I read with interest recently the article on bishops criticizing the appointment of Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services (http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/1086063.html). The line that got me thinking was the priest's comment that if he didn't criticize her, no-one would and that even Jesus was criticized for doing what he thought was right.
But did Jesus ever confront the politicians of the day? I don't remember him criticizing Caesar or saying that the local governor was corrupt and shouldn't support infanticide. I don't remember him saying that the local centurions should be more lenient on Jews. In fact, the only group I remember Jesus being critical of was the religious leaders of the day. He admonished them for thinking that they knew God. I read that as a warning to all: be modest when it comes to knowledge of God: we as humans can't begin to fathom the intricacies of the Creator, Holy Spirit, and Son.
Some would say that Jesus didn't operate in a world where Christianity was the de facto state religion- and that to compare what he would do today is to compare apples and oranges. I would disagree. I think Jesus was more concerned with something greater than Earthly politics: he was concerned with our souls. When he did talk about the government it was to say there was a separation and that they should adher to that delineation. 'Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and Give unto God what is God's' I take as saying that politics has to do with Earthly needs and wants and what God is about is much greater and much more spiritual.
So, in conclusion I would think that Jesus wouldn't bother with choosing a political party, picking platforms, or arguing over abortion, prayer in school, or stem cells. I think he would tell the religious leaders they don't understand God. And I think he'd tell everyone: Love God over all else and love your neighbor. And be more modest.
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Sunday, March 15, 2009
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I agree that Jesus did not spend his time debating political leaders over contentious political issues. He did not live in a democracy either. Nevertheless, many of the old testament prophets and John the Baptist did criticize political leaders. Elijah, and Nathan are high profile critics of political leaders ethics, taking on kings for idol worship, adultery, and murder. John the Babtist made an enemy of Herod by pointing out the wrongness of his taking his brother's wife. Jesus may not have joined them in criticizing the political elite, but he did condemn the practices in his teachings. The people were no less guilty of sin than their political leaders. But I think it is also useful to point out that neither did he condemn the prophets for their activity.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of the Catholic Bishops, they engage political figures who hold forth that they are devoutly catholic (perhaps for politcal gain) while openly opposing the positions of the church--which the church leaders point out are based on scripture not just historical practice. So, are the Bishops railing against secular politics, or are they policing their own who deliberatly and deceitfully misrepresent the church?