The story and legacy of Jesus Christ is important to the big three monotheistic religions, and to Christians the birth of Jesus is the most significant occurrence in history.
In the wake of President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the consideration of the role of religion in our lives is relevant to all.
Even the sagest of theologists would disagree on points involving the history of Jesus, the role of Jesus in each Abrahamic religion and the meaning of being with Christ. They would debate what Jerusalem means to Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
As Americans we support the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech. While employing those freedoms, most people do not wish to infringe on the rights or beliefs of others.
There is a trend in which intolerance is accepted if not encouraged. President Trump is among those championing this trend. Intolerance breeds exclusion and violence. Who doesn't think there has already been enough of that in the Middle East?
According to the Bible, Jesus performed miracles and delivered messages about loving one's neighbor and loving God with one's whole heart, as described in the Sermon on the Mount. He was without sin.
When the Romans conquered areas during the time of Jesus, they did not abolish religions or change local leadership. Herod remained King of the Jewish people. The Sanhedrin was the local religious body. The Romans enforced the law and collected the taxes necessary to provide for their governing, protection and profit. The Romans reduced conflict by keeping local religions and governments intact.
In other words, the Romans kept the peace by being religiously tolerant.
The three different Abrahamic religions often look at the practices of each other with criticism and contempt. While all three religions worship the same God, Christians may share more similarities with Muslims or feel closer to Jews.
Being in the Christmas season brings with it, for Christians, an overall feeling of good will toward our fellow man and praise to God for the gift that Jesus brings.
Jerusalem has existed, more peacefully than anyone could guess, with all three religions looking to it as a key location for prayer and reflection. It is a holy city where more than one religion worships.
There is no need to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Because of the current state of unrest between extremists and the interests of the United States, such an announcement by the United States brings with it a response. Why provoke violence?
In April, Russia became the first country to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and east Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. The news was met by a big yawn.
Past United States foreign policy skipped making such a claim in an effort to keep the peace.
The question, "What would Jesus do?" is interesting in this case.
Would Jesus claim that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel?
Christian teachings tell us that God is everywhere. Want to find the capital of God's kingdom? Look for wherever peace and love come over people and they live in harmony together.
Governments and those in power are fixated on "property" of all kinds. They bestow titles and choose the seats of power.
What did Jesus do when he went to the temple and saw it filled with merchants and money changers? Jesus cleansed the temple.
At a time of the year when we're focused on family, friends and loving one another - things we should do every day - it would be better if our President didn't think it was time to use words to start a holy war.
We all deserve better.
- Matt Johnson is publisher of the Monroe Times. His column is published Wednesdays.
In the wake of President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the consideration of the role of religion in our lives is relevant to all.
Even the sagest of theologists would disagree on points involving the history of Jesus, the role of Jesus in each Abrahamic religion and the meaning of being with Christ. They would debate what Jerusalem means to Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
As Americans we support the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech. While employing those freedoms, most people do not wish to infringe on the rights or beliefs of others.
There is a trend in which intolerance is accepted if not encouraged. President Trump is among those championing this trend. Intolerance breeds exclusion and violence. Who doesn't think there has already been enough of that in the Middle East?
According to the Bible, Jesus performed miracles and delivered messages about loving one's neighbor and loving God with one's whole heart, as described in the Sermon on the Mount. He was without sin.
When the Romans conquered areas during the time of Jesus, they did not abolish religions or change local leadership. Herod remained King of the Jewish people. The Sanhedrin was the local religious body. The Romans enforced the law and collected the taxes necessary to provide for their governing, protection and profit. The Romans reduced conflict by keeping local religions and governments intact.
In other words, the Romans kept the peace by being religiously tolerant.
The three different Abrahamic religions often look at the practices of each other with criticism and contempt. While all three religions worship the same God, Christians may share more similarities with Muslims or feel closer to Jews.
Being in the Christmas season brings with it, for Christians, an overall feeling of good will toward our fellow man and praise to God for the gift that Jesus brings.
Jerusalem has existed, more peacefully than anyone could guess, with all three religions looking to it as a key location for prayer and reflection. It is a holy city where more than one religion worships.
There is no need to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Because of the current state of unrest between extremists and the interests of the United States, such an announcement by the United States brings with it a response. Why provoke violence?
In April, Russia became the first country to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and east Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. The news was met by a big yawn.
Past United States foreign policy skipped making such a claim in an effort to keep the peace.
The question, "What would Jesus do?" is interesting in this case.
Would Jesus claim that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel?
Christian teachings tell us that God is everywhere. Want to find the capital of God's kingdom? Look for wherever peace and love come over people and they live in harmony together.
Governments and those in power are fixated on "property" of all kinds. They bestow titles and choose the seats of power.
What did Jesus do when he went to the temple and saw it filled with merchants and money changers? Jesus cleansed the temple.
At a time of the year when we're focused on family, friends and loving one another - things we should do every day - it would be better if our President didn't think it was time to use words to start a holy war.
We all deserve better.
- Matt Johnson is publisher of the Monroe Times. His column is published Wednesdays.
