Part 282. The Beatitudes: principles and rules.

The two Great Commandents that fulfil all the Law and the Prophets are principles embracing what is required to follow Jesus. The commandment to love our neighbour is witness to the requirement to interpret scripture through the lens of love.  Following principles enables flexibility of interpretation and application whereas following rules leads to rigidity and limitation.

The Beatitudes set out circumstances in which individuals are blessed.  But is it an exhaustive list or simply an illustrative list that may be added to? My interpretation is the latter is to be preferred.  The Beatitudes are examples of the blessings that love brings. They are examples of the principle of love, not a definitive, exclusive list. Rather, they are examples of God's blessing and love.

Following Jesus should endow us with a dynamic faith, responding in love to the many and diverse needs of individuals in society. Our response should not be determined by  rigid, legalistic interpretation of  texts written by individuals recording their understand of God and his purpose in their time.