03 Sep '07 10:58>2 edits
Whether Christian or Atheist surely we must all agree that Christ's message is a thing of beauty. He subverts power by being born a lowly carpenter , shuns violence , plays with children (who flock to him because children always sense when an adult is available and human) , assures those who thirst for justice and peace and turns a symbol of shame and agonising death into a synbol of reconciliation and freedom. The image of an all powerful God becoming a lowly carpenter when he could have been a king.
Jesus goes right to the centre of our deepest yearnings to be accepted and loved DESPITE all our brokeness , darkness and pride. He walks right into all our insecurities with no sense of reproach or judgement , only to whisper to us "you are my beloved". But the beauty of Jesus is not a slushy beauty full of fuzzy warm feelings , this is tough love that simply will not/cannot give up against all the odds. A love that goes to death itself (and beyond)
Probably the most beautiful though is the image of unconditional love and forgiveness gaining victory over judgement and hate. Isn't this what we most need in our world of wars and terrorism ? Tough , single minded forgiveness of our "enemies"? I imagine sometimes what Jesus would have done about 9/11. My guess is that he would have commissioned a hospital for sick children of Islamic militants and fundamentalists and made the WTC site a centre for world reconciliation. Imagine Osama Bin laden falling ill and being invited to such a place for his treatment!! Love and humanity over brute violence and revenge. Idealistic maybe (or maybe not?)
This is how radical Jesus would be in our world. Atheist or not , he's a thing of beauty is he not? What greater dream or inspiring image for humanity can there be?
Jesus goes right to the centre of our deepest yearnings to be accepted and loved DESPITE all our brokeness , darkness and pride. He walks right into all our insecurities with no sense of reproach or judgement , only to whisper to us "you are my beloved". But the beauty of Jesus is not a slushy beauty full of fuzzy warm feelings , this is tough love that simply will not/cannot give up against all the odds. A love that goes to death itself (and beyond)
Probably the most beautiful though is the image of unconditional love and forgiveness gaining victory over judgement and hate. Isn't this what we most need in our world of wars and terrorism ? Tough , single minded forgiveness of our "enemies"? I imagine sometimes what Jesus would have done about 9/11. My guess is that he would have commissioned a hospital for sick children of Islamic militants and fundamentalists and made the WTC site a centre for world reconciliation. Imagine Osama Bin laden falling ill and being invited to such a place for his treatment!! Love and humanity over brute violence and revenge. Idealistic maybe (or maybe not?)
This is how radical Jesus would be in our world. Atheist or not , he's a thing of beauty is he not? What greater dream or inspiring image for humanity can there be?