It never ceases to
amaze me how the character of Jesus was such a revolutionary figure and so very
different from how many perceive him. If we just focus on what is being said in
the Mark and elswhere about money, wealth and the striving for such, there are
some very interesting ideas to ponder. Jesus’s philosophy on all things
financial was simple and extreme.
“Mark 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou
lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou
shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away
grieved: for he had great possessions.
10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto
his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of
God!
10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his
words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it
for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. “
There is no
subtlety here. Jesus is saying that if you are rich you are not going to
heaven, unless of course, you give away all your money to the poor. It is not
enough to just be charitable; you must give away every penny. Jesus was no
capitalist. His philosophy is not friendly to the modern day concept of the
free market.
Jesus was anti
wealth, it is very clear in the text. If we think about this in terms of the
modern world one must conclude that this belief system would not be receptive
to the thinking behind conservative economics. Some would retort that Jesus
would not support more liberal economic policies either. I would however be
willing bet that he would champion a lot of economic initiatives espoused by
progressives and liberals. Would anyone wonder if he would support providing
home heating aid for the poor, or would he support more tax breaks for the
wealthy?
I have heard an
argument, in regard to this philosophy, contending that the message here is
that people should do what they can to help others, and that giving a
reasonable amount to charity is sufficient. It seems to me however, that such a
moderate course is not compatible with what is being expounded in the above.
Though I am a
progressive, I personally believe and agree with the more balanced approach. I
do think that regulated capitalism is beneficial for most people in the long
run. I also believe that striving for prosperity, in moderation, can be good
thing, especially if its goal is to help ones family or society. I think that the belief system concerning
wealth, laid out in Mark and the other Gospels, while a noble sentiments, is
almost impossible for most to live by, and it would be undesirable if everyone
tried.
I also believe
that the Jesus portrayed in the Bible is a fictional character. If I were
inclined to imagine that he really was the Son of God, I suppose I would start
giving away every penny that I had.
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