What Would You Do To Jesus?

[CJCRANE]

Today's reading in 365 Tao by Deng Ming-Dao is:

Compassion
Once you've seen the face of God, you see that same face in everyone you meet.

This reminded me of Jesus' saying:

What you do to the least of these, you do to me.

And then I got to thinking about old stories of angels or gods who disguised themselves as the old and the sick as spiritual mystery shoppers to see how people treated "the least of these".

So I realized that the old canard "What Would Jesus Do" had it the wrong way round. What if the person in need was Jesus? Surely that's the implication of Jesus' saying.

So...

What Would You Do To Jesus?

[hrmjustin]

1. K&R!

Great way of looking at it.

[Thinkingabout]

2. This will be my new story for the RW nuts who are being mean to others, refusing to help others.

Thanks.

[DetlefK]

3. But that would require more than prayer and lip-service.

"What have you done for Jesus?"
"I made sure that homos can't marry."

"What have you done for Jesus?"
"I defended our God-given right to bear arms."

"What have you done for Jesus?"
"I made it harder to obtain an abortion."

"What have you done for Jesus?"
"I made the Bible the official state-book of Louisiana."

"What have you done for Jesus?"
"I wrote a disclaimer that our company is 100% christian in its beliefs."

"What have you done for Jesus?"
"I made sure that poor people have to take drug-tests before getting any."

"What have you done for Jesus?"
"I published an article that the disadvantaged, the oppressed, the outcasts and the poor really don't have it that bad."

[CJCRANE]

4. The Jesus as a Homeless Person statue

was in the back of my mind when I wrote the OP.

So it's not what about what have you done for Jesus...

It's "what would you do to Jesus" if he appeared to you as sick or needy?

[DetlefK]

5. "Get a job, you moocher."

[CJCRANE]

6. "(D)istribution was made unto every man according as he had need".

Acts 4:32–35

[cbayer]

7. Ah, the sculpture. Very thought provoking indeed.

I would hope that I would help, tend to him, do what I could…..

but I would more likely just walk right by.

I am currently in a part of Mexico where many people beg on the street. Some are clearly in great need - blind, with multiple children, hungry.

There are too many. I might help a few, but I certainly won't help them all and one of them might be Jesus.

What would you do, CJCRANE?

[CJCRANE]

13. From each according his (or her) ability.

You do what you can.

Jesus was a communitarian, his apostles pooled their resources, so the burden wasn't on single individuals.

So in the end it comes down to everyone acting together through the government to enact policies that create more equality and more social safety nets.

FWIW I spend a portion of my salary trying to help people I know who are in need. It's never enough and that's why it needs organized effort where as many people as possible pool their resources.

[cbayer]

14. Good points.

A few nights ago, we ate in a restaurant owned by a collective of Zapatistas. It was interesting to watch them work, as everyone essentially did every thing.

Working as a community through available channels to enact changes that we collectively endorse is a good thing and something I was raised with, so that makes a lot of sense to me.

Giving money to others who have boots on the ground and can help the most people is important, but I felt the question was more aimed at what one might do as an individual.

[CJCRANE]

15. I guess the OP is more aimed at trying to open the eyes of conservative christians

who stand in the way of society helping the "least of these" due to a selfish interpretation of the Bible.

IMO Jesus was trying to teach empathy and by asking the question it might help them to look at "the least of these" in a different way.

[cbayer]

16. Some of the reactions in the community where this sculpture is found have been very telling.

I think the artist was asking the same question that you are asking and has done a very successful piece.

[DetlefK]

9. I just had to think about the "Need for Speed"-movie.

Right at the beginning, during the illegal street-race at night.

One of the cars drifts in a curve and crashes into the cart of a homeless person, smacking it and its contents across the street. The homeless person survives only by sheer luck.

And what do the protagonists do? They joke about it.

To them, the homeless man isn't a person, a human being whose whole possessions have just been destroyed and scattered, a human being who might die of hunger or sickness as a result.
A human being they almost killed in their negligence.

To them, he's just part of the inventory of the cityscape, like a bench or a streetlight or a garbage-can. An obstacle in an obstacle-course.

[fasttense]

8. The problem is RW Christians think the bible is a-la-cart. n/t

[cbayer]

10. Not sure what you mean by a-la-cart, but I think literalism is

a lot more damaging than cherry picking when it comes to the Bible.

[fasttense]

121. Not really

If they took the bible literally, they would be all tied up about wearing mixed fabric clothing, eating shrimp and stoning their sons for being drunk. They totally ignore those things along with the things Jesus said about feeding the poor, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned. They dig out poorly worded verses to point at in an effort to explain why abortion and homosexuality is bad when Jesus never condemned either. They ignore the fact that Jesus said Nations will be judged on how they treated the least among them. And claim Jesus was referring to individuals.

They ignore the fact that the only time Jesus was violent was to chase off money lenders. They risk their immortal souls by amassing riches when Jesus clearly explained how dangerous wealth was (The Eye of the needle was for the rich NOT the poor).

They pick and choose what parts of the bible they follow much like they pick and choose what they eat for lunch. That's how important their religion really is to them.

[cbayer]

128. Ah, I see what you are saying.

The cherry pick what parts to take literally.

I agree with you on that.

[Prophet 451]

11. That would work f right-wingers were Christian

They've actually invented a whole new religion that, like Mormonism, grew out of but is distinct from Christianity. It melds the most condemnatory parts of teh Old Testament with Ayn Rand and Rush Limbaugh, pays lip service to worshipping Jesus but is mostly concerned with money and opressing the unfortunate.

I'm a Luciferian but the most Christian person I ever knew was the grandmother who raised me. What did she do to Jesus? She spent her entire adult life, from 15 to about two weeks before she died, caring for disabled and disturbed children.

[okasha]

17. I think you're absolutely right.

I read an article some time ago--don't remember where or by whom--thst argued that Christianity and fundamentalism have become two distinct religions. That they both acknowledge the same founders and same foundational texts isn't a persuasive argument. After all, radical right wingers honor the same founders and the same foundatioal texts as liberals--yet no one would put Paul Ryan and Bernie Sanders in the same politcal category.

[Prophet 451]

18. I think that's absolutely right

Fundementalism is, as I said, a witches brew of OT condemnation, right-wing talking points, class resentment and extreme nationalism. It has more in common with classical Fascism than with traditional Christianity.

[skepticscott]

85. Yes, you and the other

religionistas here would love that, wouldn't you? How convenient to take it on yourself to redefine Christianity to exclude the ugliness and bigotry that it produces but that you'd like to pretend it doesn't. And how arrogant to tell people what religion they belong to, or that they're not REAL Christians.

Fortunately, the grown-ups here know the NTS argument for the horseshit it is.

[cbayer]

20. Had to do some research on Luciferian. Very interesting.

I think the religious right stole the mantle of christianity, seriously distorted it and are loathe to give it back.

Progressive and liberal people of faith, particularly activists, lost so much ground and are only now beginning to regain their footing.

I agree with you that these are two different things and need to be seen that way. Those that equate the two generally have an agenda.

[pinto]

12. Interesting take.

And Deng Ming-Dao sounds interesting, as well. I have never heard of him but may check out his book.

[CJCRANE]

21. He's from San Francisco...

I don't know much about him but 365 Tao is the most accessible book I've found with a Taoist theme (or any religious theme for that matter).

[rug]

19. Probably go away grieving.

Matthew 19:16-22

16 Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Possessions, or in the Buddhist sense, attachments, are hard.

[trotsky]

22. Many DU Christians might want to reconsider their behavior...

should an angel decide to disguise itself as a DU "anti-theist." I notice Jesus doesn't make any exceptions.

[pinto]

23. Come on trotsky. Why foster so much divisiveness? Is it worth it?

I like many of the discussions here from any angle in the forum's breadth of DU participation. I'm interested in members' points of view. Really.

Why the snark? For me, I often can't see your point of view for that.

[trotsky]

25. Come on pinto - let's have some fun!

I want you to publicly call out EVERYONE who is flinging snark and fostering divisivenes. rug, Starboard Tack, all the fun folks.

Go ahead, call them all out. It's not just the hated atheists causing problems, is it? Or do you think it is?

Call them all out - show me your commitment to reducing the divisiveness. If that's truly what you're aiming for, that is.

[hrmjustin]

36. I thought you had rug and Starboard Tack on ignore?

[trotsky]

37. I sure do, and it's made this group a lot more enjoyable.

But they're still up to their old tricks, because I see plenty of references to them.

Do you see anything wrong with their behavior?

[hrmjustin]

39. Well you should read them yourself before you make a judgement.

[trotsky]

41. I'd really not have to read their vitriol. What's your judgment, justin?

Have I falsely accused them? Do you believe they set a good example of behavior?

[hrmjustin]

44. I would need a link from you to judge.

I love rug and always will. Rug will be the first to admit he could do better and I think I can do better. Can you do better?

[trotsky]

47. Nope, I can do no better.

I am not nearly as good a person as rug. He is truly a model Christian.

[hrmjustin]

48. Ok do you think you continue to the drama here?

Is it in a good or bad way?

[trotsky]

50. I don't know, what do you think? n/t

[hrmjustin]

52. I am more interested in your opinion but I tgink many of the regulars including you and I have

our moments.

[trotsky]

59. What Goblinmonger said to you in a previous thread seems appropriate here.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=122551

Until and unless those most visibly calling for civility are willing to confront those in their "tribe" or "camp," the pleas sound terribly hollow.

[hrmjustin]

60. Well that maybe so but I have seen you call for civility and you never say anything to your friends

when they go over the line. Or at least I hsve not seen it.

That goes both ways.

[trotsky]

62. I think you will find that I don't actually call for civility much.

I'm generally just calling attention to the decidedly un-civil behavior of those requesting it.

[hrmjustin]

63. Well trotsky I guess this right here is your hypocritical moment.

You are guilty of the thing you accused me of. Who is hypocritical now?

[trotsky]

65. I think you missed the point entirely. Civility is wonderful, but I question...

people's expectations of what that means on a freaking anonymous Internet forum.

pinto, out of nowhere, publicly called me out for fostering divisiveness. What I see are lots of callouts of atheists pointing out religious hypocrisy, telling them to stop it, be nice, etc.

Meanwhile, can anyone point to a post of pinto's calling equal attention to a divisive post of rug's? Of Starboard Tack's? Of okasha's? I could go on and on.

See, those who make such a public appeal for civility need to call it out WHEREVER it happens, regardless of who said it. Otherwise they are the hypocrites. They don't want "civility," they want one group of people to stop expressing their opinions and observations. That's all I did on this thread to get shamed by pinto - when Jesus says what you do unto the least, you do unto him, what do you think that means? I think there are DU Christians who treat others very poorly. Do you agree or disagree?

Call out the believers and their vicious allies like Starboard Tack. Otherwise, it's hypocrisy to ask for civility.

[hrmjustin]

68. But you have asked for civility and I have never seen you call attention to your friends

behavior but you complain when I and others don't call out believers for their behavior.

Sorry trotsky but that is hypocritical.

[trotsky]

70. I'm asking for consistency, hrmjustin.

That will lead to civility more than anything else.

There is now an opportunity on this very thread. An opportunity to ask a believer, one of the attacking and nasty ones, to be more civil. Will you do it? Will pinto? Will longship?

[hrmjustin]

75. If you want consisteny then be consistent!

[trotsky]

77. I agree. Great advice. When you start displaying it, people might listen to you. n/t

[hrmjustin]

78. You see trotsky I was able to admit I wax wrong and a hypocrite.

I was called out rightly in GM post for hypocrisy and I felt I needed to resign because of my mistakes.

Now are you going to call out atheists when they are not behaving?

Are you going to be consistent?

If you want someone to be civil then lead by example.

[trotsky]

79. Alright, let's do this. Point to a post by a nasty atheist that you want me to call out.

Then you will need to do one for a believer.

Go ahead.

[hrmjustin]

81. I am not playing your games sir!

You got called out on your hypocrisy and can't admit it. I got called out and admitted it and resigned.

You go ahead and do what you want.

[trotsky]

82. I figured as much.

Your credibility on this issue is zero, hrmjustin.

I offered to do a callout of what you deemed to be uncivil behavior by an atheist if you would simply do one in return on an abusive believer.

You refused. It's not civility you want, that much is obvious.

[hrmjustin]

83. Trotsky your the one with zero credibility and you don't see it.

You think about that.

[skepticscott]

84. Don't waste time with this one

His "aw shucks, gawlee, who me?" act is getting thinner all the time. In his own way, he's as toxic and poisonous to any discussion as any of the religionistas here.

And you're absolutely right…he has ZERO credibility here.

[hrmjustin]

86. He never denied what I said.

He has called for more civility and does not call out atheists on their behavior. Yet he complains that I and others don't call out believers.

Scott I can admit I am wrong when I am.

[Leontius]

87. Shift change I guess?

[hrmjustin]

88. Lol! I think they are angry at me because I brought up an uncomfortable fact.

[trotsky]

94. I have not made pleas for civility, hrmjustin.

Certainly not in the way that you, pinto, and others are visibly doing. Please stop stating that falsehood. What I am asking for is consistency. I even offered an olive branch, and you stomped on it.

[hrmjustin]

96. You never asked for civility here?

[trotsky]

99. I think it's a silly request.

A newbie or troll is bound to wander in and say something that upsets someone, and at that point, it's a free for all. Why? Because the standard that you and the rest of the civility brigade have set is that it's OK for a rude atheist to be bashed without limits. But a rude theist (or defender of theism) never faces so much as a "Hey, that's not very cool."

The way you will get closer to the civility you claim to want is to be consistent in your requests for it.

Since no one - not you, not pinto, not longship, not cbayer, none of the champions of civility - will call for it equally and consistently, you are quietly but clearly sending the message that it's not civility you want, it is just the silencing of some opinions and/or people.

[hrmjustin]

101. yet you don't say anything to the atheists about their behavior.

I have always said we have our issues on our side but you don't seem to want to admit your side has issue either.

[trotsky]

102. Yet I offered to!

And you ran away because I simply asked you to return the favor.

That showed your commitment to "civility," justin.

[hrmjustin]

103. I am sorry but I don't buy this.

You are saying you have never asked for civility here?

[trotsky]

105. Point me to an "open" group/forum on DU...

you know, one where differing opinions on sensitive issues are allowed and debated, that meets your model of "civility." So I know what you mean.

I'll try to get back to you tomorrow, I have to sign off for tonight.

[hrmjustin]

106. my point is you talk about civility too.

[trotsky]

108. Nope, there is no point.

Especially now that I've given you two chances to demonstrate even just a mild commitment to it - and you balked at both.

You won't even provide me an example of what you think civility (at least on DU) is. That's sad.

[hrmjustin]

109. Civility is not being told your disingenuous old the time. Civility is not caling people

words they find offensive. Civility is not bringing up old gossip and using it like a sword. Civility is when you put someone on ignore you leave it there.

Civility is having a respect for you adversary.

We all have had moments ehere we are not civil.

[trotsky]

111. If you want to go down that path, we certainly can.

One example of disingenuousness would be criticizing certain people for incivility but not others. I have no idea what you mean by gossip - is this a specific callout of someone? Same with ignore - I've left rug on my ignore list now for over a year, he's never come off. Starboard Tack was a recent add, I needed to briefly take him off to be able to cut & paste a quote of his. So I ask, is that also a callout of someone?

Not sure what you mean about respect for an adversary - I don't view anyone (who isn't espousing right wing bullshit) as my "adversary" - are there people you consider adversaries here?

PS - are public callouts and scolding civil?

[hrmjustin]

112. I should have included this was not aimed at you personally.

Yes your right that scolding some and not others is disingenuous and hypocritical. Seems we both have done that.

Is callouts and scolding civil, probably not but sometimes you have to say your say.

This is also not to say I have not done some of these things. I have no one on ignore but I am guilty of others. I resigned partly because of my mistakes.

[rug]

117. Geez, in how many posts are you going to claim you have me on ignorr?

This is, what, the eighth one in the past week?

[kwassa]

126. Typical trotsky. Same old trotsky.

Behaving badly, all the while attacking Christians for not turning the other cheek to his bad behavior. This is his old, familiar double standard, demanding behavior from others than he doesn't exhibit himself.

This goes back years and years. Back to 2005, when I first met him.

I would point out that trotsky never met civil. Trotsky also has a slender understanding of reasonable debate, as the more his argument gets tracked down to it's false roots, the less rational it becomes. I've debated him into a corner many times, and watched him flail around. He also mistakenly believes that posting the last post makes him win.

I can predict his response to this post.

[trotsky]

127. I appreciate your concerns, kwassa. And way to set an example yourself, huh?

Like Starboard Tack says, I'm only mean to intolerant people.

[rug]

74. It was not "out of nowhere". It was a direct response to your usual divisenness.

22. Many DU Christians might want to reconsider their behavior...

should an angel decide to disguise itself as a DU "anti-theist." I notice Jesus doesn't make any exceptions.

You thrive on fostering meta in this group and you double down when called on it.

[hrmjustin]

76. This is just a clear wow moment to me.

[Leontius]

80. It's what they do it's what they always do.

There seems to be only two left since one got tossed and one doesn't post much recently.

[rug]

71. Two of those statements are correct.

Oh wait, you can't see them. You'll just have to wait till you get a "reference".

[Warren Stupidity]

51. That's Friar Tuck to you.

Starbored Tack is somebody else.

[hrmjustin]

53. Thanks for the correction.

[pinto]

45. trotsky, I support civility here across the board. Would make that comment to anyone.

Including the members you mentioned. Not sure who all the fun folks are. ??

I think most members here get my point of view. I can't speak for them. I think you do and I can't speak for you either. In any event, I'm here to talk about stuff, not each other.

Sorry for my knee jerk response. It was a lapse on my part.

My interests are religion in a personal, cultural and historical framework. Obviously, it's played a big role and continues to for better or worse. And, in the US, the separation of church and state standard.

[trotsky]

46. Aw shucks it's OK pinto, I accept your apology for your inappropriate post.

[pinto]

49. Cool.

And a blatant plug - we all need to coalesce to challenge the extremist religious right political agendas.

[trotsky]

55. Is there no room for disagreement on individual issues...

as we "challenge the extremist religious right political agendas"?

Are we allowed to voice differing opinions on how we can best "challenge the extremist religious right political agendas"?

[pinto]

57. I think differing opinions are essential. And common goals, as best as we can state them.

[trotsky]

61. Great! n/t

[rug]

67. There you go again, calling out people you ostensibly have on ignore.

Come on, trotsky, admit you peek or stop your charade.

[hrmjustin]

24. Ye without sin cast the first stone!

[trotsky]

27. Indeed, hrmjustin. Good advice for yourself. n/t

[hrmjustin]

29. Trotsky look at yourself before you judge others here!

I judged myself here. I resigned because I made mistakes.

Can you admit your mistakes here?

[trotsky]

30. I do not regret calling attention to hypocritical behavior.

Nope, not one bit.

[hrmjustin]

32. And you have never been a hypocrite here?

[trotsky]

33. Anyone is more than free to call me out for it.

Of course, if they do, then I hope you are first in line to judge them like you did to me just now.

[hrmjustin]

35. Have you ever been a hypocrite here before?

[AtheistCrusader]

90. Sure! *grabs a rock*

[hrmjustin]

98. Lol!

[AtheistCrusader]

107. It probably helps that I don't believe in the concept of 'sin'.

[hrmjustin]

110. Yes I suppose so.

[el_bryanto]

26. I'm curious - why do you put Anti Theist in quotation marks? You know that some

have clearly identified themselves as Anti-Theists, right?

Bryant

[trotsky]

28. Some do, yep.

But as it's been flung around lately, it's used to lump together far more than those who have self-identified.

[el_bryanto]

40. I can see that, but it's hard to use that term without it encompassing more than is intended

So do you feel the snark and hostility and divisiveness on this forum is about 50% believers 50% atheists? or would you put the ratio at some other place. Emotionally I would tilt it a bit to wards atheists, but believers do their own share of call outs and attacks, so I guess I'd leave it at 50/50.

Bryant

[trotsky]

42. I have no idea how to begin quantifying it.

But I know for certain it's not 100% either way, as some evidently feel.

[el_bryanto]

43. Yes some atheists feel it's all believers and some believers feel it's all atheists.

Makes it hard to make any progress.

Bryant

[Warren Stupidity]

56. I'll quantify it.

87 4
112 12
13 32
42 4
107 18


Now we can stop arguing about the numbers.

[AtheistCrusader]

124. Prime numbers are under-represented in your sample set.

Clearly there is something wrong with your data.

[LTX]

118. For god's sake, stop whining.

[trotsky]

119. Thank you for demonstrating. n/t

[LTX]

120. Demonstrating what?

[gcomeau]

31. Tell him to stick to philosophy, steer clear of theology. -eom

[cbayer]

38. Lol! You would tell Jesus that he needs to change majors.

That is pretty hilarious.

[Maedhros]

34. I'd hit on him, because he's dreamy.

Those long blond locks, piecing blue eyes, alabaster skin and youthful beauty - who could resist?

[Warren Stupidity]

54. I'd squck his thrug until all he could whupple was geep. nt.

[CJCRANE]

58. Well, if that didn't

flibberdigibbet his jabberwocky, I don't know what would!

[struggle4progress]

64. Sunday: Cheer him wildly.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: Find out how much I can get paid to turn him over to the cops

Thursday: Go eat supper with him. Check out nice places where he could sleep in the garden. Kiss him. Lead a group discussion on how best to kill him. Swear I never ever met the dude in my whole life

Friday: Tell folk I've been having bad dreams about this whole thing. Explain I think he's innocent but I don't really want to get involved. Shout that he should be crucified, then shout for the release of Jesus Son-of-the-Father. Help carry a cross up the hill. Offer him some vinegar. Ask him why he isn't doing more to help us. Hang around until he's dead. Bury him somewhere

Saturday: Chill

Sunday: Head over to put some flowers on the tomb

[Leontius]

66. Good thread untill someone shit all over it.

Same fucking crew always on guard.

[trotsky]

69. Is this a good example of a civil post that contributes to the discussion?

Must be! Thanks, good Christian!

[Leontius]

72. Just stating the facts if you don't like it you're more than welcome to leave.

[trotsky]

73. Hey that's what I did, too!

I pointed out the facts (DUers who are Christian behave in decidedly non-Christian ways). I guess if you don't like it you should take your own advice?

[LostOne4Ever]

89. Offer to let him use my razor

Have you seen his picture? The man is in desperate need of a shave and a hair cut.

[AtheistCrusader]

91. No more or less than I would to any other human being.

[cbayer]

92. I think this is the best answer in the thread.

[Leontius]

93. That's the whole point

Believer or not compassion serves us all.

[trotsky]

95. When will you start displaying some? n/t

[Leontius]

97. What's that smell?

[trotsky]

100. That's right, you made Jesus very proud.

After all, he clearly said to love your neighbor, EXCEPT ATHEISTS YOU DON'T LIKE, right?

Take care, Leontius. You are setting such a wonderful example as a Christian.

[Leontius]

104. I just asked a question but your response it says a lot, thanks for clearing up that mystery

[AtheistCrusader]

113. One would think

self-called followers of the biblical character of jesus wouldn't need to be reminded of that.

[cbayer]

114. Way to take a compliment and spit on it.

[Leontius]

122. I'm sure crusaders need quite a bit of correction from time to time as well.

One most certainly does think.

[AtheistCrusader]

123. One usually doesn't judge books by covers.

[cbayer]

129. Ok, that's pretty hilarious coming from you, wouldn't you say?

[stone space]

115. Jesus came to the USA on Thanksgiving Day in 2007.

Last edited Mon Apr 28, 2014, 01:10 AM - Edit history (1)

Jesus crossed into the USA via our southern border.

Jesus then performed a Thanksgiving Day Miracle, saving the life of Christopher Buztheitner, a 9 year old boy whose mother had just died in a terrible car accident, leaving Christopher stranded and alone in the Arizona desert.

After performing his miracle, Manuel Jesus Cordova Soberanes was then deported, as an undocumented immigrant.

http://www.newrepublic.com/blog/the-plank/border-story

[cbayer]

116. Great story and I had not heard it before.

Welcome to DU and to the religion group, stone space.

[okasha]

125. Pester him with questions.

It seems you lost your dad quite young. What happened to him? What effect did that have on you?

Where were you during the so called "lost years?" Were you hitch-hiking around the East, or were you just working your butt off to support your mother and a half dozen siblings? Is that why so.many of your parables feature day laborers?

Obviously you acquired a rabbinical education? How did that happen?

All the sons in your family were named for Jewish heroes. How overtly nationalist was your family? Was Simon "the Zealot" your brother.?

"Jesus's little sister" is a metaphor for obscurity these days. How many sisters did you have, what were their names, and how did they contribute to your movement?

Were you and Mary Magdalen an item?

Can I get an exclusive on this interview?