Posted by
voice_of_reason on Thursday, March 15, 2007 9:58:40 AM
The answer to the above question depends on whom you ask. Let's ask the same question during imaginary interviews with four different people:
Q) If "Jesus was no leftist" why are so many of his followers seduced by socialism?
A) Religious conservative> Christians who buy into socialism aren't real Christians; they have lost their way. Or, they're Christians who are unable to think - they are (insert favorite pejorative phrase here for a 'mental midget') and have misunderstood the Scriptures. Since socialism doesn't work, it doesn't lead to the betterment of humanity. Therefore, it is anti-Christian, notwithstanding all the pious sounding objectives. If a nice socialist engages me in a debate and says that we just aren't implementing socialism very well (e.g. we just need slightly higher taxes to feed everyone), I really have no morally consistent answer.
Q) If "Jesus was no leftist" why are so many of his followers seduced by socialism?
A) Religious leftist> because socialism is based on self-sacrifice, which is consistent with my religion. Socialism also glorifies the downtrodden, and that too, is consistent with my religion. As a result I personally embrace socialism. I work tirelessly to feed the hungry (all over the world), and give willingly of myself so that others can improve their lives. I do not seek affluence, or any of the modern conveniences of the Western world, because those are not my goals, or the goals of my co-religionists. Like them, I am poor but that doesn't bother me, because I rejoice in my faith. My country's affluence offends me, because it shows the stark contrast that is prevelant in the world today. I seek a more spiritual and less material world. "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." (Luke 6:17-26).
Q) If "Jesus was no leftist" why are so many of his followers seduced by socialism?
A) Secular leftist> I don't really have a religion, but I sure am glad to have the votes of religious leftists (who are being consistent with their quaint faith) - while I seek control and power over those who produce wealth. Some may call my approach 'parasitic' but they don't really understand that their world would fall apart without the benevolent influence of enlightened people like me. Oh, because of the contradictory, quaint beliefs of Christians, I will continue to drive more of them towards my agenda in every generation. It works particularly well with younger Christians. Sotto voce: Boy, am I glad that we reformed public education in the 1950s and 60s! Its so easy to gain the moral high-ground in political debates today - all we have to do is scold religious conservatives for being anti-social towards the downtrodden. I just love to watch them squirm, while dancing on the head of a pin. I particularly love it when they get angry, self-righteous and hateful - because I can use that too against them!
Q) If "Jesus was no leftist" why are so many of his followers seduced by socialism?
A) Secular conservative> I am either atheistic in my personal life - or, I keep my religion away from politics. That is because I understand the inconsistency of religion and Capitalism - which is synonymous with freedom.
If the above description troubles you, it should!