[Via Unreasonable Faith] I fully approve of pointing out the schizophrenia of the Republicans regarding Ayn Rand and Christianity. This will, no doubt, make a few Tea Party activists’ heads explode.
Admittedly, one way around this is for a conservative simply say that Ayn Rand was right on economics, not religion, but Jesus was right on religion. It would be harder to wiggle out of the issue, though, if they pointed out Jesus and Ayn Rand’s diametrically opposed positions on wealth and charity. Jesus said things like:
“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Whereas, Ayn Rand makes personal greed the highest virtue, and has a dismal view of altruism.
(See, my childhood knowledge of Christianity is still useful.)
I find it absolutely unbelievable that you feel you can comment on religion. If a Creationist shouldn’t be allowed to comment on scientific issues, an Atheist shouldn’t be allowed to comment on religious issues, especially when they’re so obviously ignorant.
Recently I have been much more aware of language when we speak of Jesus. You said, “Jesus said things like, ‘If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions……..”. We should be saying, “It is purported that Jesus said…….by unknown authors of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.” It is ironic that in a court of law, if I am called to testify, and start to tell the court what my neighbor told me last week, the judge will admonish me that I can’t testify to what my neighbor told me last week. And yet we base our life on hearsay written 30-40 years after the fact as to what Jesus said – Lordy! Lordy! – Heaven help us!
Gloria
Heh. I spent the first 18 years in a Christian home, went to church twice a week, and spent virtually all of my education in Christian schools and Christian colleges.
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