Why do some people say that Jesus was a liberal?

Answer 1

Maybe because they don't understand Jesus purpose. He didn't come to overthrow the existing government, make radical changes in social structure etc. He came to change the heart of man. He even said Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God...He didn't even try to change the tax system. The only thing He focused on was man's spiritual condition. Overall sounds pretty conservative.

Answer 2

For God's sake!

The focus of Jesus Christ's ministry was taking personal responsibility for your behaviors and the outcomes that result. Asking forgiveness requires that first you stop blaming others for what's going on in your life and be personally accountable. He certainly never told anyone to turn to the government to improve their life!

Do you think Jesus would have approved of abortion or the garbage being spewed out of Hollywood and today's hip-hop culture?

And finally, would He have mocked those who followed His teachings, in a manner similar to the derision heaped on evangelical Christians by the left today?

If Jesus was a liberal (in the 2007 sense of the word), I'm a turnip!

Answer 3

I would like to see that defined.

In short, the words 'liberal' and 'conservative' have been twisted beyond recognition. If 'liberal' means support for the rights of the poor and underprivelaged, then Jesus was a liberal.

But the word 'conservative' is synonymous with 'traditional,' and Jesus was a big advocate of tradition (contrary to popular opinion). His theology was closely aligned with that of the Pharisees, which were an ultra-conservative Jewish sect. His followers and relatives are described as 'zealots,' which was a Jewish term for 'conservative' with regard to the law.

Answer 4

The liberals assume that because he saved the woman caught in the act of adultery, that would mean he would be against ALL death penalty cases.

(If you noticed, while he saved her, he didn't back down on saying she was wrong. ("Go & sin no more.") I can imagine liberals screaming, "Who are you telling her what to do with her own body!")

He obviously wanted the poor to be taken care of, so they think that means he would have wanted the government to be in charge of it. And 50% of the "evil" rich man's income being confiscated to pay for it! (That sounds more like Robin Hood than Jesus Christ!)

He said you have to pay your taxes, so they believe he would have voted for a politician who advocated fixing things by higher taxes.

He taught obedience to the government, so surely that woud mean he wanted a big government? Right?

But, mostly, its an example of people hearing what they want to hear & disregarding the rest.

Answer 5

He was a liberal because he wanted change. Liberals tend to go for more change and also want more rights and money for the poor and that's just what Jesus would have wanted.

Answer 6

Turn the other cheek.
Women as equals.
Fighting the established system of Governance.
Going against the teachings of the religious leaders (he did change the laws didn't he?).
Died rather than raise a hand to defend himself.

He was more liberal than me and I am fairly liberal.

Answer 7

Because Jesus beleived in helping and loving everyone.

And he gave to the poor.

Answer 8

Because, in the bible, Jesus supported the people. Which means he's a liberal. If he were conservative, he'd support the money.

Answer 9

Hanging out with a prostitute would make you a liberal.

Answer 10

hmmm let's see. long hair, beard, preached peace and love, charity and tolerance, urged against materialism, spoke truth to power and the establishment hated him.

sounds like a hippy liberal to me.