We need to know the dominant form of Western Christianity that was influenced by Augustine and Luther. But we also need to point out the problems with these Christian theologians. The diverse aspects of faith in the New Testament do not support these thinkers. Their understanding of faith and salvation may be summarized as follows:
1) Individual salvation or justification: imparted or imputed righteousness (forensic salvation);
2) Introspective, inner faith out of guilt rather than public faith;
3) Invading, exclusive gospel: colonialism and exclusivism.
But the prevailing aspects of Christian faith have to do with “participatory faith,” as in the four Gospels and Paul’s 7 undisputed letters. There are also other minor aspects of faith: faith as knowledge, faith as works, and faith as a conviction.
I was live on YouTube to talk with Indonesian graduate students in the US and international audiences in Indonesia. It was a great experience that I presented about 20 mins and we had a Q and A time. The questions I received from them were remarkable and thoughtful. They were so enthusiastic about new insight and new knowledge about the New Testament.
In the parable of the Pearl, a merchant sought fine pearls (as he does business as usual), but changed the course of his life upon finding one pearl of great value. He is not a businessperson anymore. He does not resell it either. For an ordinary merchant’s business practice, the rule is you buy many fine pearls for maximizing your profit. One pearl of great value to the merchant may be subjective! It may be a call of God or a new vocation!
In what way is this parable of the pearl different from the parable of treasure? In what way is it similar? What is your “one pearl of great value” for which you will invest all and that you cannot live without it?
The parable of the treasure teaches that God’s rule (love, peace, justice) is a precious gift. But it may not be seen or realized easily in one’s life. Once it is found, a radical action to obtain it is required. Otherwise, in this parable, ethical consideration is out of view.
How can we live in a world we must face "weeds," so to speak?
But the harsher reality is that we also have weeds in ourselves.
Is the separation of enemies the best policy?
This parable does not endorse that.
The parable of Talents or Pounds is found in Matthew and Luke.
Each person is given a valuable gift (grace) of God. Do your best (work ethic).
Just do it. Try it. The place to invest the talents is the world/people, not the ground.
Don’t worry about failure. If a slave with one talent or one mina tried to do something but failed,
The parable of the lost sheep deals with leadership and community issues. The importance of ”one” lost or led astray in the community. The shepherd notices immediately the loss of a sheep. How come? The shepherd does everything to find it. Why?