What does it really mean to be meek? After all, our Western culture often discourages meekness. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of “Jesus and John Wayne,” explores how the Western Christian Church has been influenced by cultural ideas of militant masculinity, which sometimes seem to clash with the teachings of Jesus, like “the meek shall inherit the earth.” In her work, she contrasts the ideal of tough, militant masculinity often found in certain parts of evangelical culture with traditional Christian values, such as those in the Sermon on the Mount. Du Mez’s research shows how some parts of the Western Church have embraced a “warrior Christ” or a militancy focused on defending faith and country, which conflicts with a “servant Christ” who promotes love and forgiveness, revealing a tension within the church itself.Key points1. Meekness wasn’t popular in Jesus’ Day either:  1st Century Rome, emphasis valor, courage, manliness, discipline, training, and a focus on military prowess. Meekness was associated with weakness.2. Meekness isn’t poor self-esteem: Poor self-esteem is a byproduct of selfishness. Poor self-esteem stems from the same root as conceit and vanity.  3. Meekness holds a future inheritance: The assurance linked to this examination is “they will inherit the earth.” Main Text Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)

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