The Politics of Jesus - report

I just finished this book by Dr. Obery Hendricks, Jr. Although a minister, he does not accept the title “Reverend”. I really hope that Dr. Hendricks will write a more thorough analysis of the Old Testament - and the New... But that’s not what this book is. While it contains by far the best biblical scholarship I have ever read, it is primarily a political manifesto.

Dr. Hendricks builds the case for his manifesto first by a breathtaking analytical overview of the Old Testament which alone is worth the price of the book. I will certainly re-read the Old Testament with greatly expanded understanding of its significance - particularly in the description of the early stirrings of egalitarian society from which Jesus no doubt drew his inspiration.

Hendricks explores seven key strategies of Jesus’ ministry in detail:
1. Treat the People’s needs as Holy
2. Give a Voice to the Voiceless
3. Expose the workings of Oppression
4. Call the Demon by Name
5. Save your Anger for the Mistreatment of Others
6. Take Blows without Returning Them
7. Don’t just explain the Alternative, Show It

Hendricks then subjects the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush to careful analysis in light of the strategies and goals of Jesus’ ministry. With predictable results - the author takes them apart with precision and only a minimum of rancor.

I will reserve the rest of this post to repeat the manifesto Dr. Hendricks is building toward throughout the book - with the following recommendation... I have struggled with the mysteries and philosophies of Christianity for my entire adult life. They really should be taken separately. I greatly appreciate Dr. Hendricks for doing such a good job of that. One of the best books I've ever read - I highly recommend it. Here’s the manifesto:

“...It is in this spirit, the spirit of Jesus the revolutionary, that we who follow him must call upon the religious and political leaders of America to reclaim our biblical mandate to act justly in our nation and in the world.

“We call upon our government officials and elected representatives to turn away from the greed and imperial ambitions of Caesar to embrace Christ’s call for us to care for those in need of care: the weakest, the neediest, those in the twilight of their days.

“We call upon the politicians to stop the crony capitalism that enriches the few and impoverishes the many.

“We call for provision for all Americans of adequate health care, a liveable minimum wage, and access to an education that can prepare them to be fruitful in the marketplace and to contribute to the common good of all.

“We call upon our political leaders to stop their cynical misuse of religion and “faith” to support exclusionary policies, exploitative policies, policies that deal in killing and death.

“We call upon our leaders to serve the justice of God rather than grasping for political power.

“We call upon all who claim to be politicians “of faith” to return integrity to America’s political culture by embracing the same humility that moved the psalmist to say, “Search me, O God, and know my heart;/ test me and know my thoughts./ See if there is any wicked way in me,/ and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

“We call upon all who bear the name of Christian to reclaim the holistic spirituality that Jesus taught, not the one-dimensional imitation practiced by many in the Church that frees us from the responsibility to make justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

“Finally, we call upon our politicians to end their ceaseless drive for power and to begin to sincerely serve the needs of those entrusted to their leadership. For the politics of Jesus seeks not possession of worldly power, but to serve the justice of God.”

My book for May: Christopher Hitchens - God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.

I’m sure it will be a hell of a read.

rbs

P.S. - please continue to go to the previous post (I’m Mad As Hell) and give me your ideas for the George W. Bush Pack of Lies.