Webster's dictionary defines a Liberal as one who is open minded, not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional or established forms or ways. Jesus was a pluralist Liberal who taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion, and life. He rejected greed, violence, the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth without social balance, and the personal judging of others, their lifestyles and beliefs.
Over and over again, He taught us to believe in and live a spiritual and ethical life based in our essential, inherent goodness. What Jesus promoted was succinct set of spiritual principals and a way of life based upon the of love, compassion, tolerance, and a strong belief in the importance in giving and of generosity to those in need.
While not Biblical scholars, our common sense understanding of His lessons as philosophically and politically Liberal is founded upon Jesus' own words (see quotes below), modern interpretations of Liberation Theology, and in the positive, loving and compassionate application of His teachings - from the many early Saints to Mother Theresa and Liberation Theology.
Certainly, Jesus brought a radically Liberal theology to the Orthodox believers of his time. Jesus IS a Liberal even today because now more than ever, His principals align with the very core of Liberal Beliefs.
Common Dreams
Liberalism has been under assault for years now. The battering of this grand political philosophy has altered the contemporary definition of liberal to the point that Conservatives use it as a profane word. They use it to paint a political opponent as anti-God and anti-American. It has gotten to the point that moderate and liberal Christians are afraid to be open about their political leanings. Sadly, it even affects their conscience and choices as they enter the voting booth. This is particularly troubling to me as a Christian evangelical minister who loves America.
Liberalism as defined by Webster’s Third New International Dictionary: “a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of man, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for tolerance and freedom for the individual from arbitrary authority in all spheres of life…”
I am not sure why anyone would feel threatened by Liberalism as defined by the dictionary. They are apparently unaware or simply refuse to acknowledge the long history of liberals who have labored for the betterment of society and the furthering of God’s Kingdom.
The problem is that modern Liberalism has adopted some illiberal ideas such as the curbing the right to free speech, retreating from the right to bear arms, and advocating abortion rights not to mention the flirtation with socialism.
ReplyDeleteJesus is so much more than all that though. Liberalism and conservatism are flawed. He isn't. He ran into problems with the Pharisees (conservatives) as well as the Sadduccees (liberals) in His time. In one sense you could say He was a liberal, but in others He sounds like a Conservative. And again, you can say He was neither.
Within the local homeless charities I've met volunteers from all over the spectrum. They're working not because of their political thoughts but because of Jesus.
I have to tell you Jim, that conservatives, and even you, in that comment above, distort what modern American liberals are about. You don't see us clearly. Of course, you would find individuals with a wide range of ideas within the liberal camp, just as I'm sure is true of conservatism. Many of Palin's ideas are right out of the liberal platform. When she talks about Abortion, she only talks about what she would want to do, and does not talk about imposing her views on others. And that's the liberal stance on Abortion - that government should stay out of that decision. - which you would think would be something conservatives would embrace. Conservatives call for ever smaller and less invasive government. So you would think they'd want Government staying "out of the womb". Leave the decision about having an abortion between the woman and her God.
ReplyDeleteAnd liberals are very much against curbing free speech - they only want the conversation to be respectable. I don't really believe that people should be free to insult one another - insults really are an act of violence.
Etc.
It's easy to say that Jesus was like a liberal or Jesus was like a conservative. The fact of the matter is: Jesus was neither. Like you say, Kevin, liberal pricipals are based on Jesus' teachings. And some Conservative ideals are based on Jesus' morals. Jesus was a different kind of moralist and teacher altogether. In the recent video you just posted, which I generally agree with, it says that "if there needed to be a exclusive idea we accept between 'Jesus just wanted to help' and 'Jesus is God' then I would choose..." But the fact is, we dont have to make that choice. It is not exclusive. In Jesus we don't have to choose either the liberal or the conservative. Jesus is neither and both. I've posted my analysis of conservative ideas and liberal ideas and compared them to Jesus, and it's in my blog: radicaltheologians.blogspot.com posted way back in February 2006
ReplyDeleteSteve K