Paul Wilczynski's Observations

Would Jesus be a Christian?

Ian Greenleigh, writing in The Daily Texan, observes that while Americans bv and large say they're Christian, all too often they don't act like Christians.

... Americans seem to be neglecting the lessons of their savior. In the United States, 18 percent of children live in poverty. Only 8 percent of children in Sweden, whose population is largely nonreligious, are poverty stricken. Ideas such as privatizing Social Security, eliminating welfare and a disdain for public health care are hard to justify from a Christian perspective. If church leaders spent more time inspiring volunteer service and charity in their congregations, and less time blaming others for the ills of society, the United States would be a far better nation. How can individuals call themselves Christian but not make great strides to help those in need?

Consider the fact that 75 percent of us believe that "God helps those who help themselves" is a lesson from the Bible. Wouldn't that be a relief if it were? Imagine if Jesus had uttered these words, rather than Benjamin Franklin. It would certainly help to ease the tension between selfish desires and righteousness. Instead, many Christians in the United States choose to adopt this creed as if it was uttered by their savior on the cross. ...

Amen.

posted by Paul Wilczynski @ 8:02 AM