Ethic of the Beast

Understanding Our Struggle with Beastly Behavior

In this teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explores the concept of the “ethic of the beast” by examining biblical narratives from Genesis to Revelation. He argues that the Bible presents a picture of humanity created in God’s image with the purpose of ruling over creation with God’s wisdom and love. However, through disobedience in the Garden of Eden, mankind yielded to the influence of the serpent, leading to a disruption of God’s intended order and a loss of humanity’s intended dominion. This act of choosing self-interest over God’s will resulted in what Vander Els terms “beastly” behavior – actions characterized by selfishness, pride, arrogance, and living at the expense of others.

The teaching draws attention to the account in Mark chapter 1, verses 12-13, where Jesus, after his baptism, is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There, he is tempted by Satan and is with wild animals, while angels attend to him. Mark’s concise description of this event, in contrast to the more detailed accounts in Matthew and Luke, highlights the significance of Jesus’ encounter with the non-human world, a place associated with Satan and wild animals. According to Dr. Richard Bauckham, quoted in the teaching, the wilderness is the “non-human sphere” outside of human control, often seen as a haunt of beings hostile to humans. Matthew Vander Els suggests that Jesus’ presence in the wilderness and the service of angels demonstrate the restoration of dominion, echoing the original state in Genesis before the fall.

The speaker connects this imagery to other biblical stories, such as Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6), where a righteous man is surrounded by wild beasts but remains unharmed due to God’s intervention. This is presented as another example of the intended dominion of humanity over creation when submitted to God. Furthermore, the teaching delves into Daniel chapter 7, which describes a vision of beasts representing worldly kingdoms that oppose God and persecute his people. In this vision, the “Son of Man” is initially overcome by these beasts but is ultimately vindicated and given dominion over all creation. Matthew Vander Els emphasizes that when Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man, he is drawing upon this imagery of ultimate victory over the forces of chaos and evil represented by the beasts.

The teaching argues that the “beasts” in Daniel’s vision are not merely literal creatures but also represent people and kingdoms that operate according to self-serving and destructive principles. These are individuals and societies that have chosen to define good and evil apart from God, mirroring the original sin in the Garden. Consequently, they act in ways that are contrary to God’s design for humanity as image-bearers who rule with love and justice. The speaker illustrates this with examples from Genesis, such as Cain’s murder of Abel, driven by jealousy and anger, which God identifies as sin “crouching at the door” like a beast to be ruled over. Similarly, Esau is described with animalistic traits, highlighting his primal urges over spiritual inheritance. The speaker contends that throughout the biblical narrative, humanity struggles with the temptation to yield to this “beastly” nature.

Matthew Vander Els stresses that God’s intention was for humanity to extend the peace and harmony of the Garden of Eden throughout the earth, ruling as his emissaries. However, sin led to exile and a reversal of this dominion, with mankind now toiling in the same ground as the beasts. Despite this fallen state, the promise of restoration is found in prophecies like Isaiah 11, which speaks of a future where wild animals will live in peace, guided by a child, signifying a return to God’s original design under the reign of the “Son of Man.”

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are presented as the pivotal moment in defeating the “ethic of the beast.” By allowing himself to be overcome by the forces of evil – the ultimate expression of beastly behavior – Jesus subverted their power. His death on the cross, though seemingly a defeat, was in fact his coronation as King, ushering in a new creation where the power of selfishness and destruction is broken. The speaker points to Mark’s account of the crucifixion, where Jesus is mocked and crucified between rebels, highlighting the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, where power is found in self-sacrifice rather than dominance.

Jesus’ teachings, particularly in Mark 10:35-45 where he instructs his disciples that true greatness lies in service and humility, further illustrate this inverted kingdom ethic. The Son of Man himself came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom. Therefore, followers of Jesus are called to embody this same self-sacrificial love, which is the antithesis of the “ethic of the beast.” According to John 13:35, the defining characteristic of Jesus’ disciples is their love for one another. This love, expressed through service and compassion, is the most powerful witness to the world and the very thing the “beast” cannot tolerate.

The teaching concludes with a call to action for believers to recognize and take dominion over any “beastly” tendencies within themselves. By yielding to God’s Spirit and choosing self-sacrificial love, believers can live out their original vocation as image-bearers, reflecting God’s reign in creation. The focus should be on doing what Jesus did – loving and serving others – rather than merely proclaiming beliefs.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Practice self-awareness: Regularly examine your thoughts and actions for any signs of selfishness, pride, or a desire to control or dominate others.
• Prioritize service over self-interest: Consciously look for opportunities to serve others, mirroring Jesus’ example. This could be in your family, workplace, or community.
• Cultivate humility: Resist the urge to lord over others or seek recognition for your own righteousness. Remember that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility.
• Extend love and compassion: Actively show love and compassion towards everyone, even those you disagree with or find difficult. This is the primary way the world will recognize you as a follower of Jesus.
• Take responsibility for your actions: When you recognize “beastly” behavior in yourself, repent and seek to align your life more closely with God’s will.
• Focus on doing, not just saying: Emphasize living out your faith through acts of love and service rather than solely relying on words or theological knowledge.
• Resist the urge to violence or domination: In personal conflicts or when faced with injustice, seek solutions rooted in love, grace, and self-sacrifice, rather than resorting to aggression or control.
• Extend the “garden”: Strive to bring God’s peace and order into your sphere of influence, reflecting his intended harmony for creation.

References

Bible Verses

• Mark 1:12
• Mark 1:13
• Genesis 1
• Isaiah 11

Books and Resources

• Clouds of Heaven, the Book of Daniel, and Biblical Theology by Dr. James Hamilton Jr.
• Living with Other Animals by Professor Richard Bauckham