Good News vs. good news

I read a post someone wrote related to all the things happening at the hands of the new administration. The person asked what those who voted for the president were looking for. That seems like a legitimate question. I was hoping there would be dialogue. I was hoping there would be listening to understand. Then I read the comments and was instantly disappointed. It’s like being woken up from a deep sleep all of sudden.

Somebody did respond to the question. I’ll give them credit for that. They listed a variety of reasons they voted for the president. The responder did something that I haven’t seen in a while on such political posts — they didn’t attack the opposition. Again, I was pleasantly surprised. But then people responded to this person’s comments and well, you can guess what happened.

I think the most interesting part of this responder’s comment was one statement — they said they voted for the president in order to hear “good news,” which apparently wasn’t something they felt they received in the last administration.

Good news. Hmmm. This answer was a bit unexpected. I was actually quite fascinated by the answer. And even this answer reinforced something that I have observed of late — that we’re all using the same language, but we aren’t. We are speaking English, saying the same phrases and using the same words, but our definitions of these terms are not only different, but often in direct conflict with each other.

When I observe what has gone on since the new administration took over, “good news” would not be how I would label it. In fact, I would label it terrible news.

Good news has a special meaning for someone like me — a pastor. I’m called to proclaim Good News every Sunday.

The Koine Greek term is εὐαγγέλιον. If you break the word down, you see two parts — The word is derived from the Greek words εὖ (eu, meaning “good” or “well”) and ἄγγελος (angelos, meaning “messenger” or “message”).

When you dive in deeper, you have to also look at some history. The Gospel writers use the term in a subversive way. That’s because the Roman empire would εὐαγγέλιον as well. They would do this for such things as the birth of an emperor or when the emperor secured a military victory, especially over a significant enemy. εὐαγγέλιον was the announcement of “good news” of the empire and the emperor — meant to convey the idea that what was good for the empire was good for the citizens of the empire too. It was “good news” in that the gods looked kindly on the empire. It was “good news” in the sense that it secured the Pax Romana — the peace of Rome. For the empire, as with all empires, peace comes by defeating your enemies. Empires survive on three basic creedal foundational beliefs:

• The ends justify the means
• Might makes right
• The strong survive

Good news then for an empire necessities that anyone who is a threat to the empire’s power and might needs to be either destroyed or submit to its power and authority. Good news for an empire means extracting resources and wealth from enemies to feed the empire. Good news for an empire means clarifying who is “us” and who is “them” and in so doing successfully oppressing and subjugating “them.” Good news gives people removed from power an identity they can attach themselves to and feel like they are winning because of that identity. They can feel that they are above others, regardless of what is going on in their life.

When we look at the historical way that good news has been used, then it becomes much easier to see how some people would find what is going on as good news. If you buy into the theology and ideology of empire, then what is happening hits all the marks. If you adopt the creedal beliefs of empire, then what is happening is good news to your ears. But be warned — if think about it too long then you might realize that the ends justifies the means quite literally means that everyone and everything is disposable. And that includes you — no matter how loyal you are. When those in charge find someone a threat to their power, or need to protect themselves, they will dispose of anyone who is in the way, and that includes the most loyal people. That’s what the ends justify the means always boils down to.

But from a Christian theological standpoint, this is hardly good news. For Christians who follow Jesus, Good News refers to something far different. Good News isn’t about the power and might and victory and subjugation of others by an empire or any political entity. Good News means something far different. Good News is actually quite revolutionary and transformative.

In this sense Good News is in conflict with what we are experiencing.

Good News is not overwhelming. Rather it offers rest.

Good News does not exhaust us in an unending stream of actions and information. Rather it gives us life and points out what is actually important.

Good News does not frighten us. Rather, Good News begins its announcement with “Be not afraid!”

Good News does not make us feel alone. Rather, Good News heals us and puts us in to right relationship with others.

Good News does not cause harm to people. Rather, Good News is a healing balm that restores people.

Good News does not oppress. Rather, Good News sets people free.

Good News does not extract money, energy, and other resources from people and land. Rather, Good News renews us and empower people, it offers healing to the land. It helps us to see how connected we are.

Good News does not make the lives of the poor, the outcast, those on the margins more difficult. Rather, Good News empowers people to thrive.

Good News does not enrich those hoarding wealth. Rather, Good News means pulling the poor out of poverty.

Good News does not use violence and control over people to get its way. Rather, Good News is the way of peace.

Good News does not persecute. Rather, Good News empathizes.

Good News does not divide people. Rather, Good News helps us to see the image of God in all people.

Good News is not cruel and does not rejoice in harm to others. Rather, Good News operates in love, mercy, and grace, looking out for others and what is best for them.

You see, there is good news and there’s Good News. It’s the same phrase. But two very different meanings — two meanings that have been in conflict with each other for 2000 years. There’s the good news of empire and its ways. And there’s the Good News of Jesus and his way.

Originally published at https://pastormatthewbest.com on February 13, 2025.