The Beatitudes

I like to remind myself as often as possible, that Christianity is a counter cultural movement. This is not an original idea of mine but one I learned that helps shape how I read scripture.

The Beatitudes are the epitome of Jesus’s counter cultural message. While teaching in lands under control of the Roman empire, possibly the greatest empire up to that time, Jesus teaches His followers that strength, might, and power are not what the Kingdom of Heaven, His Kingdom, are about. His Kingdom is about gentleness, peace, righteousness, and mercy.

Lastly, notice that these are traits that describe Him as well, so by practicing the Beatitudes we ourselves are becoming more Christ-like which is the essence of Christianity.