THE BEGINNING OF GLOBAL SPIRITUAL REBELLION: The Egyptian Revolution and Theological Reformation

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Brian D. McLaren

Author, A New Kind of Christianity

Posted: February 15, 2011 08:38 PM

It's risky to make historical comparisons. If we say, "This event is exactly the same as that event," our comparison blinds us to the uniqueness of a historical moment. But if we say, "This event is in some ways like that event," our comparison can help us see meaningful resonances and patterns of historical, theological, and spiritual significance.

 

I've heard a few folks offer comparisons regarding the amazing events that have unfolded in Egypt over the last few weeks, including the Tea Party (the original one in Boston, that is), the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the struggle against Apartheid. But I've been especially interested in comparisons to the Protestant Reformation.

 

The timing, of course, is interesting. The Protestant Reformation began breaking out when the Christian faith was about 1500 years old, and the Egyptian Revolution is breaking out when Islam is approaching the same age. Both movements can be seen in terms of a decentralization of power. Both must interact with countermovements that want to maintain the status quo or return to an idealized earlier time. Both have depended on a breakthrough in communication technology, the former employing the printing press and the latter the internet and social networking.

 

Of course, this comparison narrative can be problematic. It can reinforce a patronizing and superior attitude among Christians like me, since some of us find it tempting to see ourselves as the older, more mature brother to Islam, even as we see ourselves as the younger, more energetic and innovative brother to Judaism. The latter attitude is dangerous in light of Paul's writings (see, for example, Romans 11:17 ff), and the former is dangerous when we recall Jesus' paradigmatic parable of the Prodigal Son.

 

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