In the American Culture Wars there are a number of trigger
words and phrases used by Political-Conservative American Christianity. They
are often used as weapons, but lack precision, context or accuracy; that is how
they survive and perpetuate a perverse tradition separate from both Scripture
and Tradition. For example, one phrase
used is: “Traditional Christian Family Values:” What are those precisely? Does anyone ever read what Jesus says about
the family before using that phrase?
Another trigger phrase is “Judeo-Christian Values.” Again, what is precisely meant by this? It is
an ambiguous term used by the political-right to add legitimacy to its so-called
moral authority. But what are some
values held in the wisdom literature of these traditions. Let us look at Ecclesiasticus:
My child, do not cheat the poor of their
living, and do not keep needy eyes waiting.
Do not grieve the hungry, or anger one in
need.
Do not add to the troubles of the desperate,
or delay in giving to the needy.
Do not reject a suppliant in distress, or
turn your face away from the poor.
Do not avert your eye from the needy, and
give no one reason to curse you; for if in bitterness of soul some should curse
you, their Creator will hear their prayer.
Endear yourself to the congregation; bow
your head low to the great.
Give a hearing to the poor, and return their
greeting politely.
Rescue the oppressed from the oppressor; and
do not be hesitant in giving a verdict.
Be a father to orphans, and be like a
husband to their mother; you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he
will love you more than does your Mother
(Ecclesiasticus/Sirach
4:1-10)
This is a
most difficult saying, and I must admit I fail at it. But this is what I see in Scripture, and
recognize as our core Judeo-Christian Values.
This is a part of that which I strive to become (as do many Jews and Christians). Proper, Healthy Religion transforms one to
become a better human being; and in doing so more like the Divine. I am typically politically neutral, and make
it a point to have the ability to argue the point of both sides of the
political divide. But, what I will not
tolerate is Christianity being hijacked by people claiming moral superiority at
the ignorance of Scripture, and the neglect of those we are charged to care
for. When outsiders hear “Judeo-Christian
Values” it should not be a herald of darkness and hypocrisy. When outsiders hear “Judeo-Christian values’ they
should know that justice, mercy and compassion is on its way…it should be a
beacon of Good News to the oppressed.
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