Wasn't Jesus a Socialist? (drug, Arkansas, Kansas, Cheney)

[skoro]

I heard that he used to be, but he switched parties in the 90s.

[Huckleberry3911948]

it is difficult to see a 2000 plus year old middle east religious figure in 21st century political terms.
kings ruled. there was no socialism or democracy or vote.
in classic rome 1 in 3 was a slave.
rather hard to compare.

[EinsteinsGhost]

Jesus surely wasn't a capitalist. Or was He? Since SouthernBelle3 has read the bible, unlike the rest of us who she claims haven't, I expect her to provide some insight.

[Visvaldis]

Originally Posted by SCGranny

Puh-leeze.

Jesus was the first Libertarian!

In the War in Heaven, when the Son of the Morning said, all you have to do is worship and follow me, I will bring you glory, Jesus stood up and said, all of you free and independent thinkers stand up for your right to choose - and fight this guy who promises you everything for nothing! And guess who won?

Later on Earth, Jesus told people that they still had to make choices - whether to follow the path of righteousness that often had really bad consequences of torture and death for a greater glory and reward at the end, he was telling people that they had choices to make and that their ultimate outcome would depend on their choices - not on some caring and forgiving god who would protect them and defend them no matter what. The popular misinterpretation is that "Jesus loved and cared for everyone" - well he did, but they, from Saul all the way to Pontius Pilate had choices to make that determined their salvation. Like a firm but loving parent, Jesus and God do not automatically ensure and endlessly enable their children in their sins - they must choose to eschew sin, they must choose to create their own spiritual as well as temporal lives. It's about free and cognizant individuals making choices and taking responsibility for their actions - not about some Son of the Morning promising eternal happiness, protection, and freedom from care no matter what.

Exactly. Jesus ensures that corporations should employ workers for the lowest wages and least amount of benefits possible. That way the upper 5% can spend those wonderful sunny autumn days playing golf instead of sitting in an office. For the workers Jesus emphasizes obedience - do as you're told in this life, your reward is in the afterlife. All you have to do is believe it all.
Better yet, an illustration. Two families, 6 donuts. Both families charge each other, use rocks to bash in heads. Surviving family gets all 6 donuts, the losers get nothing, if they are at all conscious, or still alive. I think Jesus would congratulate the victors, maybe even convert 6 donuts into a dozen.

[truthseeker2012]

Originally Posted by KevK

Yes Jesue was a socialist. At least when it came to the basic things. But that was then. If you listen to the Republican religious fundies, Jesus has changed since he died and came back to life again. He now embraces free market capitalism, unregulated greed and hates the poor. That is why he sends hurricanes to poor places like Mexico and New Orleans and not to wealthy places like Boca Raton.

hummm weather control?? maybe

[EinsteinsGhost]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelle3

Good post. Yes, if anyone on this board actually read the Bible, they would know that Jesus came to offer eternal life to the Jews first then to the gentiles. That was his mission. He also spoke of the greatest commandment which was to Love the Lord Your God, then to love your neighbor as yourself. Socialism wasn't a concept then. The Jews were taxed and had nothing to show. Jesus understood their pain, but was more focused on the afterlife. Socialism rewards the elites while redistributing the weath. Hardly a "Jesus" concept.

Really? You must have skipped Mark 10:17-30. Excerpt:

21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Jesus was a Capitalist!

[66nexus]

Originally Posted by dcashley

Attack my ideas, an we will have a good debate. Attack me, and you denigrate your own intelligence.

That said, my thesis started with that biblical quote about "knowing them by their deeds [works, actions, outputs, results] So explain how Christians can claim that they are godly after seeing all the damage and pain they've created.

Christians claim they are godly? I believe you're out of touch with the religion.

The damage Christians created? No one here was even alive during the crusades so what are we talking about?

I was in the service, am I suppose to own up to the events of Abu Ghraib? After all the "damage and pain they've created"

[texdav]

Basically Jesus did not come to earth to save man from other men's deeds or politics. He did not try to bring even Rome itself but like now the power that be fear his treachings just as much. Lookig at all socailist nations who supress his teqachingsa :i hardly doubt he was in favor what what socialism really means in making its leaders god like.

[allen antrim]

How could Jesus be a socialist? Or a monarchist? Or a capitalist. In christian doctrine all this crap is already passing away-it all is of the world. I su[ppose one could ask if he would approve of welfare, laziness, dope dealing, inner city opposition to education, ethnic egoism, reverse racism, political correctness, etc. But it has all been rejected and merely waits its exit. I doubt if he weeps at the lies-from all political sides-done in his name as he is the rider on the white horse of Revelation and it will not be fun here anymore at his return.

[chattypatty]

I doubt if Jesus was a socialist; as a Jew, he observed the commandments, one of the most important of which is "thou shalt not steal."

He strongly encouraged charity, but charity must be voluntary. That is quite a different concept from stealing what others have earned.