What would Jesus do re: OWS and St Paul's Protesters?

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   Don Wposted 12 years ago

   Given the Christian message about social justice, what position do you think Jesus would take regarding OWS and the St Paul's protest? And what do you think the Church of England should do? Can't help think that images of protesters being dragged across the steps of St Paul's by riot police at the request of the church, would not be a good PR moment for Christianity™

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      Wilfionposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It does seem to suggest, whether rightly or wrongly, that the Church does not support social justice or the right of people to demonstrate against unfair conditions.  St. Paul's however is concerned that its income of over £22,000 per day has decreased as a result of the protests.  I imagine the image of Jesus turning over the tables of the money changers in the temple.

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         Disappearingheadposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         On a practical point, without that £22,000 income the Cathedral would not survive. Alternatively the tax payer could foot the bill in order to preserve it as our national heritage, as it does for Buckingham Palace.
         
         What would Jesus do? Possibly address the crowds and say "thanks guys you've presented your case well, but if you outstay your welcome, you will do your cause more harm than god".

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            Hollie Thomasposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Well, three resignations later, and a diocese that now has no interest in prosecuting protesters, suggests that Jesus may have said, you've continued down the right path, which is never an easy one.

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            Mikel G Robertsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            ???
            
            Back down...  Jesus?
            
            The guy that rather than back down allowed himself to die on a cross? That guy?
            
            The guy that chose death over playing ball... The guy that refused to go along with the popular ideas of the times...
            
            Sorry I'd have to say Jesus would be there with them, keeping it peaceful. But standing his ground.

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            jloedingposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I tend to agree with you.  Jesus would allow the protesters for a while, but then when the welcome was worn out, He would see to it that they cleared out.  Remember the money changers in the temple.  He drove them out turning over their tables.

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         Mikel G Robertsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         My first thought as well. (money changers/currency exchangers)

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      emrldphxposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Honestly, a very good question. I can't think of an answer right away, but then again, I tend to distance myself from most politics...

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      KeithTaxposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't know about OWS, but I think He would cast fire and brimstone on the Tea Party.

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         Emile Rposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         That would make most of the protestant churches in America catch on fire.

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   Emile Rposted 12 years ago

   Interesting OP. I couldn't get beyond your idea that the Christian message supports social justice. I'd like to live somewhere that this was true. It definitely doesn't sound like any interpretation by the churches in America.
   
   But  as to your question about where Jesus would stand; I would think he'd be sympathetic to the cause of the protestors, judging from what I've read of his words in the gospels.

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      Mikel G Robertsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Nice.

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   bretttposted 12 years ago

   As others pointed out already, Yeshua was a bit anti-establishment, which would make one think that He would side with the protestors. However, He really didn't take sides one way or another against private industries, and He even upheld governmental rule.
   
   "And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" Mark 12:17
   
   "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God."  Romans 13:1
   
   Therefore, Yeshua would not be among the protestors. He was really only interested in religious oppression. So He might be seen railing against the Pope, but He wouldn't have cared less about OWS. For as He pointed out many many times, you should not be concerned with earthly matters. Your eye should be set on obtaining the kingdom of God.
   
   But above all else, considering the abundance of pagan signs among the Occupiers, Christ would actually be horrified by them. After all, they are breaking the First (no other gods) and Second (no idols) Commandments and flaunting it. But if you really look at it, they are also breaking the 10th Commandment (coveting your neighbor's property... both by occupation and demanding 'free stuff'). And apparently many are breaking the Seventh (adultery/fornication) and Eighth (stealing) and Ninth (lying about your neighbor... in the case of making false statements against businesses, the police, politicians that don't support them, etc). And there are a few that have broken the Sixth Commandment (murder) in their camps. And it would be safe to bet that quite a few break the Fifth (honoring your parents) and Fourth (honoring the Sabbath). And when they're not swearing by saying the F-bomb, they take the Lord's name in vain pretty consistently, so that breaks the Third.
   
   So what commandments does that leave us?     NONE
   
   So anybody who thinks Yeshua would be hanging out with OWS really needs to brush up on their bible study.

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