Jesus vs. The Pharisees

From what I've seen and heard from both the Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention, we can tell a lot about both parties.

First, there was the RNC in Tampa, Florida.  Most of the Republican speakers were white and men.  All wanted us to be afraid of the Black man in the Oval Office.  He was destroying our country, we were told (which is a lie).  He was giving the country over to the Blacks, we were told in their covert racist language (which is a lie).  He was destroying Medicare and we (the Republicans) would protect and save it (this is one of the biggest lies as the exact opposite is true).  So, listening to the Republicans, it was clear--they are Pharisees.  They are the people who are "in control" or want to be and will lie, cheat and steal to get that power.  Because it is power and money they love, not God.  This link gives a good description of the Pharisees--

http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/pharisee.htm


With this being the takeaway line--

"The lesson from the Pharisees' example is that self-righteousness is not righteousness, and that God's true people are to live according to all of God's Word, not just certain parts that are most convenient or to one's own liking."

Jesus didn't pull punches with the Pharisees as this link demonstrates--

http://bible.org/seriespage/chapter-23-jesus-condemns-scribes-and-pharisees

If you have read my Republican Abomination series, this should not be new information.  What may be new information is how the Democratic National Convention models more of What Jesus Would Like To See (WJWLTS).  The Democrats have minorities, women, gays, young and old.  Quite a different mix than the old angry white male Republican who is brainwashed and delusional.  I am not saying the Democrats are perfect or great, but they seem to model behavior that Jesus could support, rather than the self-righteous, self-proclaimed rightwing "Christians" of the Republican Party.

Jesus was the friend of sinners as this link reminds us--

http://themasterstable.wordpress.com/2009/02/22/jesus-friend-of-sinners/

Jesus hung out with sinners, not the Pharisees (because the Pharisees, like modern Republicans were delusional--thinking they were better than everyone else--even Jesus.  If Jesus reappeared today, the Republicans would try to crucify Him!)  Jesus hung out with the worst in society at that time--prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners in general.

Jesus gave sinners hope and faith.  Pharisees gave sinners a burden that brought them down.  Today, Democrats give Americans hope and faith, Republicans place a burden on us all so the rich Pharisees can benefit.  Jesus gave us love, Pharisees give us hate and division.  Today, Republicans give us hate and division.  Democrats are open to people who are different.  Republicans hate those who are different.  Tell me, who are the Christians again?