Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's: Most Likely Code for NOTHING IS CAESAR'S
Another Silver Sunday Sermon...
Disclaimer: This Silver Academy channel does not favor any religion over any other religion w/ these values underpinning our writings #RSPCT #AllCreatures #AllCultures #AllFaiths #BeKind while speaking out against wars financed by Fiat tyranny. Our opinions are not opinions of our sponsors.
Jerusalem, an ancient city of immense religious and political significance, stood as the capital of Judea during the time of Jesus and his disciples. This metropolis was the heart of Jewish life and culture. It had endured for centuries.
Before the Romans arrived, Judea was under the rule of the Hasmonean dynasty, a line of Jewish priest-kings who had wrested independence from the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The Hasmoneans maintained a delicate balance, preserving Jewish autonomy and religious freedom while navigating the complex political landscape of the region.
Rome's interest in Judea was multifaceted.
The land's strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes between Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia made it a valuable prize. The region's agricultural bounty, including olives, figs, dates, and wine, added to its appeal. Moreover, Rome sought to secure its eastern frontier against potential threats, making Judea a key piece in their expansionist puzzle.
In 63 BCE, the Roman general Pompey seized Jerusalem, effectively ending Hasmonean independence. This conquest was part of Rome's broader push into the Eastern Mediterranean, following their victory over Mithridates VI of Pontus. The fall of Jerusalem marked a turning point in Jewish history, ushering in an era of Roman dominance that would last for centuries.
Initially, Rome ruled Judea through client kings, with Herod the Great being the most notable among them. However, following Herod's death in 4 BCE and a period of instability, Judea came under direct Roman administration in 6 CE. The Romans implemented a system of control that included appointed governors, tax collection, a military presence, and support for pro-Roman local elites.
The Jewish population, however, chafed under Roman rule. Religious conflicts arose as Roman polytheism clashed with Jewish monotheism.
Economic burdens, including heavy taxation and land confiscations, added to the people's hardships. The loss of political autonomy and the imposition of Roman customs often offended Jewish sensibilities, creating a powder keg of resentment and resistance.
This simmering discontent eventually erupted into open rebellion. The First Jewish-Roman War, which raged from 66 to 73 CE, culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a devastating blow to Jewish religious and cultural life.
Decades later, the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-135 CE) led to severe repression and the symbolic erasure of Jewish identity from the land when Judea was renamed Syria Palaestina.
These revolts were not isolated incidents but rather the most visible manifestations of a deep-seated anger and yearning for independence among many Jews in Judea. Even during periods of relative calm, there was often an undercurrent of resistance and plotting against Roman rule.
The complex and often turbulent relationship between Rome and Judea profoundly shaped the political and religious landscape in which Jesus and his disciples lived.
It was against this backdrop of occupation, resistance, and cultural tension that the events described in the New Testament unfolded, adding layers of complexity to an already intricate historical tapestry.
Life in Jerusalem prior to Roman Rule
Prior to Roman conquest, Judea indeed enjoyed a period of relative prosperity and autonomy under the Hasmonean dynasty. Its strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes between Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia made it a valuable hub for commerce. The region's agricultural bounty, including olives, figs, dates, and wine, contributed significantly to its economic strength.
When Rome expanded into the Eastern Mediterranean, it wasn't just Judea that fell under its control. Rome was simultaneously pushing into other regions:
Gaul (modern France) under Julius Caesar (58-50 BCE)
Egypt, which became a Roman province in 30 BCE
Parts of Germania and Britain in the early 1st century CE
For the Jewish people, Roman rule brought a stark change. While they had previously benefited directly from their land's resources and strategic position, they now found themselves part of a vast empire with seemingly insatiable needs. The heavy taxation imposed by Rome to fund its military campaigns and expansionist policies was the particular source of resentment.
This shift from beneficiaries to subjects fueled a sense of injustice among the Jewish population. They felt that their hard-earned wealth was being siphoned off to support Roman ambitions that held little benefit for them. The constant need to pay for Rome's "war machine" through taxes on their agricultural produce and trade activities were a continual reminder of their lost independence.
Moreover, the Jewish people had a strong sense of religious and cultural identity that often clashed with Roman practices. The imposition of Roman governance, even with some allowances for local customs, was seen as an affront to their way of life and their covenant with God.
This combination of economic exploitation and cultural imposition laid the groundwork for the Jewish revolts against Roman rule in the following centuries. The feeling of being perpetually taxed to support an empire that didn't align with their values and interests was a significant factor in the growing resentment towards Roman occupation.
Notice the parallels.
The sentiment of modern workers in the USA and other countries regarding the financial burden of ongoing wars bears striking similarities to how the Judeans felt under Roman rule. Just as most Americans today resent their tax dollars funding seemingly endless conflicts abroad, the Judeans likely chafed at having to finance Rome's expansionist ambitions.
In both cases, there's a sense that the prosperity and stability of the common people are being sacrificed for military endeavors that primarily benefit the ruling elite. The Judeans, who had previously enjoyed the fruits of their strategic location and agricultural bounty, suddenly found themselves funding Rome's wars across the empire. Similarly, many modern workers feel their hard-earned money is being diverted from domestic needs to support far-flung military operations.
This parallel underscores a timeless tension between the priorities of those in power and the desires of the general population for peace and economic stability. The resentment stemming from this disconnect can, in both ancient and modern contexts, fuel social unrest and resistance to the ruling authority.
During Jesus' ministry, He was frequently criticized by the Pharisees, the Jewish religious elite, for associating with those considered sinners and outcasts in society. Jesus dined with criminals, outcasts, prostitutes, and other marginalized groups, which scandalized the Pharisees.
They saw this as a violation of Jewish purity laws and social norms. Jesus, however, emphasized that His mission was to reach out to those in need of redemption and healing, not to isolate Himself from them.
But Dining with a Tax Collector was way worse than Hanging out with outcasts, sinners, criminals and prostitutes
Jesus' association with tax collectors, particularly Matthew (also known as Levi), was indeed a radical and controversial act.
Tax collectors were seen as traitors who collaborated with the Roman oppressors, extorting money from their own people to fund an empire that had stripped away Jewish autonomy and prosperity.
By sitting down with a tax collector, Jesus was engaging with someone viewed as the embodiment of the oppressive system that had turned Judea from a land of relative peace and abundance into one of hardship and resentment. This act would have been seen as far more provocative than his interactions with other marginalized groups.
The tax burden imposed by Rome made it difficult for many Jews to meet their basic needs, care for their crops, and acquire necessary supplies. Jesus' willingness to associate with a tax collector, therefore, was a powerful statement about forgiveness, redemption, and the possibility of transformation even for those considered the worst of society.
Viewing Jesus' interactions with tax collectors through a strategic lens offers an intriguing perspective on his teaching methods. By engaging with these controversial figures, Jesus demonstrated a nuanced approach to understanding the complexities of his society.
Dining with tax collectors allowed Jesus to hear firsthand accounts of the Roman taxation system and its impact on the Jewish population. This insider knowledge could have informed his teachings, making them more relevant and impactful. By understanding both sides of the argument - the struggles of the common people and the perspective of those working within the system - Jesus was able to craft messages that resonated deeply with diverse audiences.
This approach showcases a sophisticated method of gathering information and building a comprehensive worldview. It suggests that effective teaching and leadership require engaging with all segments of society, even those viewed as adversaries. By doing so, Jesus could address the root causes of social issues rather than merely their symptoms.
Moreover, this strategy of "keeping enemies closer" allowed Jesus to demonstrate his teachings in real-time. By showing compassion and openness to those universally reviled, he challenged societal norms and illustrated the transformative power of his message.
In this light, Jesus' actions can be seen as a masterclass in information gathering, critical thinking, and strategic relationship building. His willingness to cross social boundaries and engage with controversial figures not only enriched his understanding but also enhanced his ability to effect change in his community.
Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's
Through the lens of subtle resistance, Jesus' quote "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's" can be interpreted as a clever subversion of Roman authority. By distinguishing between Caesar's domain and God's, Jesus implies that Caesar's power is limited and temporal, while God's authority is supreme and eternal.
This subtly encourages the Judeans to prioritize their spiritual allegiance to God over their forced political loyalty to Rome, fostering a form of passive and even active resistance against oppression.
At what cost was all of this?
At what cost is all of this?
So who is the Villain in this Story?
the Federal Reserve, (about as Federal as Federal Express) an unelected body, wields enormous power over the U.S. economy through its control of monetary policy.
This power includes the ability to manipulate interest rates and expand the money supply, which can have far-reaching consequences for all villagers.
The process of money printing, or quantitative easing, leads to a sinister transfer of wealth from workers to central bankers and the financial elite. When the Fed creates new money, it doesn't distribute it evenly across the economy. Instead, it typically enters the financial system through large banks and financial institutions. Those who stand closest to the printers benefit the greatest.
These entities can then use this newly created money to invest in assets like stocks and real estate, driving up their prices.
As asset prices increase, those who already own significant assets (typically wealthier individuals and institutions) see their wealth grow. Meanwhile, workers who rely primarily on wages find that their purchasing power decreases as inflation rises due to the expanded money supply. This inflation effectively acts as a hidden tax on savings and wages.
Furthermore, the low interest rates that often accompany money printing can discourage saving and encourage borrowing, potentially leading to increased debt levels for average citizens while benefiting those who can leverage cheap credit for investments.
This dynamic can exacerbate wealth inequality, concentrating more economic power in the hands of the financial sector and those closely connected to it.
end of segment
After the insane week we’ve had
1. The horrendous treatment of Hurricane victims
2. The fake reporting on Iran vs Israel (we don’t have a dog in this fight but know US is behind it)
3. The fake reporting on the election.
4. The fiat overlords will dig in deeper with lies to prop up the system which is very straightforward ( Those will control the currency control the Executive, Legislative, Judicial and Military)
5. The States have more power than the Federal Government once the villagers figure that out.
6. We’re even disappointed with precious metals reporters who want to report about 20 to 30 percent adoption of Silver Battery when the pending Silver battery would be closer to 95% adoption. (Like consumers prefer twice as long charging, twice as minimal range, half the battery life and more weight)
7. The silver battery is cheaper than Lithium ion especially when you consider life cycle cost
8. We need your help for this measly fundraiser especially as we are about to unleash a new series of articles on Silver use in aerospace and continue our investigative report on India’s sneaky silver import scheme (Another First to Report Banger)