Neither, nor...

This morning on NPR there was a big debate: Was Jesus a Republican or Democrat?

I'm sorry folks, but he was neither. Each side put forward subtle readings of difference, but if you actually read the Bible, it's loud and clear in many places, no more clear than in Acts:

All that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (Acts 2:44-45)

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:34-37)

There are more clear places, even in the Gospels. I'm not advocating Communism in America, but the message of the Bible is clear: that you must take care of those less fortunate than you. If it means Welfare, that's provided for in the Preamble of the Constitution. You should read that, too.

American Evangelicals are putting words into Jesus' mouth. Listen to what he said, not what you read to turn it to your own narrow putrid conservative agenda. His was a message of love and cooperation, not of vengeance and denial. That's Old Testament. Oh, I forgot, the Old Testament doesn't count unless it suits your purpose. The Evangelicals have become the new Pharisees, more holy than the God they worship ... the one they have made in their own image.