There is a misconception about Jesus. Christ did share a gospel of love, acceptance, and service. But, he also got angry; and it was not about gays and lesbians.
The gospels illustrate Jesus' target of anger: the money changers and traders at the temple in Jerusalem. In a fit of rage, Jesus overturned tables and bemoaned the evils of greed. Theologians may argue that the cause of Jesus' rage was the disrespect shown to the temple. Such an interpretation ignores Jesus' other sermons (remember the eye of the camel analogy?).
Christ always spoke of the corrupting nature of avarice. It twists the soul. Worship of money can impede a person's salvation. The theme repeats over and over. One can celebrate success and wealth, but one should always remember: love others, serve others, and fulfill your purpose.
Given this instruction straight from Christ, a political observer would think that Republicans would adhere to its message. One large branch of the Republican party is the social conservative tent, or evangelical base. Far too often the evangelicals cozy up with those who alienate the poor.
Take two recent developments. First, the Republican controlled House of Representatives voted and passed a bill that would eliminate the estate tax. The fiscal cost is estimated to be over $250 billion over ten years. The proposed law would only help .2% of households, or a little over 5,000 millionaire/billionaire families. When asked why there was a need to kill the estate tax, Republican representatives cited the hardship of farm owners, who may have to sell their farms because of the tax. However, none could provide an example.
Second, in Kansas, Republicans voted and passed a law that would prohibit welfare recipients from spending their assistance money on movie theaters, swimming pools, cruise ships, and nail salons. Other restrictions show a disdain for the impoverished. Again, not one lawmaker gave an anecdotal story of how they saw a welfare recipient living it up on a cruise ship.
These examples show how cruel the Republican party has become -- award the rich and punish the poor. There is a mindset now that tax cuts to the wealthy can be paid for by cutting government spending for the struggling citizen. They sell the plan by using a chimera, poor farm owners and welfare queens soaking up the sun on cruise ships. In the meantime, they secure themselves campaign war chests and wall street jobs after their congressional service.
Poverty is not a choice for millions of Americans. By the stroke of bad luck, they are born into circumstances out of their control. It is unchristian and inhuman to demonize those who work hard to get ahead but remain impoverished, with little hope. They should be treated with dignity, with respect, not ridicule.
My republican friends claim to have a monopoly on patriotism, fiscal responsibility, and Christian values. By most measures, they seem to be failing on all fronts. Is Jesus angry?
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Saturday, November 30, 2013
The Pope Ain't Down with "Trickle-Down"
"What
good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their
soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" - Matthew 16:26
Francis of Assisi was listening to a sermon in the year 1209 when his life changed forever. The preacher had been discussing the verse Matthew 10:9. In that passage, Jesus instructs his followers to go out into the world and proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was upon them. But Jesus also told his followers to not take any money, shoes, or even a walking stick while they spread the Gospel. Shortly thereafter, Francis started the Franciscan Order, a group of "lesser brothers," who lived by a simple creed: follow the teachings of Christ and walk in his footsteps.
It was said that Pope Innocent III had his initial doubts about an endorsement for the Order. The doubts were put to rest when during a dream Pope Innocent III had seen Francis holding up the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome.
Over 800 years later, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope and took the name Francis. A sense of renewal, awakening, and hope has followed the white smoke that emanated from the Sistine Chapel. For over a billion Catholics, Pope Francis has rejuvenated the church. His embrace of the disfigured man showed compassion; and his humility was on display when he washed the feet of prison detainees.
Personally, it could not be more exciting to see Pope Francis living out the name he has chosen. He has called for Catholics to serve and help the poor. And his actions show a desire to ensure that the call is met. Pope Francis also connects with me on a deeper level because he will be the Pope during my confirmation in the spring. Almost two years of confirmation classes will culminate in me choosing a new name as well.
Pope Francis was also in the headlines recently because he attacked "trickle-down" economics -- the economic policies made famous by President Reagan and a number of "fiscal conservatives." In his statement, he condemned the policy by saying, "[trickle-down economics] has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system." He went on to decry the "idolatry of money" and encouraged implementation of economic policies that can actually help the less fortunate.
The remarks possibly gained more attention than it would have otherwise had it not been for Sarah Palin, the 2008 GOP Vice-Presidential candidate. During a CNN interview, Palin said that the Pope's statements of late "sound kind of liberal." There was a social media backlash and Palin eventually issued an apology on her Facebook page.
The Pope is not the only person challenging the belief that low taxes on the rich will spur economic opportunity for all. Economists have been championing ideas that will curb the growth of severe income inequality. Furthermore, some journalists have made the issue of low wages a major topic of public discourse. Both McDonald's and Wal-Mart have had to face heat for being "welfare queens." The two companies have a host of employees who receive government assistance because the large companies do not pay them enough. McDonalds' McResource line, which helps employees sign up for welfare and food stamps, was rightly mocked and ridiculed.
There is no doubt that the public mood has changed on economic fairness because of individuals who have advocated for reform. In the year 2012, over half of the country made less than $30,000 a year. Over the past two decades, the top 1% of incomes have received over 2/3 of the overall economic growth in the country. The inequality is not just unfair, it is morally wrong. That is why Pope Francis has made it a central issue in his push to re-shape the Catholic Church.
There is another Pope who reminds me of the importance of good economic policy. The biggest statue in the world of Pope John Paul II is in the former soviet state of Poland -- the country where Pope John Paul II was born. Poland's economy has become the most dynamic in Europe. During years of economic decline all over Europe, Poland has stood out for its consistent growth and success. One of the main reasons for its success: Poland's refusal to accept austerity and its commitment to invest and spend on infrastructure. Over $137 billion was spent by Poland while other European countries were cutting back.
The point is that our Government can do more to change the current imbalance. Right now, the economy does not work for everybody -- it only works for a few. I sincerely believe that we have a moral responsibility to support ideas that will enable people to earn enough for their families without having to ask for a handout. If we can strengthen someone's ability to earn, we can also strengthen the moral foundation of our country. Pope Francis is right: money must serve, not rule. Let's just make sure that our elected officials hear the good news.
Francis of Assisi was listening to a sermon in the year 1209 when his life changed forever. The preacher had been discussing the verse Matthew 10:9. In that passage, Jesus instructs his followers to go out into the world and proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven was upon them. But Jesus also told his followers to not take any money, shoes, or even a walking stick while they spread the Gospel. Shortly thereafter, Francis started the Franciscan Order, a group of "lesser brothers," who lived by a simple creed: follow the teachings of Christ and walk in his footsteps.
It was said that Pope Innocent III had his initial doubts about an endorsement for the Order. The doubts were put to rest when during a dream Pope Innocent III had seen Francis holding up the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome.
Over 800 years later, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope and took the name Francis. A sense of renewal, awakening, and hope has followed the white smoke that emanated from the Sistine Chapel. For over a billion Catholics, Pope Francis has rejuvenated the church. His embrace of the disfigured man showed compassion; and his humility was on display when he washed the feet of prison detainees.
Personally, it could not be more exciting to see Pope Francis living out the name he has chosen. He has called for Catholics to serve and help the poor. And his actions show a desire to ensure that the call is met. Pope Francis also connects with me on a deeper level because he will be the Pope during my confirmation in the spring. Almost two years of confirmation classes will culminate in me choosing a new name as well.
Pope Francis was also in the headlines recently because he attacked "trickle-down" economics -- the economic policies made famous by President Reagan and a number of "fiscal conservatives." In his statement, he condemned the policy by saying, "[trickle-down economics] has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system." He went on to decry the "idolatry of money" and encouraged implementation of economic policies that can actually help the less fortunate.
The remarks possibly gained more attention than it would have otherwise had it not been for Sarah Palin, the 2008 GOP Vice-Presidential candidate. During a CNN interview, Palin said that the Pope's statements of late "sound kind of liberal." There was a social media backlash and Palin eventually issued an apology on her Facebook page.
The Pope is not the only person challenging the belief that low taxes on the rich will spur economic opportunity for all. Economists have been championing ideas that will curb the growth of severe income inequality. Furthermore, some journalists have made the issue of low wages a major topic of public discourse. Both McDonald's and Wal-Mart have had to face heat for being "welfare queens." The two companies have a host of employees who receive government assistance because the large companies do not pay them enough. McDonalds' McResource line, which helps employees sign up for welfare and food stamps, was rightly mocked and ridiculed.
There is no doubt that the public mood has changed on economic fairness because of individuals who have advocated for reform. In the year 2012, over half of the country made less than $30,000 a year. Over the past two decades, the top 1% of incomes have received over 2/3 of the overall economic growth in the country. The inequality is not just unfair, it is morally wrong. That is why Pope Francis has made it a central issue in his push to re-shape the Catholic Church.
There is another Pope who reminds me of the importance of good economic policy. The biggest statue in the world of Pope John Paul II is in the former soviet state of Poland -- the country where Pope John Paul II was born. Poland's economy has become the most dynamic in Europe. During years of economic decline all over Europe, Poland has stood out for its consistent growth and success. One of the main reasons for its success: Poland's refusal to accept austerity and its commitment to invest and spend on infrastructure. Over $137 billion was spent by Poland while other European countries were cutting back.
The point is that our Government can do more to change the current imbalance. Right now, the economy does not work for everybody -- it only works for a few. I sincerely believe that we have a moral responsibility to support ideas that will enable people to earn enough for their families without having to ask for a handout. If we can strengthen someone's ability to earn, we can also strengthen the moral foundation of our country. Pope Francis is right: money must serve, not rule. Let's just make sure that our elected officials hear the good news.
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