http://www.utilitarianism.com/jesus-christ.jpgThe composition and tone of the different testaments is striking. Of particular interest is the overwhelming message of love and peace in the New Testament. Yes, Jesus says that one must accept him in order to enter God's kingdom, but at the same time the stories of Jesus are follwed with miraculous tales of love and forgiveness. Sinners are not looked down upon, the poor are looked at with admiration and love, and God's love is represented in all of us.
While I have never considered myself a Christian, mostly for my lack of faith and inability to come to terms with the contradictions in the Bible, I often understand how the New Testament is of great inspiration to billions of people around the world. The message of compassion and love is powerful. I especially love the part of the Lords prayer that states "forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us" (Course Anthology 131).
It is always quite strange when I read the New Testament and ponder how so many religious people I know never follow its creed. While I never wish to call people I like hypocrites, it is impressive how many interpretations of the Bible people have. Does Joel Olsteen, pastor of Houston's Lakewood megachurch, really head or pay attention Jesus' command to "sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor" (Course Anthology 131)? Of course it is difficult to really follow the Bible word for word, but still I often wonder what Jesus would think of people praying to the Lord in a massive converted basketball arena.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaAo0OLlDSctSN3ofrI-FWbCfKKUsJ8wqQMi0L6c0ACmtCgph9T_BH5p79urqDX7lHMVH_iO8Hv5Gk9AZLPEyKFF7RZw-oW_S-TWZNx49Hu8uqP6O8OrNKseaqRsLkgcUtDwGvkwCbAqm/s400/popewithmehmet2.jpg
Pope John forgiving his would-be assassin.
A creed of particular fascination, and one that I don't many humans, let alone Christians, follow, is that of extending love and forgiveness to everyone, including enemies and those that have wronged us. As the Gospel of Luke states, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful" (Course Anthology 129). This is a particularly powerful sentiment that I think goes against normal human behavior. I am particularly distrustful of the dogmatic leadership of the Catholic Church, but I thought it was amazing when Pope John forgave his would-be assassin after a botched assassination attempt.
The issue with these rather idealistic ideals is that barely anyone follows them. In this highly religious country, we also execute the highest percentage of prisoners in the developed world. So where have we gone wrong? Do people read these passages of the Bible and just ignore them?
I would like to think not. Few people actually consider themselves to be bad people, and most try as best they can to live moral lives. I think the New Testament is meant to be a guideline rather than a word-for-word instructional manual to how to live a moral life. In that way it is easy to see the impact of the New Testament in modern life. While no one expects anyone to live the life of Jesus, his teachings are nonetheless powerful and inspirational. The New Testament therefore provides spiritual guidance and comfort for millions of people, and its message of forgiveness gives an uplifting example of human compassion in the modern world.
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