A Social commentary is the act of expressing an opinion, on the nature of society. This is most often done with the idea of implementing or promoting change by informing the general populace about a given problem and appealing to people's sense of justice. Note that social commentary is not necessarily connected with the idea of instigating change or edifying the public through literature. It could also be a part of an everyday conversation. The best example of social commentary, that I know of is, The War of The Worlds by H.G.Wells. This book was speaking of the state of England and its Army. The other Book that I will Reference is The Quatrains of Nostradamus. Called a book of prophecy, but is in reality, only social commentary, Sort of a rise and fall type of book. The Quatrains of Nostradamus is the biggest book of deception that I know of. Many say that The Words of the Bible are social commentary, but in reality, they are not. Jesus spoke of many things happening in the present day world openly, but never as a commentary. Even His remarks of the political system were void of any hidden message. Social Commentary's are statements of social injustice, hidden in the words of poetry and novels. The phrase that Jesus used to indicate the condition of world events came from Luke 12:49, I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? This verse is not a social commentary but a statement of fact. This verse is indicating that religious differences were at a kindled state and that the fire, which is a broader devision of religious beliefs, were going to come. We see this in todays society between the believers in Islam and the Peoples of, Christianity and Israel. We can say this because of recent events around the world, with the hatred of Christians and especially Israel by the Islamic Union. Even when the Apostle Paul rebuking Peter for removing himself from the gentiles as the Jews entered, was not any type of Hidden message, but just pure fact. In John 18:36, we see that Jesus knew of the state of the world but had not come to interfere with the short term but rather to make a difference in the long term, of humanity from birth to death. A kingdom on earth would not have changed man ideas of right and wrong but a kingdom not of this earth would. John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. If you've noticed, in His statement, His remarks were directed toward the Jews and not at the Gentiles, for they were the biggest hindrance to His ministry. In John 6:15, we again see, that Jesus was not intended to be made a King, but rather a savior to the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. Jesus had no need of social commentary, for every one knew of the oppressive state that the Romans had made of the Jewish State of Israel. Israel had been saved from The Pharaoh and were in need of deliverance from the Romans. Israel expected The Messiah to be another Moses, David and Solomon all rolled up into one. This is what they wanted, but didn't receive. In Revelations 13:14 we see again, not a social commentary but a prediction of future events. There are no hidden verses in scripture that cannot be understood. The fact that many want to say that The Bible is a Book of Hidden social commentary, have either, never read it, or, Understood it. As in Revelations 13:14, as with all verses, The Holy Spirit uses, either, Parables, Metaphors, Visions, Dreams and Interpretations, to explane many of the passages or words in Scripture. Nothing is hidden and all can be understood clearly. Revelations 13:14, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. In these next verses, we see that the Bible speaks, not of the social climate but of the individual or individuals, in respect, not toward the society nor government, but of their relationship toward God. Lets read Mark 12:14-17 and see if you can understand; And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him. Mark 12:1- 12:12 are verses of parables, teaching to those that are and will condemn Him to death and also will condemn themselves to Hell. Jesus is showing, not only the past, but the present and future. Nothing is hidden, nothing is written in secret. Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine. Why is all this important to us who read the Bible? The Reason is in, Rev 13:5, Dan 7:11, 7:25 & 11:36. Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. Dan 7:11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. Dan 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Dan 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. To change the Bible into a Social commentary, The Anti-Christ can deceive many into believing that His way will be the way to everlasting peace upon this earth and the Predictions of the Bible can be changed. In assuming infallibility, professing to forgive sins, and to open and shut heaven, thundering out bulls and anathemas, excommunicating princes, absolving subjects from their allegiance, and exacting obedience to his decrees in open violation of reason and Scripture. (tsk.) ars. References for Luke 12:49 - come: Luke_12:51, Luke_12:52; Isa_11:4; Joe_2:30,Joe_2:31; Mal_3:2, Mal_3:3, Mal_4:1; Mat_3:10-12 and: Luke_11:53, Luke_11:54, Luke_13:31-33, Luke_19:39, Luke_19:40; John_9:4, John_11:8-10, John_12:17-19 Mar_4:11, Mar_4:34, Mar_3:23; Psa_49:4, Psa_78:2; Mat_13:3, Mat_13:10,Mat_13:34, Mat_13:35 Mark 12:38; Mat.7:28; John 7:16, 7:17, 18:19 |
