Would Jesus Occupy? Fountain Street Church says yes and backs movement heartily

[Bozita]

Would Jesus Occupy? Fountain Street Church says yes and backs movement heartily
Published: Saturday, October 29, 2011, 7:00 AM Updated: Saturday, October 29, 2011, 9:20 AM
By Garret Ellison | The Grand Rapids Press


GRAND RAPIDS — If Jesus were here today, would he be among those hoisting a sign as part of the Occupy Wall Street movement? The Rev. Fred Wooden thinks so.

As senior pastor of the nondenominational Fountain Street Church, Wooden delivered a sermon this month which highlighted the similarities between the Occupy movement’s cry for economic equality and the gospel story of Jesus cleansing the temple by casting out the money changers.

But Wooden didn’t stop at words when it came to expressing solidarity with the Occupy movement. The church has allowed the Occupy Grand Rapids protesters to camp in its parking lot at night and is providing other support measures.

It appears the movement has found an ally in the faith community due to their cry for social and economic justice. On Monday, the Vatican’s call for the establishment of a “global public authority” and a “central world bank” to rule over financial institutions was seen immediately as a measure of support for Occupy Wall Street.

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http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/10/would_jesus_occupy_fountain_st.html

[Jnana]

1. Not being a religious person, I'm not really sure, but I thought that Jesus

was supposed to be on everyone's side.

Nevertheless, one thing I am absolutely sure of is that the Vatican’s call for the establishment of a “global public authority” and a “central world bank” clearly demonstrates why there should be a wall of separation between the supernatural and the state.

[PETRUS]

3. According to my understanding, you are right on both counts.

Going by the Gospel (which is probably flawed, but the accepted record) Jesus preached a message of personal (spiritual) salvation and the imperative to help the least among us. This included many warnings about abuses of power perpetrated by the wealthy and politically connected - i.e., one could argue that being on everyone's side includes both lifting up the poor and powerless AND telling the 1% to back off and give up their wealth and power. He also railed and rebelled against the established authority of the church.

[Hatchling]

4. Matthew

19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

[canoeist52]

2. This is what churches' stance should be.

“There is a biblical concern for justice that’s not just a liberal, left concept,” said Wallis, who added that Christians who look down upon the Occupy movement are not following their traditions. "The Bible says you see the truth of a society more clearly from the bottom and the edges than from the top,”