I recently read this article in Harper's Magazine subtitled How a Faithful Nation Gets Jesus Wrong which states very well some ideas I have long thought. I have not been a church goer since high school, but I have long been appalled that so many "Christians" don't understand or choose to ignore the simple messages of the New Testament. There's nothing wrong with putting yourself first on occasion and indeed it is important to do at times, but don't say it was because Jesus told you to do it. And the people that use the Old Testament to justify their actions - "an eye for an eye..." - haven't read much of the New Testament - "turn the other cheek".
Comments (3)
Then the people who follow the views expressed in Leviticus in the old testament should be called Leviticussians. Can't be called a Christian unless you follow Christ's teachings. If you own the book you mention, can I borrow it?
Posted by Cynthia | August 4, 2005 3:09 PM
Posted on August 4, 2005 15:09
It seem to me that the term "Christian" has almost become a generic marketing buzzword that's used to mean whatever you want it to mean. I read a fascinating book during my vacation, that indirectly explains some of these contradictions. But basically, people read and interpret the Bible based on their moral outlook (whether it's right to help the poor, etc.) rather than the other way around. You, as a liberal, would focus on the Beatitudes while a conservative might focus on Leviticus (except for the diatery laws, since everyone loves peperoni and cheese pizza).
Posted by stepan | August 3, 2005 11:11 AM
Posted on August 3, 2005 11:11
That was a very interesting excerpt. Will you bring the magazine with you next week when you come visit, so I can read the entire article? I do agree that the values of the conservatives do not seem to meet up with "Christian" values in many instances.
Posted by Elizabeth | August 1, 2005 11:06 PM
Posted on August 1, 2005 23:06