Christian worldview and its implications

Power of the Cross: Walter Wink and the Nature of Non-Violence in Christianity

Walter Wink, professor of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn Theological Seminary and well-known international lecturer, discusses in his religious discourses the nature of Christianity in society, particularly in its creation of a different 'worldview' among its followers/believers. Wink posits in Engaging the Powers that Christianity successfully creates social transformation by creating a distinct 'worldview' among its followers, manifested through religious institutions, artifacts, and rituals/traditions. In effect, Christianity, as a religious philosophy and ideology, subsists to non-violence in order to establish influence and power in society. Wink appropriately terms this phenomenon of Christian dominance as "the power of the cross."

In studying the nature of the Christian worldview, Wink traces the origin of Christian dominance in the world. His analysis showed that by portraying an image of a non-violent religion, Christianity has gained power and influence over its people. This strategy is dissimilar to the Islam tradition of jihad, or even the ancient religions of Babylonian and Mesopotamian civilizations (13). In addition, non-violence is promoted through the images of God and Jesus Christ: personalities portrayed as merciful and loving, which evoked an image of 'goodness' synonymously associated with non-violence. Thus, Wink attests, ".... A good God creates a good creation. Chaos does not resist order. Good is ontologically prior to evil... good reality is thus corrupted by free decisions reached by creatures..." (14).

This statement reflects Wink's stance about the meaning of the Christian worldview: Christianity is but a medium through which people can practice their belief in a merciful and non-violent god. Humanity is mainly responsible to all 'evil' deeds committed on earth, and Christianity is not major influence and power that let people commit 'evil' acts and behavior. The Christian worldview of a 'strong religion and weak humanity' developed the culture of repentance; establishment of religious institutions that serve as venue for the process of 'purgation' or cleansing; and eventual dominance of Christianity not just an ideology and philosophy, but as a way of life as well.