Every day that ticks by, I see the news of the world come into my home via tv, internet and newspaper (yes, we still subscribe to that most ancient of arts - the printed newspaper) and continually am amazed and increasingly concerned over the tenor of the political discourse these days.
This movement of 'be fearful of the others' fostered by certain conservative elements in our society I find just downright sad. And the king of said fearmongering has to be no other than Mr. Glenn "Stand back I have a Chalkboard and I'm not afraid to Use It" Beck.
His latest box that he has shimmied on up to is an area that I passionately and resolutely refuse to let him commandeer and that is in the area of Jesus Christ's teaching.
Mr. Beck has begun to advise his vast number of listeners to avoid any churches that espouse the belief of social or economic justice. In his latest radio address (listen to it here), he advises that church goers should look to their church's website to see if there is any mention of social or economic justice. If they see any mention of such an awareness of the church, then leave the church. Nice... Very nice Mr. Beck...
Because we all know that social justice and economic justice are code words for communism. Because we all know that Martin Luther King was a communist. Because we all know that Mother Teresa was a communist. Because we all know that people who work in the local church's food banks working to make their community a better place, they are communists.
There are so many places in the Bible that speak of helping out others. This is so elemental in part of being a Christian.
Matthew 25:40 ""The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"
James 1:27 "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."
Isaiah 1:17 "Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."
and so much more.....
Mr. Beck. You are Joseph McCarthy for the 21st Century. But Sen McCarthy did this under the guise of a senator who people could vote out of the office. You spout your hate and fear mongering for money.
