Jesus a Community Organizer? – Bishop David Epps

I finally discovered where that comment made on my last post came from, and I was delighted when my priest sent me this article from one of my bishops in the Charismatic Episcopal Church (http://www.iccec.org / http://www.cechome.com). Bishop David Epps writes weekly articles for his local paper, and this is this past weeks. I thought this article was wonderful! Enjoy!

JESUS WAS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER?

While all political campaign tend to trend toward the negative, several of the supporters of one of the presidential candidates has struck a new and offensive low. The Massachusetts Liberal, an on-line communication ran a recent article titled, “Jesus was a Community Organizer; Pontius Pilate was a Governor.” The phrase has been picked up and repeated by people such as actress Susan Sarandon, Democratic activist Donna Brazile, Susan Sarandon, and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN). Buttons with the slogan have been manufactured and reports are that T-shirts are in the plans.

The inference is…what? That Jesus and Barack Obama are the same? That Governor Sarah Palin is in the role of the person who crucified Jesus? That Palin intends to nail Senator Obama to a cross?

First of all, Jesus was not a “community organizer.” He was, by trade, a carpenter and by divine will and Providence the Savior of the world. If one means, “those who organize people in a common mission,” then mob boss John Gotti was a community organizer. Adolph Hitler was a community organizer. By that definition, your local drug trafficker is a community organizer. Is Senator Obama to be compared to these nefarious people? No, certainly not.

While is it true that Pontius Pilate was a governor, so was President Jimmy Carter. So was President Bill Clinton. For that matter, so was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Are these men, in any way, to be likened to the murderous Pilate? Are they to be thought of as men who are in the same league with the one who killed Jesus Christ? Again, no. It is absurd to do so.

Barack Obama is a man of many gifts. Certainly he is a man of influence, ambition, and accomplishment. He is a powerful speaker and motivator. Is he Jesus? Not even close, as I am sure he, himself, would admit.

Not only is the slogan ridiculous and absurd, it is offensive. The slogan imparts both Messianic characteristics to Obama and diabolical intentions to Palin. It offends many Christians who, unlike the perpetrators of the slogan, know who Jesus is and what he means to faith, culture, history, and eternity. The slogan insults and demeans Jesus—and many who are his followers– in a profound and significant way.

I can only imagine the horror that must be Senator Obama’s as he sees what his “friends” are saying. With supporters like this, the Republicans must be elated. I don’t have any expectations of the likes of Susan Sarandon. She makes her living reading lines that other people have written for her. But for Donna Brazile and for Representative Steve Cohen of my home state of Tennessee, I can only say, “Is this the best you can do?”

A candidate’s record, his or her character, his or her vision and platform—all are fair game. Go for it! It’s the big leagues—swing away! Challenge each other on issues, past decisions, and issues. But this drivel? “Jesus was a Community Organizer; Pontius Pilate was a Governor?” Surely, we can do better than this.

Father David Epps is the founding pastor of Christ the King Church, 4881 Hwy 34 E., Sharpsburg, GA 30277 between Peachtree City and Newnan, and is a Bishop currently serving Georgia and Tennessee.

Services are held Sundays at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Bishop Epps is also the Mission Pastor of Christ the King Church in Champaign, IL. The church has also started two additional congregations. He may be contacted at frepps@ctkcec.org. The church has a website at www.ctkcec.org

(How) Would Jesus Vote? – Part 2

Comments made on http://larrywho.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/who-would-mother-teresa-endorse-mccainpalin-or-obamabiden/

jzholloway
September 25, 2008 at 6:08 pm

I agree that Mother Theresa would have a strong inclination to endorse McCain/Palin for President, however, I ask the question, like I did on my blog in a recent post, who would Jesus – if He was “alive” today – endorse/vote for. Granted, the question is an odd one… for would Jesus vote? I believe he would, for He did say “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,” and that simple statement can go far beyond taxes, but to the whole political system as a whole. When Jesus said this, I believe that He was not just talking about taxes, but also prayers, blessings, and support. For as St. Paul tells us to pray for those in authority over us – both spiritual and civil, it also means to be involved in the process… for prayers and blessings are a form of involvement. So, who would Jesus endorse… hard to say, for I believe it would go far beyond just one issue, just one policy, one speech, but I believe it would go to the heart of the man. One man cannot change policy in this country, whether it be abortion, same-sex marriage, education, health care, etc etc etc… but the heart of the man is what matters.

Larry Who
September 25, 2008 at 6:41 pm

jzholloway,

Welcome. Good question: How would Jesus vote?

You cite some interesting points, but you fail to mention that the Lord also disqualifies people and nations for various reasons throughout scriptures. These reasons are called sins. And an abominable sin is “the worst of the worst” sins, right?

Israel was disqualified and removed from the Lord’s favored nation status because of one sin known as the sin of Manasseh. What was that sin? Killing babies and children.

Now, out of the various issues that are a part of this presidential election, only one carries the weight of an abominable sin. That’s abortion. (Proverbs. 6:16)

Maybe, you’d argue, but what can one man do to stop abortion? The next president will choose one or two new justices to sit on the Supreme Court and these justices may well determine whether or not Roe vs. Wade is overturned.

So, who would Jesus vote for? Not Obama/Biden. They are disqualified by abortion

I made these comments on the above mentioned blog post, and I appreciate the response from the blog owner, but I also wanted to post this here, as well as my rebuttal.

First, we have a conservative majority in the Supreme Court, Roe v. Wade still hasn’t been overturned, and most likely wont be, without an act of God – unless we have a conservative majority in both Houses of the legislature, as well as a conservative President, and even then, legislation either has to be brought up – or, some one has to challenge the ruling in the courts… and for a challenge in the courts, it does not take a Pro-Life President. Second, I agree, abortion is a great atrocity, the neo-holocaust of this generation, however, it is murder… and it is not the only form of murder. To say that Jesus would not vote for someone who is pro-choice also means that Jesus would not vote for someone who is pro-murder of any kind. Also, abortion is not the only “great” sin that is rampant in the United States.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

ALL SEVEN are an abomination – and if you go by that, they all have lied, they all have pride, they all have been a false witness against each other, they all have personal desires and plans (the plans of man are wicked, only the plans of God are righteous, etc)… now the mischief part I am not sure about… and with innocent blood… thats not just babies, or pre-borns, but the elderly, the mentally disabled, innocents in war, etc, etc. Oh, and sowing mischief among the brethren… just look at the events this past week. Even McCain in the very recent past has hesitated being completely pro-life, hence the placement of Gov. Palin.

Anyways, my point is, no one running for election is perfect, no one is blameless or without sin, all four claim to have a faith – a deep faith in Christ, etc. Also, we all have broken at least one, if not all – in ways – seven, for Christ said to call your brother a fool is to murder him – innocent blood, at least in spirit.

The vote has to go further then just one policy or fault, it has to go far beyond one platform or another. To be so blinded by an issue is dangerous – for example, one can be pro-life, which is great, but he could also be a warmonger, or an economic fool, or a domestic idiot… but hey, he is pro-life, so lets vote for him. If the recent interviews of Sarah Palin are any indication of her strength… then we are in serious trouble.

Lastly, my point I guess is, Jesus would vote for whoever the Father wanted Him to, for all authority under heaven is given only by God. Yes, even dictators are allowed to have authority because God has given it, and sometimes God puts men in power who are evil… why, like most of our wonderful faith, its a mystery.

JZ Holloway

Book Recommendation: The Search For God at Harvard

“The Search For God at Harvard,” by Ari Goldman, is an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone, especially those interested in religious studies. I was planning on doing a full book review for this book, but because of my class schedule, I have been unable to set aside time to do a full vetting of the book, but here is a brief snipet.

Ari Goldman is an award winning journalist at the New York Times, who eventually became the Time’s religion writer. Goldman, as an Orthodox Jew, knew only of his on Jewish heritage and beliefs, and in an effort to further immerse himself in his role, he took a leave of absence, and attended Harvard’s School of Divinity.

In a nutshell, what he found there was not was he expected, and his experiences and insights, both into the department itself, and the emerging religious themes in the late 1980’s is wonderful. Also, the small book gives an excellent, basic explanation on the world’s most prominent religions, including Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, etc.

For anyone who thinks they know what religion really is, or thinks they know the mindset of believers of other faiths other then their own, this book will open up your eyes. The book is a quick and entertaining read, but it is also very informative. Again, I recommend this book to anyone, especially those who have an interest in religious studies.

American Politics – The Revolution Continues…

Just a thought to ponder, instead of looking at the American political system, or any democratic system for that matter, as a simple (or complex) organism that we simply take for granted, look at it as the American Revolution continues. However, instead of guns, knives and bayonets, we use words, we use lies, truths, slander, policies, and so forth and so on.

The fight for political change is not a new one for the United States. It began in the earliest stages of the Colonial Era, continued through 1776, was fought in earnest before the turn of the 18th Century, carried on until we fought again with guns and knives in the 1860’s. After that, wars were fought, the American message of “freedom” was spread thoughout the Americas, and the revolution was continued with the Populist, the Progressives, then with the Dixiecrats, Democrats and Republicans, and it even continues today, we have Neo-Cons, old-cons, (decepticons), liberal dems, moderates, independents (my favorite… I just think they cannot make up their minds), right-wing, left wing, etc, etc, etc. Funny, it seems we are not a far cry from our Federalists/Anti-Federalists roots.

I guess my point in all of this is simple… if you expect to have a chance to win a piece of this continuing revolution we call the American political system, expect to get your nose bloodied, expect to get shot, and even, don’t be surprised if you find yourself dead (politically speaking of course.) Don’t bitch and complain when you are attacked, attack right back. At the same time, stcik to the issues, stick to yout beliefs, stick to why you believe that everyone else should believe that you should be the next President of the United States. Don’t hide behind a celebrity, or your own celebrity, step up to the podium, and don’t be afraid to open your mouth, unless of course you have nothing really to say at all, then I’d say, go the hell home.

Attacks and fighting, debates, even getting hit in the head with a cane, or a duel for that matter, would not be seen a a disgrace to the likes of Washingto, Jefferson, Madison, but hiding behind smoke screens, and running away from the issues and real talk would be.

JZ Holloway

Religion & Politics – Would Jesus Vote?

All the news can seem to talk about is this new political figure – Gov. Sarah Palin, AK-R, and her religious right tendencies. From her attending a church service in where a guest speaker said that Israelis – i.e. Jews in Israel suffered terrorist attacks because they did not believe in Jesus, to her being raised Pentecostal. Next, because of her beliefs being brought up, the attacks on Barak Obama’s beliefs also resurfaced (he received no help from his “my Muslim faith” “slip”). Everything from his alledged Islamic faith, to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy. If you had in John Hagee’s previous endorsement of McCain – then McCain not wanting to be associated with someone who calls the Roman Catholic Church the Anti-Christ, to pictures of Joe Biden going to Catholic Mass, religion once again is playing a seemingly crucial part of the 2008 Presidential Election. My question is why?

First, very few, if any major politicians in the United States, especially in the Presidential elections, have been anything but “Christian.” All of the way from President George Washington on down through Presdent George W. Bush, they have all claimed the Christian faith, and have attended services of worship, and have even had “pastoral advisers,” probably most famously Rev. Billy Graham. Is it because the religious right helped insure the election of President George Bush, famously the most infamous president – other then maybe Richard Nixon, in our nation’s history, that Christianity is playing such a large role in the discussion? Or is it the religious left vs. religious right… pro-life vs. pro-choice, pro-gay vs. pro-hetero (I know that probably isn’t a term), pro-patriarchy vs. pro-feminism? Ironically, neither side can claim autonomy on either side. In fact, what is the religious right, and what is the religious left? Would it be more correct to say the Christian right and left, or is that even too much. For, on one side, people say how can you be a Roman Catholic and be pro-choice? OR, how can you be a Christian and not love the homosexual, condemning them. How can you believe in a God who subjugateswomen, and so on and so on. It is interesting to me that even the so called “believers in Christ” cannot even agree on seemingly so many important issues. Maybe Christianity is not progressive enough, maybe Jesus Christ was meant only for the time in which He was born – maybe that is why He had to be born then. At the same time, maybe Christianity has gone too far – in both directions. The moniker, “What Would Jesus Do,” is ridiculous to me, however, who would Jesus vote for? IT is obvious He would vote, if He were a citizen of the USA. He obviously believed in the role of government, and in the civil support of the government – i.e. render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and so forth, even though most modern historians claim Him to be a revolutionary. Would Jesus make each candidates faith the central issue, would he make their actions? Their judgments? Would He care is Gov. Palin spoke in tongues (she was raised Pentecostal), or if Barak Obama’s pastor was inflamatory? If I recall, John the Baptist was pretty inflamatory. What issues would matter to Jesus? And which issues would simply blow off of his robes like chaff in the wind? In fact, would Jesus’s message or love, personal devotion to God, and personal service to each other even reach the ears of the people in the world today? Would Jesus be touted as a liberal, or reviled as a conservative? All of the questions, to me, are interesting, as well as seeminly important. For, if we claim to be Christian, no matter of the fact if we are liberal or conservative, if we are to truly claim to be Christ-like, we must ask ourselves, “How Would Jesus Vote?” We have to ask ourselves, do we even care? And if we do not care, then why do we believe, or even, do we believe? For if Jesus is the Savior or the World, then I am pretty sure his opinions, and His vote, would be the most important of all.