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This is part of a series of posts based on the Churches Together in England publication one light: one world. If you click on the link you will find the biblical texts. This post of the same name covers the purpose of this series.
1 Peter 2:9 - 10
Once again we have the image of Christians as a nation. I suppose, despite our differences, nationhood implies we're all one at base. But it equally could mean we're separated from others because we are a nation and they are not a part of it.
Christendom is still an idea active in the minds of some Christians, often unconsciously. It was a time when the Christian faith was a nation. Or at least Christendom was the basic idea behind the nations of Europe.
This passage is larded with grandiose ideas - we're not only a holy nation but also a chosen nation and a royal priesthood. I hope the author meant these terms ironically, although they have often been taken as a literal justification for the status quo of the wealthy.
I suspect the author was saying to a weak and despised community, 'Look, it might seem you're the dregs but actually you have been called to be like kings. Don't let the kings of this world tell you otherwise. Glory in your poor status, knowing you have been called by God.'
This is a call to humility, not a reason for priests to lord it over the rest of humanity.
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