French philosopher Jacques Derrida (1930-2004)1 introduced the idea of deconstructing texts to critique set truths and static meanings. The main way this works is that one cannot assume one knows fully what any one word might mean. Take for example the words man and woman. Many think that these are fixed and clear descriptions. But when these words are used in context it is never clear what they might mean. Are we taking about a tall man? A short woman? Long hair, short hair? European, Asian, African? Even when it comes to genitalia and strength we cannot be sure what the words man or woman might mean.
Deconstructing our faith is much the same work. Decades, centuries and millennia of assumptions are laid atop our sacred texts and our faith traditions. What I might assume Psalm 1 might teach us might not even be clear to a Rabbinical student. We make many assumptions that might hinder our faith. It is good to take apart our faith to reconstruct it in a healthier way and hopefully in a more fluid and unstuck theology.
We can start with the word Beatitude. This word refers to a state of supreme, exalted happiness, perfect blessedness, or utmost bliss.. The term originates from the Latin word beatus, which means both happy and blessed. 2 Is this really what these verses are about? It is problematic for understanding when even our scriptures have titles that are misleading. We need to be critical of how we have made assumptions about meaning based on other's insistence on a static truth. I think that we can challenge whether or not these verses in Matthew 5:1-12 are about happiness or even perfection.
I have been influenced by Derrida's assertion, "There is nothing outside of context." For those who have witnessed my preaching and teaching would not be surprised by this, because I often refer to this by saying, "Context is everything." One of my tools in getting at this is by trying to understand what is behind the text, what is in the text, and what is in front of the text. In doing so, one can come close to the understanding of the context. But not fully so. For I also believe context can change.
As we unpack Matthew 5:1-12, I hope this little essay helps in your preparation to participate in this preaching series. That we will not take for granted that we know what these texts mean, much less the words being employed. It might be challenging to some, but I hope that the Holy Spirit will be at work guiding our time together so that the Good News can be heard.
Blessed are you when you attend to God's word, for your faith will be more full.
