The bible clearly states that Jesus’ work was to cure the sick. The sick are the majority of people living long ago and today, these people include the prostitutes, substance abusers, thieves, and sinners in general. The groups described need some sort of inspiration and or guide onto a better path through life; a path that would both please God and themselves. Christianity seems to be a religion for the oppressed and depressed, a religion for people who have needs and are willing to abide by a divine law in order to live a life accepted by society.
If you read between the lines and analyze Jesus’ teaching in Luke, you can see that all fingers are pointed at the people in control (the leadership). According to the New Testament, the cause of poverty is because the leadership fails to attend to the needs of the poor and make them feel welcome. The lack of compassion and brotherliness causes the poor to turn to other methods in order to survive. The majority doesn’t have anyone or place to run to; usually “worldly things” are common sources of comfort; such as secular music, drugs/alcohol, etc. The purpose of Jesus teaching was to give comfort and also a solution to their problem. “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). To the empty stomachs and dry throats, “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled” (Luke 6:21). Those with the empty bowls don’t need to worry, the food will come to them, for they don’t have to turn from God’s will, and sin, but instead have faith and they will be blessed.
The small percentage of the population, the extremely wealthy, doesn’t encounter the same situations that the poor seem to face. Many wealthy people don’t feel the need to call on a higher power for divine intervention, because many of their problems can be solved with the material things that they already posses. Christianity speaks to those who don’t have; this religions says that it doesn’t matter what you have in your hand but what you have in your heart because that’s what truly matters for “Your reward will be great, and you will be the children of the Most high” (Luke 6:35).
Although Jesus’ teachings correspond to the problems that the poor face, it also can relate to the everyday life of the world as a whole. He talks about charity and the simple fact that giving is only good for the soul if one only gives without an expectation for something in return. Giving to charity for recognition looses the meaning of ‘charity’. The laws of Christianity and Judaism are morals that many cultures/ societies with hold today. For example, in Bible it says to not judge people, give unto others, love thy neighbor, and pray for those who abuse you. The manner that God wants his people to behave by is of peace and equality. Christianity is not solely giving praise unto God and he will show one favor, but it also helps him/her find a safe path through life. By following the path of righteousness, it would not only look good in the eyes of God but also society because the foundation of the Modern world is built on the major religions, including Christianity.
2 comments:
I think you've made a very compelling argument. Your clarity in explaining who the most receptive to Jesus' ministry are particularly resonant, especially that Christianity is of less interest to the wealthy, who can fix their problems with material goods. (I'd rather copy and paste your phrasing, which was really well-stated!) Inasmuch as that is the case, I guess the nex question is why has Christianity caught on with the rich and powerful?
I definately agree with you that the majority, the poor and sick, was the audience of Jesus. Like you said, the purpose of his teachings was to bring them comfort. Do you think that the growth of Christianity across communities was successful in terms of the original points of Jesus' teachings, or do you think that it changed Christianity and moved it away from helping those in need?
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