Monday, July 11, 2011

http://www.jesusradicals.com/what-would-jesus-do/

Here is an article I wrote, which describes the differences between the Jesus who is generally preached in mainline churches, with the Jesus who actively sought confrontations with the authorities. Here is the beginning:

The purpose of this article is to discuss the real life Jesus as I glean him from the Gospels. The continued use of the “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD) platform fails to present a picture of a man who would trouble the state enough to kill. In the place of this person who was murdered by the Roman empire for potential insurrection, many evangelical churches instead present a Jesus who looks suspiciously middle class. This Jesus is nice, polite, and wants us to have an abundant life of physical and psychological comfort. No doubt this Jesus would have some very strong words about contributing to our Roth IRAs before each year’s tax deadline. And in the United States, we certainly picture Jesus blessing our military, pledging allegiance to the flag, and singing the Star Spangled Banner with great enthusiasm. Sure, Jesus would be upset about Roe v. Wade and wish that we would tithe a little more to our church, but overall, Jesus would think America was the best goddam country in the whole world.

I look forward to your comments!