In this time when anti-homosexual prejudice among so-called Christians is becoming more and more prevalent, I thought it appropriate to re-introduce the story of "The Good Samaritan," updated for today. Before beginning, it's important to note that a Samaritan was a despised person in Biblical times, considered a heretic by society although the Samaritan considered himself to worship the same God. Referring to a "Good Samaritan" was seemingly a contradiction in terms to a mainstream religious person in Jesus's day, and that was the whole point of the story; that a man who is heretical and compassionate is a better example to us than a man who is pious and careless of others. With that in mind, let's take another look at the story, adapted for today's America (after the jump):
Wanting to justify himself, the man asked, "Which neighbors must I love?" And Jesus replied with an illustration:
"A man was mugged. The muggers stripped him of his clothes and money, and beat him up and left him lying half dead beside the road. By chance a minister came along; and when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A man who was a deacon in his church walked over and looked at him lying there, but then went on.
But a gay man came along, and when he saw him, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him the gay man administered first aid. Then he put the man in his car and took him to the hospital, where he stayed with the man through the night. He gave the hospital his credit card number, and told them to bill him for the man's treatment.
"Now which of these three," Jesus asked, "would you say was a neighbor to the bandit's victim?" The man replied, "The one who showed him some pity." Then Jesus said, "Yes, now go and do the same."
Thus I reiterate that people who legitimately wanted our nation to be a "Christian Nation" would not misdirect their effort in condemning homosexuals but instead struggle to institute national healthcare, strengthen the social safety net, and increase foreign aid. This would make "we the people" a neighbor to those in need, regardless of religion, and that would follow the teaching of the man that Bush Jr. called his most influential political philosopher.