What Would Jesus Do?
I don’t talk about it much because is it not the focus of my life, but I am not Christian. As I am talking a bit about religion here, I thought it best to clear the air first. I do consider myself spiritual and embrace the teachings of Jesus along with those of Buddha, the Dalai Lama and other great teachers. I believe that there is some truth to all (okay, most) World religions, but I don’t think that any one has all the answers for me.
That said, I know that there are many many wonderful Christians out there who bear the brunt of the fewer vocal haters who spew hate instead of love. All of that hate never made sense to me. If they are truly working towards the ideals that Jesus set down for them, why hate? Jesus didn’t.
The other morning, I woke up with the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” stuck in my head. I was feeling frustrated with some of the so-called Christians and their anti-gay (anti-equal rights) stance. The anti-GLBT Westboro Baptist Church were recently planning a visit to my town, not for the first time, to protest at several locations. And I probably still had Dan Savage’s marriage video on my mind.
My thoughts were clear. If Jesus were living today, would he carry a “God Hates Fags”sign? Would he protest at a fallen soldiers funeral? Would he hate just to hate? Would he despise the differences in people? Color, sexual identity, height, weight, hair color…even religion?
Or would he celebrate and embrace those differences? Would he love everyone equally? Would he try to spread the love? Spread the tolerance? Encourage togetherness and empathy? Every fiber of my being says that he would do just that. That he did. That this was a major component of his message.
I kept these thoughts to myself, because I don’t think they are special or truly unique. Plus who am I to say…non-religious but spiritual person that I am?
However, I ran across an article last night that brought me back to that morning and those thoughts: A Different Kind of Christian Demonstration at Gay Pride
I almost cried. Heck, I’m still a little misty. : ) Read it if you have time, I think it’s worth it.
From the article (actually from this blog and included in the article: It Seems to Me….):
My favorite though was a gentleman who was dancing on a float. He was dressed solely in white underwear and had a pack of abs like no one else. As he was dancing on the float, he noticed us and jokingly yelled, “What are you sorry for? It’s pride!” I pointed to our signs and watched him read them.
Then it clicked.
Then he got it.
He stopped dancing. He looked at all of us standing there. A look of utter seriousness came across his face. And as the float passed us he jumped off of it and ran towards us. He hugged me and whispered, “thank you.”
And:
However, I think Jesus would have hugged him too. It’s exactly what I read throughout scripture: Jesus hanging out with people that religious people would flee from. Correlation between then and now? I think so.
This is what people of all religions (or non-religions)—make that “people of the world”—should be working towards. Peace, love, understanding. Just look at the positive energy in this photo…it’s beautiful.
It’s amazing what a little love can do!
it’s nice to see that and be reminded that not all christians are the bible beating hypocrites that come to protest. maybe if we heard more about people like above i wouldn’t have such a negative view of christianity (or any organized religion really).
thanks for sharing
Kimberly recently posted..A Or 10 Pick Me Ups
It is nice to be reminded, because sometimes the distaste that the protesters leave behind is a bit overwhelming…sad.
Amen, sistah! This was a wonderful post.
Those Westboro people are unbelievable.
You and I are on the same page.
xoxo
Jason recently posted..Gay Dating 101- His Pal- Madonna
Thank you Jason! xoxo
Many of the people I grew up with became super religeous as adults. Although they say they are religeous, follow the word of God, preach it to others..what is funny is, they are the ones who seem to hold the most (negative)opinions about EVERYTHNG. They are the ones I find myself arguing with. I want them to see my point of view. From education, to gay rights, to ethnicity, I find myself trying to convince or make them see my ideas. It never works. But, I loved your post and I will continue to spread the love!
JLO recently posted..Vegaswith My Girls-
Amen sister! Both my husband and I grew up in very organized religions (although very different ones). As adults (and parents) we chose not to continue down that path, but instead chose a more personal and spiritual path for ourselves (and our kids) without all of the judgment and guilt that can sometimes be associated with organized religion.
Very thoughtful post. Thanks for sharing it with us Kelly!