Banished

What do we do with the wicked among us?

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? God will judge those outside. Drive out the wicked person from among you. - 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

In today's reading, it sounds like Paul is talking about what is going on in the world today.  He is advising the believers not to worry about what is going on outside their world, but to focus, instead on the immorality they find within.

Isn't that what is going on in companies and organizations where sexual abuse is alleged today?

But it may seem contrary to Jesus' teaching, when we think of the woman accused of adultery and how he challenged the men to think of their own sins.

Jesus called the sinners to follow him, and here we have Paul telling the followers to cast out the sinners.  What gives?

It could be that when it comes to trying to be like Jesus, we run into trouble.  We are torn between acceptance and judgment.  We are not sure if we should tolerate bad behavior, or banish the culprits.

It is easier, I think, to remove the bad influence, so I guess Paul offers that as a solution to help keep the followers from being influenced by bad behavior, but who gets to decide what is moral and what is immoral?

No matter how we feel about our own morality, it is hard not to judge others.  We will always seek to protect those we care about and care for from influences we feel are damaging or dangerous.

So, Paul tells us to clean house.  Get those who are immoral out.

So, I guess the problem we have is deciding who is righteous enough to be the judge.

And that may be the most challenging problem. 

Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.

More to come...