Right wing “Christians” go berserk after Pope Francis spells out true Christianity
Pope Francis tested the piety of the powerful recently, and the powerful failed. Judging by comments on social media accusing the Pope of being socialist scum, those who failed most miserably include the so-called “Christian Right” who proudly proclaim their Devotion to Christ in their bios, yet seem oddly unfamiliar with the actual teachings of Jesus.
Take a look at some of the things the Pope said (in bold), along with their biblical underpinnings (in italics), showing that the Pope simply applied the teachings of the Bible in a modern context.
“We must adapt our socio-economic models so they have a human face, because many models have lost it. Thinking about these situations, in God’s name I want to ask:
“Arms manufacturers and dealers to totally cease their activity, that foments violence and war, often in the context of geopolitical games that costs millions of lives and displaces many people.”
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Isiah 2:4; Micah 4:3
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
“The big food corporations to stop imposing monopolistic production and distribution structures that inflate prices and end up withholding bread from the hungry.”
“For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink . . . [J]ust as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” Matthew 25:42-45
“Financial groups and international credit institutions to guarantee poor countries the basic needs of their people and to waive those debts so often contracted against the interests of those same peoples.”
“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a remission of debts.” Deuteronomy 15:1. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7
“Technology giants to stop preying on human weakness, people’s vulnerability, in order to make a profit.”
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
“That the media put an end to the logic of post-truth, disinformation, defamation, slander and that sick attraction for scandal”
“‘And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Deuteronomy 5:20
“That governments and all politicians work for the common good. Let them beware of listening only to the economic elite; may they be servants of those people who ask for land, shelter and work and a good life in harmony with all humanity and creation.”
“[T]hose who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12
“[I]t is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Matthew 19:24
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. . . [W]hen you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:35-40.
“All of us religious leaders, that we never use God’s name to foment wars. Let us stand by our people, the workers, the humble, and fight together with them so that integral human development may become a reality. Let us build bridges of love.”
“‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.” Deuteronomy 5:11.
“’And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3.
“If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:15-17
As for the Pope, who has suffered ridicule and scorn from the so-called religious right for his statements that simply reflect the actual teachings of Jesus, as well as other Bible verses, perhaps he may take comfort in this:
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12.
And as for the hypocritical Christian Right who mightily proclaim their own virtues and devotion while acting despicably towards their fellow humans – beware. Jesus condemned this behavior. See, e.g., Matthew 23:2-39, Matthew 7: 21-23, Matthew 15:7-9, Luke 6:37-42, Matthew 7:1-6, 1 John 2:3-6.
