M&M Ch 11: Did Jesus Invent the Punk Rock Ethos

I was really into punk rock when I was younger. I had a mohawk, listened to fast and loud music, and loved pretty much anything that felt anti-establishment. It annoyed my dad, which was probably part of the appeal.

Chapter 11 of Manna & Mercy is all about the life and ministry of Jesus – what he taught, who he spent time with, and this new kind of community he was trying to create. One thing I enjoyed about this chapter is how much Jesus reminded me of some of my favorite punk rock heroes – or maybe it's the other way around.

The Jesus we meet in this chapter isn't particularly interested in maintaining the status quo, and the people benefiting from the way things already worked weren't thrilled about it. That's the part that feels punk rock to me.

At its best, the punk ethos isn’t about being angry or breaking rules. Punk rock is about questioning who made the rules in the first place, who benefited from them, and who was getting left out. That sure sounds like Jesus to me.

Your turn: Did you notice anything new about Jesus in this chapter? What kind of person does Manna & Mercy make him out to be?