Sunday, April 15, 2012

Religion by Sullivan

I want to write more about religion - both about my own faith but also how religion intersects with politics. But while you wait for those posts, I suggest you read Andrew Sullivan's article in Newsweek. It is really good. Here is a quote: 
Jesus’ doctrines were the practical commandments, the truly radical ideas that immediately leap out in the simple stories he told and which he exemplified in everything he did. Not simply love one another, but love your enemy and forgive those who harm you; give up all material wealth; love the ineffable Being behind all things, and know that this Being is actually your truest Father, in whose image you were made. Above all: give up power over others, because power, if it is to be effective, ultimately requires the threat of violence, and violence is incompatible with the total acceptance and love of all other human beings that is at the sacred heart of Jesus’ teaching. That’s why, in his final apolitical act, Jesus never defended his innocence at trial, never resisted his crucifixion, and even turned to those nailing his hands to the wood on the cross and forgave them, and loved them.
I recommend reading the whole thing. And hopefully soon I'll have my own thoughts posted.

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