Sitz im Leben

What's that? It's German for "setting in life." It's a bible scholarly term that refers to what the situation was of the people who first heard a text. Were they young, old? Farmers, warriors? Rich, poor? You get the picture.

If you were at Adult Forum last week, you saw that this is important in the way Lutherans interpret the bible. We (and many others) listen with the ears of the "intended audience," those who first gathered to listen to these bible stories. This, along with other methods, helps us determine not only what the bible said to them then, but for us now as well. Coupled with reading passages in context with the rest of the section--book--biblical message, it's a vital concept, one that keeps us from going to far-out, weird places with interpretation.

Take this week's second reading from 1st Peter (2:19-25). It seems to be saying that when we suffer abuse we should take it as our "calling" and endure it. That's an outlandish message to give from God to an abused child, or spouse. It is almost a perversion of the scripture (if were done knowingly, it would be). One could easily come to that conclusion if one read just this part with modern eyes.

But if we look back just one verse from the starting point of the day's reading, we see that Peter is addressing household servants here, not abused women or children. He's telling them that if they suffer punishment for their doing right (following Christ's example) it is a noble thing and a result of their being "free from sin...[living] for righteousness."

How did household servants in the first century hear this? No doubt it encouraged their endurance of what was likely a situation that they had no power over at all. The biblical truth that is being set forth in this passage is that following Jesus is an endeavor that involves "suffering." Suffering shouldn't be taken to mean anything other than what happens to one as a result of following Christ. Not disease, not spousal abuse, not financial inequity--at least not in this passage.

This is not a passage that encourages us to endure abuse or hardships because "that's our cross to bear." Spouses who are being abused should seek justice and healing. Children who are abused should be protected vigorously.

This IS a passage that encourages us to do what is right (perhaps even in helping those aforementioned) to help our neighbors and model the gospel to them. Be "little Christs" as Luther put it. Knowing of course that Christ is there supporting us, and our sisters and brothers are too.

That's our sitz im leben