Of Such Is the Kingdom Parts I and II—Christ and the Roman Empire

I believe in the superiority of spiritual good. I’m searching for the true meaning of life. But, in the meantime, I stand against the materialism and hypocrisy of this age. And I don’t make pretenses. I’m a non-conformist, remember?”

”Ah, yes!” Now it was Herod’s turn to be cynical. “You are a non-conformist, aren’t you? How could I ever forget it with those black tunics you wear all the time? You probably make the dyer very happy with your purchases of black. I suppose you consider that a necessity. And what about that fancy chariot and horses you drive?”

”A businessman must dress decently and be able to get around. I have simply chosen my own style. It hasn’t cost me that much more, and I consider the little extra it has cost well worth it, for it has brought me the supreme joy of being different.”

Herod stroked his beard. ”Well you certainly are different, though I fail to see what joy there is in it. That crazy way you shave your face! The Romans are clean-shaven, and the Jews are fully bearded, but you! You shave only the lower part of your face – and you, being a Jew at that!”

”It’s true, I was born a Jew.” Manaheem walked over to the wall and picked up one of the chairs that lined it. “But since your father adopted me, I’ve become a citizen of Rome, like you.” Pulling the chair up close to Herod, he slowly sat down. “So I am really both, and really neither. I choose to be identified with neither, but to be my own man. But you, dear Herod, are truly neither, not even by birth. So why imitate either in appearance or action? Why try to fit in where you don’t really fit?”

Herod winced. ”A public servant must bend to those he serves. And, after all, what else is there? Our old Idumean ways are gone for good.”

Manaheem nodded. ”True. And I don’t know if it would have been much better if you’d kept them either. It would have given you your identity as a people, true. But then, customs are customs and all are binding. A man must be free to be himself – to think, act and express himself according to the dictates of his own conscience, free from the scorn, or worse, of others.”