Visiting family in Sicily, Rob Borsellino realized there was a topic he couldn't bring up--the hijacking of Jesus in America:He used to bring people together and give them hope. He wouldn't have his people get in your face and tell you to fight gay rights or you'll burn in hell. That's not what he was about. That's not the Jesus who made folks such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson rich and famous. He was a different guy from the 21st-century American Jesus Christ...Via AltText. Image: Óscar Seco.
...Several times during the week, I thought about telling my family what's happened to Jesus in the United States - how he's been kidnapped by politicians and preachers who decide what he does and doesn't think. They speak for him, and it doesn't always make sense.
They say Jesus is "pro life," but he doesn't seem to have a problem with the death penalty. And he thinks stem cell research - something that would save lives - is no different from murdering babies. They say he's the embodiment of kindness, love, decency and compassion. But he hates gays, lesbians and Muslims. And he's not too crazy about Buddhists, Hindus and the rest. Jews? He can put up with them if he has to.
The Rev. Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka claims to speak for Jesus and goes around the country talking about how " AIDS cures fags." Pat Robertson says it would be a good idea if the United States killed the president of Venezuela. It would be a lot cheaper than starting another war.
All week I went over that stuff in my head and decided not to mention any of it to the family.
It would make America look ridiculous.
Alternate images: Antonio Riello, creator of the Padre Pio Rocket.
2 comments:
Rob Borsellino? Des Moines Register represent! This guy and his wife (also a Register columnist) attract more hate mail to the paper than all the others combined (good for them).
I often wonder what Jesus would think of the people who seem to speak for him. I have also noticed that Jesus never says things that they don't believe. Like you never hear of Jesus telling people to keep their money or give it directly to the poor. Jesus would rather have it go to the church... that he didn't belong to, or have really any part in creating.
I never really thought about it, maybe he's ok with the death penalty because that's how he died?
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