Did anyone watch Hannity on Tuesday night? After the show, I had to e-mail him, I couldn’t resist. He played his interview of Michael Moore, wherein they debated from capitalism to war to religion. Interesting points were raised, and while on the subject of religion and terrorism, Moore commented that he likes to live his life as Jesus taught us, i.e. that we should love our neighbor, including our enemies, and he proceeded to ask Hannity, “How do you think Jesus would handle this?” I was disappointed, to say the least, when Hannity seemed to have gone tongue-tied, especially in light of the fact that minutes before he had claimed to be a practicing Catholic. He went with, “Jesus would have the ability to change people’s hearts,” when what I really wanted him to say was, “Well, Michael, Jesus would be turning tables.”
I’m referring to the scripture passages in the Gospels, for example John 2:13-25, which tell of Jesus’ reaction upon entering the Temple in Jerusalem and seeing the injustices being committed there by the Pharisees and scribes who were making a fortune off the poor in the name of God each year during Passover. He starts turning over the tables of the money changers, gets rid of the animals and calls for an end to that system in an act of nonviolent action, as He is upset at the injustice of it all.
I think for some reason Moore is mistaking Jesus for Buddha, or maybe a Peace Love & Happiness t-shirt-wearing hippie. But Jesus is definitely not quiet, unbiased, or passive in the face of injustice, governmental or any other kind. Love your neighbor? Yes, absolutely, but even Jesus raised a little hell now and then, teaching us that seeking justice and resisting injustice through nonviolent action, is part of loving your neighbor. After all, am I not my brother’s keeper?
Justice is conscience, not a personal conscience but the conscience of the whole of humanity. Those who clearly recognize the voice of their own conscience usually recognize also the voice of justice.
~ Alexander Solzhenitsyn
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead
Hi Connie,
I heard it said once that Jesus Christ was not a push over. That always stuck with me, I think in this day and age its important to stand up for our beliefs. I always admire the way our kids can do it without any reservations or fear.
Hope all is well. I love your blogs.
Monica 😉
I, too, am VERY disappointed with Sean. Not like him.
Again, right on point. He would be turning tables left and right (no pun intended). Michael Moore comparing himself to Jesus, it’s a wonder lightning didn’t strike. Please, he also said that under the Castro regime, Cuba has a wonderful medical system … this is why there has been a continuous exodus for the last what, 50 years?
Connie, I very much agree with your reference to Jesus’ position regarding this BUT about Buddha… I believe that Ghandi was one of the first modern day activists that sponsored by example non-violent civil disobedience against injustices.
Hi Cibeles, thanks for your comment.
Good point. Ghandi was. I was generalizing when referring to Buddha, since a Buddhist’s practices, according to what I’ve read in the past, teach to live in equanimity, harmony, and loving kindness; leaning more towards a pacifist’s way. But yes, you are right about Ghandi. : )