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This Biblical notion is shot full of eschatological significance. The Kingdom of God is central to Jesus' ministry. He preaches about it, he tells parables about it, he performs "mighty works" which exhibit it. And yet -- are you sure you know what it means? It has been subject to a greater variety of interpretations than almost any other Biblical idea.
A good Roman Catholic : The Roman Church is the gateway of entrance to the Kingdom of God. If you want to be in the Kingdom, you must be in the Roman Church.
A good Protestant sectarian : My sect is the gateway of entrance to the Kingdom of God. If you want to be in the Kingdom, you must be in my sect.
A rugged activist : The Kingdom of God is built by the intense effort of men of good will. If we band together, we can bring in the Kingdom here on earth.
A stern literalist : I have studied the Bible carefully and discover that the Kingdom of God will come on March 14, 1987, slightly before 2 P.M. Woe to those who have not forsaken their evil ways before then!
A dedicated individualist : The Kingdom of God is in my heart. No matter what happens, the Kingdom is alive within me.
We have, then, such extreme interpretations as . . . "Rise up, O men of God!
His Kingdom tarries long;
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong." *
Sit down, O men of God,
His Kingdom he will bring,
Just as and when and where he will,
You cannot do a thing.
. . . and everything in between.
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