Marriage at the Resurrection

The section in Mark 12:18-27 is labeled "Marriage at the Resurrection" in the Chronological Bible, hence the title of my post. I'm less interested in events described as much as what it represented.

The story begins with the Sadducees describing a ridiculous scenario and asking a dumb question at the end. The Sadducees were asking questions regarding resurrection when they themselves didn't believe in it, which suggests they weren't asking questions of Christ to learn as much to trip him up in an answer or for mental sport. Christ, of course, didn't fall for this sophistry and set them straight, all the while maintaining Scriptural and logical integrity.

This happens countless times in the modern world. People with no interest in Christianity attempt to trip up Christians or ask them silly questions based on a belief system they flatly reject in the first place. They aren't interested in learning or knowledge, but have some other goal in mind. This is a constant in political discourse, where each side of a given issue attempts to put forth their worldview as the "truth," thus relegating all opposing views as misguided and unworthy of discussion.

  

We Christians shouldn't have any confusion when it comes to these questions. As David posted earlier today, to the extent we let the two greatest commandments be a primary basis for the way we live and treat others, we'll go quite a ways toward being successful Christians, worthy of bearing the title of the man who bestowed it upon us with his death and resurrection. When we run into people that attempt to question our beliefs, consider two possible responses:

1. If they're genuinely curious and want to know, help them to the extent you're able, and by all means, don't just say "Read the Bible"--give them specific places to look (John or any of the Gospels is an excellent starting point).

2. If they're just trying to make a point or be argumentative, I strongly urge you to ignore it or change the subject. I've spent the better part of my life trying to separate myself from the intentionally ignorant and the willful denier, and unless they show some inkling of wanting to learn about Christianity, why waste your time? 

Let the philosophers discuss these banal questions--we Christians have work to do.

Scott