Reply #11: Christ's teachings [View All]

[plumbnsquare]

"Christ was the FIRST liberal, the first progressive, the first to lead through NON_VIOLENCE."

Christ said "Do not think I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." (Matt. 10:34) A sword divides, and following Christ necessarily divides the Christian from the world.

As for non-violence, I agree that Christ was not violent. However, he did tell his own disciples to bring a sword with them, presumably for self defense. And he did not condemn the soldiers he met for being soldiers.

I think we must be very careful not to read into Christ's teachings that which we think supports our political views, which I see people of ALL political persuasions frequently doing. He didn't come to form a political party. That was not his purpose. And while many people claim to admire his teachings, they're not willing to follow him. They will take the parts they like and dispense with those that don't fit their agenda, political and otherwise. I'm not saying this is true of you, but I tire of hearing people prattle on about Jesus' teachings about love, forgiveness, tolerance, and then turn right around and disobey his commandments. If we really believe Jesus message about love, then we must ask ourselves first, "Do I love Christ?" He said "If you love me you will keep my commandments....." That's the proof.

Finally, Jesus commanded his followers to love their enemies, not "tolerate" them. Love is a higher virtue. It is more difficult than simply "tolerating" someone. I'd rather be loved. I think the word "tolerance" means different things to different people. Some think it means we must accept every belief and every behavior. I don't. We must accept people, but we don't have to agree with their views.