Jesus as an opponent of the rich

[ERCougar]

Ha, no kidding. I have two more ehrman books to check out just from this thread.
Ehrman's credentials are less impeachable (does that work? More unimpeachable?), but I've read a few scholars complain about him oversimplifying complex issues (I've also read this one about Zealot). I think that's a dumb criticism, given the audience.

Yeah, but it seems like a different kind of criticism. The two reviews I read were written by scholars who like Ehrman's work.

Either way, I did a little more background reading on Zealot and it looks like it is worth a shot. I will check it out. (as if my backlog needed another entry - )

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Wrong again, my green and yellow friend. Jesus loves everyone.

Lol, do you even know what a Tonka is?

[All-American]

Lol, do you even know what a Tonka is?

It's a toy truck. From the '80s.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

It's a toy truck. From the '80s.

True, but can they speak Greek?

[hostile]

True, but can they speak Greek?

[All-American]

Close the thread. We have a winner.

[Indy Coug]

But if you operate under the assumption that Jesus was divine, it becomes very difficult to discuss facts, especially since you'll be inherently biased against anything historical that challenges your faith in or your image of the mythical Jesus.

LOL. That's a two way street.

[byu71]

You have to hand it to Sooner. He can start threads that go on and on.

As to his question, Jesus loves the rich. That is why the rich get richer.

[Topper]

You have to hand it to Sooner. He can start threads that go on and on.

As to his question, Jesus loves the rich. That is why the rich get richer.

and why else would you make so many of them?

[wuapinmon]

[smokymountainrain]

Shouldn't it be the farmer who hired those guys that should be saying you're welcome?

[Levin]

Yup, not just wealth but showy displays of wealth are not only acceptable but admired in the LDS Church, which has always bothered me.

Maybe this will draw Levin out (hope not) but once again I just can't fathom that anybody who really believes that Jesus will literally judge him and determine his eternal destiny after his death would live a typical American upper middle class lifestyle in which tens of thousands of dollars are spent on a home, cars, travel, other luxuries that are totally unnecessary while leaving orphans and widows in need.

I have to assume that 95% of Mormons don't take anything related to Jesus literally based on their lifestyles. That's of course OK with me because I don't take it any of it literally either.

People who really believe can't win with you. In one breath, you say they are the source of the world's ills. In the other, you say they are not doing enough good in living Christ's teachings. Must be great not believing anything, which allows you to spend your life watching sports that have no meaning outside of the moment, and be conscience-free.

[TripletDaddy]

it is awesome

[Pheidippides]

People who really believe can't win with you. In one breath, you say they are the source of the world's ills. In the other, you say they are not doing enough good in living Christ's teachings. Must be great not believing anything, which allows you to spend your life watching sports that have no meaning outside of the moment, and be conscience-free.

It's everything you dreamed it is an more. Apathiests FTW!

[cowboy]

Yup, not just wealth but showy displays of wealth are not only acceptable but admired in the LDS Church, which has always bothered me.

Maybe this will draw Levin out (hope not) but once again I just can't fathom that anybody who really believes that Jesus will literally judge him and determine his eternal destiny after his death would live a typical American upper middle class lifestyle in which tens of thousands of dollars are spent on a home, cars, travel, other luxuries that are totally unnecessary while leaving orphans and widows in need.

I have to assume that 95% of Mormons don't take anything related to Jesus literally based on their lifestyles. That's of course OK with me because I don't take it any of it literally either.

I'm particularly interested in this accusation. How did you reach this conclusion? How many truly needy people live within the boundaries or your ward or stake who have not received help, or at least the offer, from people around them? I may be the exception, as I live in a small community where everyone knows everyone, but nobody in our community starves or freezes to death because they lack the money to pay for food, shelter, and heat. Any time needs are known, there are always people who offer to help, not to mention the church and other churches who help with money from general coffers. Sure, some have no extra, but their basic needs are met. Christians may not ensure everyone in their community has a car and television, but I think they do a very good job of taking care of each other.