Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!clyde.concordia.ca!uunet!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: gross@dg-rtp.dg.com (Gene Gross) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: A Dialogue with Rome: part I Message-ID: Date: 11 Dec 89 08:47:02 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: Data General Corporation, Research Triangle Park, NC Lines: 44 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu Edmund Jason Albert writes: > >Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a >needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven. He was a >religious reformer who despised the established order which he felt >victimized the unfortunate. He spent his time with lepers and >prostitutes and tax collectors. An important point here, Jason, is that while Jesus associated with them He did not prostitute Himself nor did He collect taxes. Yet, we find priests carrying and using weapons. This is not a flame, because I essential agree that the church has been wrong in not speaking out against the wrongs and for not doing more to elevate those who are suffering. But I'm not sure that promoting the killing of others and the destruction of property is a valid expression of our Christian Faith. The problem with being wealthy and powerful is that for the vast majority of people this is an incredible corrupting influence. Certainly there are rich Christians who use their wealth wisely to help others--I've met some who give away an incredible amount of their income. They live in middle-class neighborhoods and aren't impressed by their own wealth. Part of my dislike for the killing and destruction comes from my experiences in Viet Nam. So I readily admit to a bias here. But I also understand the Bible to teach that as a Christian I'm not called to do such things. Personally, I'd rather go to these people and build hospitals and schools, provide them with food to keep them going while they began to raise their own, etc. I would not think it wrong to also protest against abuses and wrongs, but I'd prefer to do it face-to-face. However, I would think it quite wrong to promote and foster armed rebellion. But understand that this is due to my understanding and experience of the Bible and my walk with Christ. For me, liberation theology holds no appeal for the reasons stated above. If there is something that you think I should consider that might sway my thinking, please post away. Peace, Gene