Saturday, December 11, 2004

Jesus Christ: Liberal Freak, Part 2

Woops, spoke to soon about JC not being a big government liberal. Check out what he has to say in Matthew about the propriety of the Caeser's taxation of the Israelites.

From Matthew, Chapter 22:

22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and planned together to entrap him with his own words. 22:16 They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality. 22:17 Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

22:18 But Jesus realized their evil intentions and said, “Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? 22:19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought him a denarius. 22:20 Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” 22:21 They replied, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22:22 Now when they heard this they were stunned, and they left him and went away.

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"Give to Caeser the things that are Caeser's." Whatchutalkingbout, JC? I guess the point is that issues like whether a state should tax its citizens are material concerns and have nothing to do with the message of peace and love he was pushing. Also, the Pharissees were not fans of JC's, so perhaps they were trying to trap into making a "seditious" statement that would lead to his execution by the powers that be. Still... Ugh, JC, Grover Norquist would be so disappointed in you.

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