Craig:

I assure you McCain enjoys all of the benefits of being wealthy. Private jets, multiple homes, lavish trips, etc. Also I believe Senators make over $169,000 a year but considering McCain has been in the Senate since 1986, he probably makes over $250,000 a year. Then factor in the millions of dollars that his wife has, by my standards that’s pretty wealthy.

I think you missed my point. I wasn’t criticizing McCain for having wealth (Obama is wealthy as well…as are most of our politicians), I was trying to follow the comparison’s made in the post as well as interject some of my own understanding of what Jesus and his ministry were about.

As I stated previously, I spent many years studying the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus (I seriously contemplated becoming a Priest at one point). I certainly don’t think that my interpretations or opinions are absolute. Certainly people will disagree on the topic of Christianity which is why there are so many different denominations within the Christian faith. I was merely stating that Jesus advocated for the poor and the sick, advocated putting God before money, putting God above our own interests (humility) and doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.

So within that context, I think most of our current politicians are sort of beyond that ideology. Politics is now the business of power, wealth and greed. I mean Obama’s nickname is the “messiah” after all. We treat our politicians like gods rather than the servants that they are.

In my humble opinion, Jesus was telling us that you lose sight of God and spirituality when we become consumed with trying to be wealthy and powerful, when we put profit before people. Again this is an ideological statement and as I am aware, sometimes pragmatism and religious doctrines are often on opposite sides of one another.

Ron

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Ron,

McCain is not rich. His wife is. Very different.

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Very fun to see people doing (sic) their (sic) research (sic) before quoting Jesus Christ. (original name “Yeshua” by the by) Imagine a politician thusly armed, not that enemies wouldn’t misquote/misrepresent/misinterpret them anyway.

Thanks for the smile
TTS

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Question: If Barrack is Barrabas..then is McCain supposed to be Jesus? People who vote for McCain also vote for their short term interests as well. He may have a better tax plan and vision for the country, but to suggest his plan is somehow more in line with God is a bit of a stretch. Besides wasn’t it Jesus who also said:

” It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven”

Also:

Mat 19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

Luke 12:33 “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys.

I believe McCain’s plan is better but the Jesus analogy just doesn’t fit here. After all Jesus gave up his life for our sins and advocated giving up earthly possessions for righteousness. McCain is simply advocating a better more sound tax policy.

Sorry, I spent many years in a Catholic private school (even though I’m a protestant) studying the bible so I had to jump in.

Ron

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Couple of minor corrections:

1) Since crucifixion was a Roman method of execution reserved for disobedient slaves, rebels, pirates and others who threatened the social order, the two ‘thieves’ crucified with Jesus would have to have been bandits, thieves with a political dimension like Pancho Villa or South American narco-terrorists. Roman provincial governments didn’t bother with common criminals: that was for the locals to handle.

2) It was not Vespasian who submerged Judaea into Palaestina, but rather Hadrian after the Second Jewish (bar-Kochba) Revolt.

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Perfect! Awesome piece! Ty.
“Jesus is our Savior. Barabbas was a Community Organizer.” That’s perfect, too! I will be quoting you, sir. Thx!

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