No

by Cinda Smaagaard

Created on: October 26, 2010   Last Updated: October 27, 2010

Christian ideals require following the example set by Jesus Christ in the Bible.  Even Jesus was considered politically incorrect in his time.  To be politically correct, you would need to adhere to the majority vote, governmental leadership and/or doctrines and certainly political pressure.  Jesus himself was not motivated by kings and religious leaders, but by following the power of the Holy Spirit directed by God alone.

Let us take some modern-day examples of how Christianity may conflict with the current political climate.

1) Socialism.  Many countries are led by monarchies, capitalists, communists and so forth.  Socialism and the idea that we should all share the wealth, sacrifice for our fellows and accepting that the least shall be first entering the kingdom of heaven is quite contrary to political ideologies throughout the world.

2) Taking Someone's Life.  The Ten Commandments tell us that "thou shalt not kill" and many pacifists and conscientious objectors cling to that very tenet - that taking the life of another under any circumstance is wrong including war, abortion or merciful euthanasia.  Most Christians would not and could not take the life of another even when directed by law such as death sentencing.

3) Allegiance to Israel.  It is unmistakable that Israel becomes a favored country for God and the final destination for the return of Christ.  The Jewish people are singled out as favored and loved by God and there are even Biblical references admonishing those who do not appreciate Israel.

4)  Friend of the friendless.  Jesus specifically picks as friends those from the lower classes - fisherman, former prostitutes and tax collectors.  This does not mean he is a respecter of persons, Jesus is not, since Paul and Joseph of Arithemea (who donated his burial site) were educated wealthy leaders at the time.  Jesus simply went to those who needed him most, the disabled, the possessed, the downtrodden and sick.  Volunteers and charitable donations seem to dry up during times of recession and many do not answer the call because of the politics such as defining someone as bleeding heart, liberal or money-grubbing capitalist.

5) Homosexuality.  Christians are given many scriptural examples referring to Creation of Adam and Eve, Jesus' opinion regarding divorce "from the beginning it was not so" and his own choice of abstinence which Paul also decided was a good idea.  Peter had a wife and a mother-in-law (who Jesus healed) and we know he spoke with many weak women such as Mary Magdalene and the woman at the well.  I do not believe Jesus spoke directly on the topic, but God certainly did during the time of Moses and the Old Testament.  It has been around a long time and like the poor we will probably always have this demographic of folks with us.  It would behoove us to accept and respect people for who they are and go from there as Jesus apparently did.  He was not politically correct to NOT throw the stone as others hoped he would do.

6) Drugs and Alcohol.  OK, Jesus turned the water into very fine wine at a wedding.  His opponents called him a glutton and a drunkard because he enjoyed fine dining apparently.  He tells the story of the prodigal son whose own father prepares the "fatted calf" by way of a banquet.  This certainly is in direct opposition to vegans, teetotalers (prohibition) and other folks for whom some foods are forbidden.  The Old Testament is full of directions by God to avoid pork, not mix milk with meat and other Jewish dietary laws that we can assume Jesus was well aware during his day.  King David even ate the bread from the altar and Jesus' followers picked corn on the Sabbath.  There are many examples of socialist gleaning and planting practices.

7) Women and Slaves.  Thank God, Jesus was an advocate for women treating them equally and with respect no matter the circumstance.  He respected his mother and went to Mary Magdalene first when he arose from the tomb at resurrection.  Slavery was the norm during this time period, but Christianity down through the ages seemed to excuse this deplorable practice.  The innate sense of human equality and Christian leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with his gentle nonviolent approach are what helped turn the political tide to a more just and balanced government for people of color despite the extreme opposition.

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