Coming to Terms with a Lord and Savior Who Isn't a Republican

I have always despised the far right's efforts to make Jesus into a card-carrying Reaganite Republican, just as I would anointing him as a Dem, a Libertarian, a Socialist, or a whatever the hell Ross Perot was (besides a daffy authoritarian nutcase). Now comes a growing attempt to de-GOP Jesus (hallelujah!).

From The Carpetbagger Report:

Slowly but surely, the burgeoning "religious left" seems not only to be generating some media attention, but also some compelling soundbites.

Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches: "Jesus never said one word about homosexuality, never said one word about civil marriage or abortion."

The Rev. Tony Campolo: "We are furious that the religious right has made Jesus into a Republican. That's idolatry. To recreate Jesus in your own image rather than allowing yourself to be created in Jesus' image is what's wrong with politics."

The Rev. Jim Wallis: "Right now the war in Iraq costs us $1 billion per week. And we can't get $5 billion over ten years for child care in this country?"

I've said it before; I'll say it again: "religious" is too often a synonym for "conservative." That won't change over night, but it's encouraging to see likable, compelling figures step up into leadership roles in the "religious left." They're making a good-faith effort (pun intended) to change the landscape, and it's long overdue.