This passage from Amos is one of Brian’s all-time favorites. The prophet has some harsh words for religious festivals in the absence of justice and that’s a message that continues to be needed many millennia later. If you want another take on this passage, we looked at it a few years ago.

Read the transcript (PDF)

In this episode, we look at…

• the emphasis on “a personal relationship with Jesus” vs the emphasis we see in this passage
• public displays of religion that have become a part of modern American life
• the Biblical call to be a “social justice warrior”
• if your gospel isn’t good news, it isn’t the Gospel!
• the reality of violence and discrimination that transgender people face
• we’re talking about trans issues all month long. If you have a question, email connect@queertheology.com and join us for a webinar on Tuesday November 14 at 9pm eastern… register here
• social justice vs “getting people saved”
• rock bands vs organs … we all have planks in our eyes
• the call of God is to justice, and sometimes that call is messy

Amos 5:18-24

Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord!
    Why do you want the day of the Lord?
It is darkness, not light;
   as if someone fled from a lion,
    and was met by a bear;
or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,
    and was bitten by a snake.
Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light,
    and gloom with no brightness in it?

I hate, I despise your festivals,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
    I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
    I will not look upon.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
    I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Photo by bourgol