Rather than annoy people in this election season with a political blog, I thought I’d be religious today.
As Tuesday approaches, the heated discourse both in our nation’s political arena and on this blog makes me pensive. And today at church the gospel reading (Matthew 5:5-12) seemed made to order for what’s going through my mind and perhaps yours.
Jesus said: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Oh great, now he’s annoying people with religion. An equal opportunity annoyer. Here’s one non-theist who hopes that the religious right will not win on Tuesday.
Wow Rick you have now really thrown me and you have never thrown me before. I do not understand this blog are you trying to say that this message is somehow tied into Obama being some kind of prophet or a political savior on the same level that Jesus was deemed a religious savior. If that is what you are trying to subliminally implant here then I just throw my hands up in the air snd say God this so so desperate. If it is not what you are trying to say then I still throw my hands up in the air and say God what is wrong with him, this is so disjointed for a travel blog. If you are just trying to lift spirits of people then what about the Jews, Muslims, Hindis, Buddists and Ba’hai who read your blog have you not uplifting words for them in what they believe? I believe Obama will be elected and I also believe that because of the color of his skin there will be attempts on his life that will distract us from the business at hand. I believe to test his mettle there will be more attacks on our country at home and on our country men abroad throwing us into more chaos than we are in right now. Travel will trickle to a slow drip again and people’s hostilities will rise again. I don’t feel very optomistic right now and do hope that all this change he talks about implementing will benefit me not put a yoke around my neck my child’s neck. Reading the line “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” struck a chord as I am watching A Mighty Heart right now and Danny Perl might disagree with that.
My take KathyM is that he is just saying “Hang in there” to anyone who is frustrated w/whatever is going on in the world. No politics, no religion, even though it’s quoted from the bible, just a simple word of encouragement.
I love it. Religion and politics, topics designed to bring peace and harmony to troubled families – even my wife and I yell at each other when we can’t understand why the other is so bull headed as to not understand such simple concepts. Thanks for keeping the pot stirred up. Come to think of it, the Fellow who spoke those simple, peaceful beatitudes also created quite a stir in his lifetime (and ever since also).
KathyM–if Rick had quoted Confucius, would you be so quick to demand something for the Christians among his readers? I agree with chrisC. Let’s relax a little.
Awesome. Absolutely Awesome. I’m not sure why Rick put his post up, but after the vitriol his previous post elicited, this was like a balm out of Gilead. Judging by KathyM’s response, Jesus’s words still manage to discomfit people in the 21st century. In fact, the parallel passage from Luke should be even more problematic for our comfort zone. ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,for you will be filled.‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. ‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
We also had a humbling sermon this past Sunday. One of our mission churches in Africa heard of the damage caused by Hurricane Ike in our area. They took up a special contribution to help us. Their regular weekly contribution is 18K Ugandan shillings. In addition to that, they raised 36,250 Uganda shillings just for us. That equates to $21.96. It is humbling that a congregation with little material wealth has so much spiritual richness. It reminds me of words from the Apostle Paul, “they gave out of their poverty.”
After scanning through your last posting with 90 some odd responses, I am amazed that so many people who have done all this traveling are still so one siding about the world. I really would have thought they would have gotten a bigger perspective than how good the food and wine is in Europe.
Rick, a bit confusing because I am not sure how it applies, but still appreciated. What I have always enjoyed is that I think of you as the ideal dinner guest. You appear to always be kind and would provide wonderfully stimulating conversation. As an aside, I do enjoy your blog more when it is more escapist in nature; those times after reading that I can close my eyes and see, hear, smell Europe and other foreign lands. However, these little detours into politics and religion are also of value. I guess I could have gotten excited about Obama, but he never told anyone to what we would change. How does he “change” anything when his choice of running mate was as much of the problem as Biden. Further, he never explained how he could be closely associated with so many unsavory people and be completely ignorant of their atrocious beliefs and practices. How does that happen? Wrapping up the same old same old in pretty paper and repeating the word change seems to appeal to a lot of citizens. On the other hand, it will not be difficult to do better than W. I pray Obama can do better and will be lead by God. He will need it.
fiscal conservative, social conservative here…probably more libertarian by definition. Agnostic as well. Definitely not atheist as I do believe there is something out there. Straight, married with kids. Having said all that, I love Rick Steves. He’s so vastly different than me, but damn he’s entertaining and I own many of his books/dvds as I currently live in Germany. Anyway Rick, keep up the good work. And on a sidenote, how can atheists believe in ghosts? That’s about as contradictory as pro-choice folks who don’t believe in the death penalty.
KathyM: Sometimes a Bible verse…is just a Bible verse.
Thank you Rick! See you make so much sence. For the life of me, I will never unerstand how there are so many people in this country that are supposedly religious but preach hate and war instead of love like Jesus did. I guess it goes back to slavery. These people thought they were good christians while they saw it justified to have slaves. To me guns and religion just don’t seem to mix but somehow in this country it is possible. Also the same people are for death penalty but against abortion. I will never get it. I guess it is because of my different cultural upbringing. But you Rick I agree with!
I absolutely understand what Rick is saying here, and those of you who say you don’t understand why he posted this verse- go to his previous posts about politics and read the comments. And if you live in the USA and have been getting the political mailings like I have been, you’ll see more of the same name-calling, hate-mongering, division-making vitriol and ire that was directed at Rick after his posts. Lots of reviling and persecuting and uttering all kinds of false evil, very little mercy and peace-making. Also, a person’s blog is a reflection of that person and his/her interests, be it travel or cooking or politics or whatever. So let’s stop with the “this is supposed to be a travel blog, why is this political post here?” business. Rick is deeply interested in travel, yes, but also with many other things that he shares here, on his blog, exercising his right of free speech. As commenters, we have that same right, but if one expresses their opinion with the kind of name-calling, hate-mongering and etc., I’ve seen here and around the Web, in my opinion, you invalidate and discredit not only your opinion but your intelligence and your maturity. Rick, here’s my suggestion for your next post: cute kitten pics. Gets’em every time.
What confused me about the verse is the context. These verses are rather specific; “for my sake” is what is important. The context that Rick was presenting this is that he was being persecuted/reviled, etc. for his political opinions. The problem for me is that he is not standing for Jesus when he does these things (if he has I have missed those conversations), but he was wrapping himself in the mantle of a martyr for Christ. It was oil and water. As an aside, peacemakers don’t start out condemning others. So before anyone goes painting themselves with self-righteousness indignation, let’s just take a breather and listen to what others say and try to understand why might have that opinion. There are so few honest politicians and in this current race, on every level, I haven’t seen a single one. Cheers
Rick…………I read the intent of this blog entry from you as it was intended…….to have people think about things in life a bit…..you don’t have to be religious to see some food for thought at least in the passage you quote………..I think political discussion is OK when people do so with respect…..I like the Buffalo Bills and someone else likes the Green Bay Packers….can have fun arguing which team is better for example without vitriol…..keep on blogging Rick….
Great post, Rick. I’m not a Christian, but feel wisdom is good no matter the source. Wisdom is a universal language and so I didn’t feel excluded. Your quote inspired me to look more closely into myself for the things I still need to work on. I hope it inspires others to do the same.
And just where do you think you fit in?
Can’t we all just drink along?
For James G, I have more of a problem with people calling themselves pro-life and supporting the death penalty. To me that is truly an oxymoron. I am pro-choice and against the death penalty, but not because I think people who commit heinous crimes shouldn’t have the same things done to them (I can be as unforgiving and blood-thirsty as the next person, particularly when a child is brutally murdered). Rather, I see how much money we waste dealing with all of their appeals (it is MUCH cheaper to just lock them up for life) AND I also fear that in the name of “justice” innocent people could be put to death in error. Having seen so many such people be released lately when exonerated by new evidence (admittedly no one on death row–yet) tightens my resolve against the death penalty.
Amen…
I’m a pagan, not a Christian, but I appreciate and respect the place from which Rick posted this verse. That’s the beauty of the blog: it’s about getting to know the blogger, and maybe having bit of dialogue with them. I may get sick of Bible verses in the national discourse, but when I read a Christian’s blog, it’s to be expected. Rick, this election season has been rough on the country as a whole as well as your blog. I hope there’s reconciliation and a shift in direction to come. My hopes are the same as yours for the outcome of this election. One of the nice things we have seen over the past months is how people can be very different and very much alike at the same time. I hope we keep on discovering that as a country–that our goals are more alike than not.
I am a Soldier and leader of Soldiers, and I take my responsibility as a Christian very seriously. I feel that Rick’s views of the field of International Relations to be very parochial and lacking in nuance. Rick epitomizes the worst aspects of Global Meliorism (see “Promised Land, Crusader State” by Walter A. McDougall). Psalm 144:1 (NIV) Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. Luke 22:36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church 2263: The legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing. “The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one’s own life; and the killing of the aggressor. . . . The one is intended, the other is not.” Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church 2265: Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.
rick: i truly admire your courage. you are walking your talk. keep up the fantastic blog posts and may god blees you.
oh for pete’s sake… *bless* you…may god *bless* you.
Holy Crap I have been Jim Humbardfied in the blog.
Pete: In the group that chooses not to hate, not to react, but to learn how to think. At least that is what I try to do.
KathyM don’t worry about it. You have been a great contributor to the board for a long time. God Bless America.
I’m praying for the elections today at church.
I don’t know if you can honestly call a great polarizer a great contributor. I think we’d all be further ahead if we made sure our acts were worthy of God’s blessings.
Fantastic!!! And, at the moment there is so much hope for a new direction for our country!!! Loved the thoughts…Go Rick!
Rick, I *really* have to wonder what Anne’s been putting in your orange juice lately.
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Rick, I love and respect the way you think. You are one of my favorite people in this world. I learn so much from you about everything. This is your blog and you should be able to write what you want. THANK GOD OBAMA WON!!!!
I can’t help but believe that the Taliban, Al Qeuda, and mutitudes of militant Muslims are rubbing their hand together in glee after what happened on Nov 4. I sincerely hope that Mr. Obama has the ‘nads’ to stand up to these folks who’s goal is to rule the planet. Millions will be disappointed if he ends up with a “Carter-like-head in the sand approach” Hope we don’t have to go in once again and rescue the European’s sorry butts….It’s a shame it only takes a few generations to forget the huge sacrifice this nation expended in during the 2nd world war. Let’s face it…most of the people on the planet are jealous of us and our wealth, and freedom. If the above mentioned bad guys get their way….none of us will have to worry about the possiblity or luxury of world travel…
What’s with all the irrational fear? I guess there those who are afraid that everything will go bad and those who will work hard to make sure things go well, so they don’t have to live in fear. It’s a choice.
Really Rick…Jesus would not support a candidate that supports the killing of innocent children (abortion) or who supports gay marriage! Unlike yourself, Jesus looks at other qualities than the stamps in his/her passport!
Drew, sounds like you think Jesus would support McCain. The guy who supports invading countries that haven’t attacked us, torture and daily killing of women and children in Iraq and Afghanistan. You guys and your logic careen around life like the balls in a pinball machine.
Bev, what would your thoughts be on Jesus’ take on abortion? I believe the bible as written in the original Greek says thou shalt not murder. I think this has something to do with guilt, which also relates to innocence. If I were not so simple minded I am sure I could reason out how abortion would be approved by the Original Messiah. You mention killing women and children in Irag I assume you must be speaking of Saddam who murdered and tortured hundreds of thousands if not millions of his own citizens? Wait I hear bells and see flashing lights,,, TILT!
Bev, I have many friends who have served in Irag as pilots. While flying missions that were sanctioned to enforce U.N. mandates and Colin Powell approved, they were absolutely attacked nearly every week. Perhaps by us you mean Bev and George but if you mean US as in USA then surely us were attacked and repeatedly.
For what it’s worth, the original language would have been Hebrew (not Greek).
Don’t waste your time Troy. History and logic play no part in this discussion.
So very sorry Troy and Tom. Indeed you are correct, the OT was mostly Hebrew with a dash of Aramaic but NT was Koine Greek. The question still stands, what are your thoughts on Christ’s judgement of abortion? Hey my spammer check word is chimps!
Given that the history of Christ is controversial, it is impossible to know. However, I think his general philosophy would apply, which seems to be the feeling of the time. Not my area and does not address any points I made, so I won’t have anything further to say on the subject.
Comrade Rick, It feels sooo good to be a elitist liberal. Mother Mary weeps for the little babies in the womb who you VOTE to murder with state support. A pro-abort cafeteria catholic,, shame on you!
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