@hightor,
Quote:I don't think we can put contemporary political labels on people who lived 2000 years ago. Besides, the documentary evidence is, at best, all second hand and much of it is self-contradictory. He was a religious reformer who ran afoul of the authorities and was basically lynched for his efforts. I don't see any thing which can be related to present day political positions.
Yes, your point is valid. This is only
hypothetical. In American politics, political figures often claim they are
governing by their Christian values. When these political figures bring up their Christian values, they seem to
only bring it up when it involves abortion and gay marriage. I personally have read some parts of the bible. I am no expert on bible text and I will not pretend to be so. I do seem to remember reading biblical scripture teaching mankind to help the poor, help the sick, and to not be judgmental toward one another.
I don't seem to remember political figures bringing up their Christian value on topics such as: Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamp program, Housing Assistance programs, Social Security, and various other programs that help the sick, the needy, and the poor. I don't seem to remember political figures bringing up Christian values when passing tax laws that benefits the wealthy while simultaneously weakening the programs that actually help the sick, the needy, and the poor.