quote:

Originally posted by Ann:
Why is it that you ask, and then answer, your own questions?

If you have a better approach, let me know, thanks

Well, it's as if you are talking to yourself instead of having a (virtual) conversation or debate with someone else on the forum.

quote:

Originally posted by Ann:
Well, it's as if you are talking to yourself instead of having a (virtual) conversation or debate with someone else on the forum.

I must compliment you for your concerns.

So what do you think of Jesus and His stance against the religious leadership of Israel and for that matter , His total disregard for patriotism and His non-rebellious attitude towards the Romans ?

Why would we expect for Jesus or his followers to have been "patriotic" (in the present day sense of the word) toward the Roman Empire? It was, after all, an occupying force and not a government of, by and for the people---the kind that inspires devotion and a larger sense of duty toward one's countrymen and shared history.

As to His non-rebellious ways, Jesus' message (I've always believed) was directed to individuals, not governments. He wasn't trying to incite riots everywhere He went, except for the kind of internal riots that change hearts and minds. This was the true rebellion of His time on earth.

As to why Jesus defied the religious leaders of His day, maybe it was because He came here to replace their use of fear, dogmatic rules, and haughtiness before God with a way to empower and free all people to affirm this life and to have joy.

quote:

Originally posted by Ann:
Why would we expect for Jesus or his followers to have been "patriotic" (in the present day sense of the word) toward the Roman Empire?

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I did not mean patriotic towards the Roman Empire.



The Romans were clearly an occupying force in Israel and yet Jesus did not mention anything about this occupation and the zealots among the Jews clearly wanted Jesus to show His patriotism for Israel by rebelling against Rome

quote:

Originally posted by Ann:
As to His non-rebellious ways, Jesus' message (I've always believed) was directed to individuals, not governments.

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So you are saying that Jesus did not mind the occupation forces from a pagan enemy country ?

quote:

Originally posted by Ann:
He wasn't trying to incite riots everywhere He went, except for the kind of internal riots that change hearts and minds. This was the true rebellion of His time on earth.

.

So you are saying that Jesus was only interested in the internal spiritual strife in man rather than the political strife that comes from an occupying pagan enemy ?