Posted by Ken Cullinan on Friday, May 18, 2001 at 4:42PM :
In Reply to: Jesus was NOT a liberal. posted by Father O'Blivion on Friday, May 18, 2001 at 11:43AM :
Webster states that A "liberal" is one who is broadminded, tolerant; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy or tradition.
Lets address these 1 by 1:
1)Broadminded - Jesus is as broadminded as you get, came offering salvation to the whole world (even ate dinner and was seen with sinners)- all that is required is to trust on Him giving Him control over your life.
2)Tolerant - not real tolerant of actions against the will of God (sin). Basically spoke that those who sinned and did not trust in Him to take away those sins were to die a second death into eternal Hell. Longsuffering and patient, yes - tolerant, no.
3)Not bound by autoritarianism - well, the fact that he stated Himself that He was "doing the will of the Father" - seems like He was bound to the ultimate, absolute authority.
4)Not bound by orthodoxy - yes and no. He did not vary from God's direction, but He did vary from man's "religion". Healing on the Sabbath, hanging out with sinners, etc.
5)Not bound by tradition - Since tradition is defined as "cultural continuity in social attitudes and institutions", He definitely was a liberal according to man's tradition - yet He honored the institutions set forth in God's plan (Church, Marriage, Baptism, etc.)
So, Jesus could literally be called a liberal - but not the title of "liberal" as given today - which in my viewpoint equates God's direction with man's tradition as something to avoid.
Sorry for preaching - Jesus has made a big difference in my life and I'm always willing to provide a "ready defense" of my faith.
Anybody interested in finding out more or wanting to discuss anything further, e-mail me.
Ken
'64 W200
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