Jesus- conservative or liberal?

[Prometheus]

Quote by: Isherwood Wouldn't it be more intellectually honest to say, "Paul said Jesus said..." or "according to Matthew, Jesus said...". We don't have the foggiest idea of what Jesus may or may not have ever said, if anything. We only have the word of other people that he did. Ask any cop what he/she thinks about eye-witness testimony. It's the least credible, most inaccurate type of evidence there is. Circumstantial evidence ranks higher on the scale than eye-witness. And we have no circumstantial evidence of anything he may have said.

As I've been saying from the beginning - it dosen't matter what he actually said or wheather he even existed. Regardless of that his influence is what it is. Wheather eh actually said all that stuff, or wheather it was made up - the actions done in the name of christ are still enormous (for both good and bad).

[RVonse]

Quote by: Isherwood Wouldn't it be more intellectually honest to say, "Paul said Jesus said..." or "according to Matthew, Jesus said...". We don't have the foggiest idea of what Jesus may or may not have ever said, if anything. We only have the word of other people that he did. Ask any cop what he/she thinks about eye-witness testimony. It's the least credible, most inaccurate type of evidence there is. Circumstantial evidence ranks higher on the scale than eye-witness. And we have no circumstantial evidence of anything he may have said.

But the irony is that some of that eye-witness testimony from people who knew him is of the most profound reading you will ever find. And not only that, but many of the passages from Mark, Mathew, and Luke say the same things but in different words. So maybe that can be construed as somewhat circumstantial or atleast coincidental evidence.

[Jack]

say the same things but in different words

Actually that inconsistancy is often used as evidence against the accuracy of the testement.

Regardless of that his influence is what it is.

I certainly can't argue about his influence.

[Dirty Name]

First, why don't you list your definition of a conservative or liberal. In general, I would have to say that Jesus would be a libertarian or conservative, depending on how you define those terms.

While liberals believe they are doing "God's work" by forcing government to help the poor and disadvantaged, they fail to realize that Jesus Christ commanded individuals to do these things. Requiring government mandates and confiscatory taxes in order to help poor people isn't what he had in mind.

Ultimately, I believe Jesus would want the least intrusive government possible.

[Athena]

Quote by: Dirty Name First, why don't you list your definition of a conservative or liberal. In general, I would have to say that Jesus would be a libertarian or conservative, depending on how you define those terms. While liberals believe they are doing "God's work" by forcing government to help the poor and disadvantaged, they fail to realize that Jesus Christ commanded individuals to do these things. Requiring government mandates and confiscatory taxes in order to help poor people isn't what he had in mind. Ultimately, I believe Jesus would want the least intrusive government possible.

Excellent point, Dirty name. I believe Jesus is quoted as saying something about not turning to government when someone does you a wrong. A trail by peers, meant people who actually know the person on trail. If we going to use the bible for wisdom in such matters, perhaps I should look for the quotes, or someone can provide them? The whole principle Jesus appears to work with, is being personal. Government can not be personal and therefore Jesus would not engage government.

Christians developed communes and I believe that is what we should be doing. I think it is unfortunate the population of the US was so opposed to communes and actually attempting to live as Jesus, and discouraged this instead of encouraging it.