What Would Jesus Do?

W.W.J.D. What Would Jesus Do? Well, what would Jesus do? It's a question that begs serious consideration.

I wonder what Jesus would think of his flock. What would cross his mind while watching these town hall criers shout down not only the politician whose words they presumably came to hear, but the questions of their own neighbors as well? What might he think of those that would come to a presidential speaking event "strapped" with an AK-47 or handgun? How about the folks who show up with signs comparing our current president to Adolf Hitler. Or even worse, the politicians (Palin, Boehner, Shelby, etc.) and commentators (Beck, O'reilly, Hannity and the rest of clusterFOX) who simply make shit up. Things like "death panels" and presidential birth certificate controversies.

While it's certainly fair to disagree with the president and the options on the table regarding health care, it's certainly not fair to compare him with the man who attempted to take Europe by force and kill all the Jews along the way. But what I think Jesus would be most upset by is the fact that many of these people consider themselves "traditional" Christians. If by traditional they mean old testament then I might buy that. However, these "traditionalists" seem to have no problem throwing the name of Christ around when supporting their hateful views.

Now, please understand, I don't mean to say that all Christians are like this or that Christianity itself is a bad thing. On the contrary, Christianity at it's best has given us Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Theresa. However, far too often it has given us Jimmy Swaggart, Ted Hagerty, and Pat Robertson.

There is a name that right wing activists give to moderate republicans. They call them R.I.N.O.'s. Republicans In Name Only. Well, maybe there should be a name for these hateful, mean-spirited "Christians" as well. Perhaps these folks should be referred to as Christians In Name Only or C.I.N.O.'s. We could pronounce it chee-no like the city in California. Because really, what else can you call those that say they believe in Jesus but don't seem to believe in anything that he said?

These "Christians" seem to have the old testament down, with it's wrathful, angry God and his harsh punishments for those that go astray. But they seem to have little regard for the new testament and the words of the man whose name their religion carries. Words like "love one another," and "help the poor." Because really, who is this health care debate about? Well, it's about poor people. I heard one man at a town hall yelling at a woman without health care that "why should I pay for your health care?" Even if you throw out the fact that the uninsured cause premiums to go up due to the fact that they don't seek care until they are in crisis at an emergency room, whatever happened to "I am my brother's keeper." Would they suggest that we begin to turn away the uninsured at the E.R.? What would Jesus do?

In recent years the right wing has gotten so bogged down in minutiae like gay rights, prayer in schools, and the anti-abortion movement that they have failed to articulate anything that they are "for." As far as gay rights are concerned, do you know how many times Jesus refers to homosexuals in the Bible? That would be zero. Zilch. None. Now, I'm not saying that Jesus would be in favor of gay marriage, I'm just saying it wasn't high on his list of priorities. And while I'm pretty sure he would be for the right of children to pray in school, I don't think he would be against the president giving an address to students about the virtues of working hard and staying in school. The current controversy (such that it is) about President Obama speaking to kids in the classroom has less to do with whether a president should be allowed to do so, and more to do with the protesting parents political views. I'm no fan of the previous president, but I would never take issue with any president attempting to share a positive message with children. Why would anyone? And as far as abortion is concerned, it's important to remember who Jesus tried to reach while he was alive. It wasn't the converted. No. It was the tax collectors, eunuchs, and prostitutes. He tried to change their hearts with kindness and compassion, not screaming and shouting.

In fact, Paul, one of Jesus' most faithful apostles had been a self-proclaimed "persecutor of Jews." See, Jesus was big on forgiveness. Take two of his other apostles, Judas and Peter. As most Christians know, Judas betrayed Jesus to the Romans for a few pieces of silver, which lead to Jesus' crucifixion. But many forget that Peter, in fear of being crucified himself, denied any affiliation with Jesus on three separate occasions! So, what did Jesus do? He forgave them. Hell, he even forgave the Romans! "Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do."

Which brings me to a new point. The death penalty. What would Jesus think of capital punishment? It's worth remembering that Jesus was a victim of such. A Roman law that was unfairly adjudicated and lead to the horrible death of not only Jesus, but many more who were guilty of following him. It's much the same now. Quite often, those on death row "find" religion. And while it's difficult to discern their sincerity, who are we to judge? One thing we can be certain of is how the death penalty disfavors minorities and the poor. It's a fact that the odds of being put to death are directly related to your race and ability to afford an attorney. And look at how many people have been cleared of their crimes in recent years due to the court admission of DNA evidence. I think it's a safe bet that Jesus (not a white guy by the way) would be against this practice. I think that Jesus would prefer that God decide when people die.

Most of these arguments come down to class. If you're poor, you are more likely to have an abortion, end up on death row, or be without health care. I know that many out there believe that all poor people are on welfare and are looking for a handout. Which is largely untrue. Most poor people work for a living. They are the waitresses pulling double shifts, the janitor who works at Wal-Mart in the evenings, and the laid-off factory worker who takes a job at McDonald's before his unemployment runs out.

So what, if anything, do the rest of us owe these people? Well, if you believe in Jesus then we owe them our comfort and consideration. Which brings me back to health care. No one in this country should die or go broke because they can't afford health care. It is a sin to leave these people behind because they are "lesser," or because we didn't vote for the guy who is trying to help them.

So, I would urge Christians who believe in a day of judgement to consider what Jesus would do. Because the truth is, it would be something other than this.

Sumo-Pop
September 6, 2009