Partial lyrics to “Not Of This World” -
SESAC Work Number: 109029

Written by Robert M. Hartman,
IPI/CAE #: 67943538;
SESAC Affiliate #: 138540;

Publishers:
Dawn Treader Music,
IPI/CAE #: 45174981
Ms. Janet Harris
c/o EMI Christian Music Group
PO Box 501 0/101
Brentwood, TN 370240501
Phone: 615 371-6800
Fax: 615 371-6897
SESAC Publisher # 15700

And so it is, true to form. Which, I suppose, is not a bad way to be.

“We are strangers, we are aliens… we are not of this world.”

Those partial lyrics were the bridge lyrics to the song “Not Of This World” by the Christian pop/rock group Petra.

This theme is not alien – pardon the pun – to Scripture. In 1Chronicles 29:15 we read “We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.” NIV

The word translated as “alien” from the Hebrew Original Word: גֵּר
is Transliterated as “ger,” which Short Definition is “alien.” (I write that to demonstrate the accuracy of translation in context of this verse.)

From a more broad perspective, however, the Scripture is replete with examples and commands given by the Almighty to Israel on how to treat “the widow, the orphan, the stranger among you.” Leviticus 19:34 & 25:35, Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 10:18, 26:12, etc.

These are give purposely, and are not a new concept suddenly appearing without warning in the writings of the Apostles, either in the Gospels or in the epistles.

It is merely a continuation of a theme, the theme being “put yourself in the other guy’s shoes, ’cause YOU’RE now the aliens!”

Indeed… how would we act if we were alien?

Ever put a tadpole in your mouth?

Probably not.

It’s alien to you, and the very thought of it may repulse you. But there are some – among whom I’ve served & lived in the remote parts of Mexico – where that amphibious critter is not only an important source of protein but delicacy. (No, they don’t taste like chicken.)

My point is this: when we consider others, we are considered mature. When we consider that others have needs like us – to eat, to breathe, to have clothing, shelter and relationship – we acknowledge our own humanity, and that we area ALL created in His image (even if we’re ugly, have bad breath, are cute, sexy, ugly, fat, skinny, dumb, cerebral, cool, dorky, etc.).

Again, I reiterate: this is not a new idea. It is a continuation of a theme.

For me, both of these men represent good examples of trying to let the biblical picture of love, justice, and holiness shape political convictions, instead of Christianizing the political options of the American landscape. Two other examples of pastor/scholars who do this quite well are Greg Boyd and Scot McKnight.