[lbo-talk] "Christians Who Want Democracy Must Stop Bowing to a Dictator Christ"

[B.]

[Hoo boy! Never thought I'd forward a Huffington Post piece here, but this one's a doozy! Another tiresome attempt to appropriate Jesus for "our" side. Yet it still smacks of the same brand of suck displayed by Dems at the 2004 DNC. Pitifully trying to permission-beg their way into NASCAR dad America with hairy-chested military fanfare. No, *we're* the party of military of patriotism, Dems seemed to whine. And below: No, *we're* the ones Jesus would favor, this one adds. Just get rid of the baggage once and for all!  -B.] 

 

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 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-rigby/christians-who-want-democ_b_22942.html

 

 Jim Rigby

 			 			  

 			 			 	    	 	 		06.13.2006 		 			

 

 Christians Who Want Democracy Must Stop Bowing to a Dictator Christ

 

 Whereas American theology was born out of a hope for democracy, much of it is wedded to a picture of Christ as a benevolent dictator. Should we be surprised that a hierarchical cosmology would produce hierarchical churches and nations? Should we be surprised that religious nations that picture Christ as a loving dictator have produced conquistadors, inquisitors and crusaders? 

 

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 The real Jesus was an anarchist. He spent his life refusing to claim power over anyone. He said that God is understood in terms of love not power. We add nothing to the majesty of “the human one” by adding a throne or a crown. If he did not want to rule over others in life, why should he want it in death? That is why Jesus is called “lamb of God,” he spoke not as the king of the universe, but from its heart.

 

  

   If you want to know why Americans are so frightened and why we are attacking anything that would challenge our dominance over others, read the Bible. Like Cain we have murdered members of our human family. Even when we silence our victims, the ground beneath our feet cries out against us.

 

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