world at large. If a person, or any entity, is considered good or righteous, then their use of violence or force is justified, and even "redemptive." We are bred with this from Popeye and the Road Runner, to Jack Bauer and Tony Almeida, to Tom Clancy's novels to "Righeous Kill" and "Kill Bill" to Clint Eastwood, and on and on.

While most of us do not use violence to advance our will or God's will, we do use power or force wrongly - whether through domination or intimidation, or through manipulation or deception. For example, any time we shade the truth, or share the truth inappropriately, in order to gain an advantage over someone, or to posture or protect ourself, we are abusing power and usually thinking we are justified in it. Jesus would have none of it, though he was the only truly good and righteous person. He became powerless and never used force or violence in order to advance his will or God's will. And this is the way he calls us to live. Probably more on this later.

Speaking of Clint Eastwood, a great depiction of the myth of redemptive violence is Gran Torino. Yes, it's rough, but I commend it to you. I saw it on my birthday a few weeks ago, and it was well worth it.