As Carl Jung noted, as one lives so one ultimately believes, plus growth. The ‘moral imperative’ Kant laid out – live as all your choices are law for all – is most present in Christ. As many religions espouse their enlightened, their prophet as the perfect example, I think Christianity should get back to pointing to the perfect example of Jesus, as told. I’ll give a very basic break down of the strong message looking at his life and teaching.
My main view is that Jesus is central to humanity/divinity and the focal point of history and the scripture. He fulfilled the law and set the stage for grace. He said “For truly I tell you, until earth and heaven disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Matt. 5:18). This was fulfilled on the cross as he experienced spiritual and physical death. He was, of course, well versed with Genesis 1. On the cross he said “It is finished” and gave up his spirit (John 19:30) after expressing “Father, why have you forsaking me?”.
1. Personal Lifestyle/As Citizen:
– In many ways very modern “man-child” “star”, but in an extra ordinary way.
– Said his family is those who believe, as opposed to family ties.
– Economically very low key, but apparently modestly supported by fans/followers.
– Strolled the national land freely without showing papers.
– Produced wine and distributed it at an event.
– Produced food and distributed it at a separate event.
– Taught freely. This is why the 1st amendment of the US constitution bound government to free speech over two centuries ago.
– Performed sick care without a license.
2. In Relation To Women:
– Women were close and not subjugated even though the twelve male disciples were the main gang.
– Mary Magdalene and other women were the first to witness the risen Christ and preach the gospel.
3. As “Kingdom Of God”/”Christ Government”:
– Non-force, non-aggression, except in the case of violating his father’s temple/body.
– Universal and free teaching/education.
– Universal- and free food and drink.
– Universal- and free health- and sick care.
4. In Relation To Worldly Government Power:
-Philistines, priests, Romans: Friendly-ish, but also critical and revealing.
– The “turn the other cheek” teaching contains the detail “when someone hits you on the right cheek”, which means someone would hit you with the back hand of the right hand. That would be with supremacy, either citizen or slave owner, letting a subordinate know their place. So Jesus taught the way to deal with worldly authority.
– At the temple he turned tables and chased money changers with a whip in response to the financial/spiritual goings on in what is the holy place.
– Peter cut a Roman soldier’s ear off at the arrest. Jesus stopped it and taught it was the wrong way to deal with the situation.
– Taught to carry two swords, which is also a teaching of different levels of discourse with insiders and outsiders, but an obvious sign of not being for disarming the people.
– Jesus was asked about paying taxes and he replied “Give to cesar what belongs to cesar”. This shows a basic respect for the system, and how to behave in the world.
– “Jesus is Lord” is also a political statement, as the phrase for the “god-king” cesar was “cesar is lord”.
– He was crucified by the political power (Romans) as the result of pressure from the religious/scientific elite whom riled up the mob.