The Man Must Die

Many Christians acknowledge that if Jesus saved his most severe criticism for the religious leadership of his own tradition, he would offer a similar (if not identical) attitude toward contemporary Christian leadership.  His words would likely be far more prophetic than comforting.  Assuming that's a fair prediction, what does that mean for the typical believer today?  How is that relevant for leaders and those with authority?

I don't know.  But I'll make a few educated guesses anyway.  Be scandalized if you wish.

Were Jesus living with us today, he:

1.  Would not at all be impressed by many of our religious observances.  In fact, he'd probably have plenty of criticism for it.  Hope you got thick skin.

2.  Would be hated by anyone who was significantly tied to the current religious establishment.  Eventually there would be calls to silence or discredit him.  That assumes we have moved beyond execution as a valid method to get rid of those who threaten our beloved way of life.

3.  Would probably have lots of friends.  Almost all of them would be non-religious.  Those who are religious would just as likely be Muslim, Buddhist, or animist as anything else.

4.  Would be more likely found in a bar or skate shop than a church.

5.  Would like average (more likely, "below average") messed-up people.  He wouldn't just love them because it's "the right thing to do".  He would really like them.  We're talking about hookers and drug dealers, shady used car salesmen, accident attorneys, porn dealers, street folk ...

6.  Would have the same preference for the poor (financially poor and otherwise) that characterized him in the Gospels.

I found that making this list was a good mental exercise for me.  It forced me to see things with new and honest eyes.  This makes me consider that our religious practices and beliefs are much like fire.  They are a fundamentally good (necessary) thing, but they can easily be just as destructive as positive.  Do we really understand this?  We should.  We need to.

And we need to see those outside our own safe circles as the best people to be with and live among.  Not because they need us - because we need them.  He was a friend to the broken.  Who is that among us?