"What Would Jesus Do?"
Posted January 10, 2004 thepeoplesvoice.org

By: Kerry Tomasi ktomasi@abcs.com

I was never a big fan of George W. Bush. In fact, I wasn't even a tiny wee-bit of a fan. And it wasn't just his costumed "dress-up" appearances at photo-op events - smirking and strutting about - that bothered me so. I understand that certain people have no choice but to resort to such things in order to project a confident facade. And as devastating as his radical right wing agenda is for our country, even this was not my primary aversion.

No, to me the most odious aspect of G.W. was the assertion that he was "chosen by God" to do these radical things, and is therefore simply 'doing the Lords' work'.

It's hard for me to express how skeptical I am when I hear something like this. After all, this is the kind of thing people like Osama bin Laden and Hitler have been known to declare. Suffice it to say, I didn’t buy it.

As a bit of a Bible buff, my first reaction was to recall Jesus' admonition in Matthew 7:15 to - "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." I was certain that this passage summed up the entire 'chosen one' assertion in a nutshell. But being a fair-minded guy, I decided to do a little New Testament research - kind of a "What Would Jesus Do" type of thing - and see if there might actually be a biblical basis for any of G.W.'s policies and actions; one that would justify the unwavering support Bible believing Christians give this man and his party.

Here's what I found (I invite you to dust off that King James Version and follow along):

Regarding his outfits and staged photo-ops:
"And adorn thineselves with an outwardly appearance of righteousness and cleanliness; for that which appears so, shall truly be so." - Matthew 23:27-28

And his multimillion dollar fund-raisers:
"When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not the poor, the lame, the blind; but bid thy friends and brethren and rich neighbors to come unto thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be rewarded: and he that humbleth himself shall be debased." - Luke 14:11-14
"And bid thine rich friends and neighbors to render unto Caesar that which pleaseth Caesar, and Caesar will render unto them those things they desire of him." - Luke 20:25

And his public displays of piety:
"And when thou prayest be not like those hypocrites who pray in silence behind closed doors, expecting to be rewarded openly. For the Lord your God will not hear their prayers. But pray loudly and openly on the street corners and in the public square, so to be seen of men." - Matthew 6:5-7

And his warmongering:
"But I say unto you, hate your enemies, and curse them that curse you. Thou shalt hunt them down one by one and kill them for righteousness' sake. And turn not the other cheek; for thou art either with us or against us." - Matthew 5:39-44

And his Robin Hood-in-reverse "take from the poor, give to the rich" economic policies:
"And Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and accumulate great wealth and store up great treasures on earth; for it is easier for a rich man to enter heaven, than for a poor man leading a camel to pass thru the eye of a needle." - Matthew 19:21-24

Well, there you have it. Could it be any clearer?

Needless to say, I for one feel foolish for ever doubting.

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© Copyright 2004 All rights reserved by Kerry Tomasi ktomasi@abcs.com