This time about Jesus busting up families and burning up the world in Luke 12:
“I came to spread fire on the earth. . . Do you think I came to bring peace. . . ? No, I tell you, but division instead! From now on five in one house will be divided, three against two and two against three. Father against son . . . and son against father. . . .
Same for mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, etc.
I say pity the preacher because he’s tempted — and sometimes well advised — to give this the Mrs. Grundy treatment, softening the impact of these ancient Middle Eastern (ancient? listen to the Ayatollah) constantly in-your-face, devil-take-hindmost language.
At same time, he’s supposed to be true to the message, not play it down, even when it’s dramatically, almost melodramatically, presented. Not easy.
In any case, Jesus as Prince of Peace or meek and humble of heart does take a licking as going concept, not to mention effeminate sentimentalism as in some holy cards.
Blithe Spirit 