Ok, let me say... I am not a Christian (I am Jewish), but, even so being an American, we are constantly taught (at least what are called) "Judeo-Christian" values (you know, honor parents, spouse, be honest, trustworthy, steadfast, that sort of thing - sarcasm aside). Anyway, everything that I have heard about Jesus and read about (yes, I have read the New Testament) doesn't really portray Jesus as someone who would value trading derivatives and doing their darndest to create monopolies to control markets.
However, according to Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council in Washington D.C..... Jesus was a free marketer, not an Occupier
Now of course this is the same Family Research Council that awarded deadbeat dad and tea partier Joe Walsh (R-land of delusion) the "Pro-Family" Award saying:
“We thank Cong. Walsh who has voted consistently to defend faith, family and freedom,” said FRCA President Tony Perkins. “Cong. Walsh and other ‘True Blue Members’ have voted to repeal Obamacare, de-fund Planned Parenthood, end government funding for abortion within the health care law, uphold the Defense of Marriage Act, and continue support for school choice. I applaud their commitment to uphold the institutions of marriage and family.”
“I am proud and honored to be recognized by the Family Research Council as the only member from Illinois with a 100 percent pro-family voting record,” Walsh said in a news release. “Defending American values have always been one of my top priorities, and this reward reaffirms my dedication to that fight.”....
And according to ThinkProgress (article cited above) Perkins even went one step further in supporting his ex-family:
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Walsh’s failure to pay child support isn’t even his only failure to look out for the basic needs of his own family. As Marie Diamond noted for ThinkProgress a few months ago, “Walsh also rejected the congressional health insurance plan for his family on principle, much to the chagrin of his current wife, Helene, who had a preexisting condition and needed surgery while the couple was uninsured.” (vb1 emphasis)
What a guy...... so this is who the Family Research Council supports.. No wonder they would come up with such a ridiculous proposition regarding Jesus.
Considering Jesus said in Matthew (as spoken by Mother Theresa):
Clearly a call to be generous and giving to society for everyone not just those who could afford it or who can pay for services. Apparently Perkins has not read this part of the New Testament as he cites a Parable (which can be interpreted a hundred different ways) as the "truth" rather than what Jesus says directly.
Perkins goes on to state:
The ruler orders that the capital, or opportunity, given to the lazy servant be taken from him and given to the most productive servant. "To everyone who has, more shall be given," the Bible reads, "but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away."
Jesus rejected collectivism and the mentality that has occupied America for the last few decades: that everyone gets a trophy – equal outcomes for inequitable performance. There are winners and yes, there are losers. And wins and losses are determined by the diligence and determination of the individual.
Some would argue that such an approach encourages abuses, the likes of which we have seen on Wall Street. While some egregious abuses have taken place, they are not inevitable or intrinsic to free enterprise.
Well, yeah, some would argue that such an approach encourages abuse. However in the context of the Bible, that is not really what is being said in the parable. The parable is talking about the rewards of hard work instead of sloth. Those at the Occupy Movements are protesting for the chance to work. They are protesting not that people make money (well some are to be fair) but that people have the opportunity to make money and that those who abuse their privilege are the ones to be punished. Thus fitting with Mark 10:25
“It is easier for a camel to enter into the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
As usual Perkins and The Family Research Council once again gets it wrong. Reading through his screed about Jesus the Wall St. Capitalist made my re-taste my lunch. Truly this is a concept of Orwellian Doublespeak
Please Discuss