Questions: did our Fathers in the faith pray for the Roman Emperors?
Did Paul pray for Nero? If so, what is the theological implication for our political reasoning? What side of the numerous political rivalries through history did Christians choose? Who was right? Who was wrong? I often think of something Bonhoeffer said, "We (the Church) are finally starting to learn how to read history rightly- from below. I wonder, if he prayed for Adolph Hitler.
Pax,
Edward
We pray for the president in every Eucharist or Morning Prayer. I confess, it's hard to stomach sometimes, but so is praying for any number of other people.
In my personal prayers, I generally skip those in authority, but I have always done so. That's more of a bad habit than a theological statement.
Praying for them, however, doesn't mean I'm obligated to pray for their success or for the success of their policies. I hope (and expect) Paul prayed for Nero, but I doubt he prayed for the well-being of Nero's lions in the Coliseum.
I suspect that is the issue. To pray for one's enemies allows the Christian to transcend, but not ignore, those illusory opposites in politics (conservative and liberal, etc...,)that do not necessarily reveal the will of God in history. Example: During the 19th century, the supporters of the federal government argued they were preseving the union, the confederates preserving states' rights and the slave, God bringing freedom through the shortsightedness and folly of others. As a Christian, I believe the Slaves and their most ardent supportes were right theologically. Again, this exactly Bonhoeffer's point about reading history from below. In other words, the conflict looked very different for the slave, for them all the political and economic arguments were secondary issues. By the way, I enjoy your comments.
Pax,
Edward
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