Theological Journal - April 27: Moltmann Monday

“When the fear of death leaves us, the destructive craving for life leaves us too. We can then restrict our desires and our demands to our natural requirements. The dreams of power and happiness and luxury and far-off places, which are used to create artificial wants, no longer entice us. They have become ludicrous. So we shall use only what we really need, and shall no longer be prepared to go along with the lunacy of extravagance and waste. We do not even need solemn appeals for saving and moderation; for life itself is glorious, and here joy in existence can be had for nothing.”

In Heb.2:14-15 we read:

“Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.”

Richard Beck identifies death as the chief and most powerful reality motivating and shaping human life, save God alone.

“Death is – apart from God – the greatest moral power in this world, outlasting and subduing all other powers no matter how marvelous they may seem for the time being.  This means, theologically speaking, that the object of allegiance and servitude, the real idol secreted within all idolatries, the power above all principalities and powers – idol of all idols – is death.” 

So when Moltmann draws out some of the consequences of Hebrews’ statement of our liberation from the fear of death he is claiming the most profound power for the death of Christ. We seldom, if ever, truly believe this, apart from perhaps for our ultimate salvation. And that’s important, of course. But as, if not more, important is to live this life God has given us here in the freedom for which we were intended.

And as we read Moltmann’s description, what a life that would be! We can – I can – scarcely imagine it. Freedom

-from all we have known as our motivations, incentives, and priorities,

-from all that has perverted and prevented us from finding peace and joy in this life,

-from all that seems as normal and natural to us as breathing, and

-from all that has kept us apart and at odds with each other.

As I say, I can scarcely imagine it. But I want to experience it. Here and now, not just then and there. As much as possible I want to taste that freedom more than I presently do. This Easter season is just the time for it, as far as I can see. Will you join me in praying for a deeper and more profound experience of this liberation from the fear of death? I hope so.