{"id":1579,"date":"2013-03-11T22:19:01","date_gmt":"2013-03-12T02:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/intramuralist.com\/?p=1579"},"modified":"2013-03-11T22:26:17","modified_gmt":"2013-03-12T02:26:17","slug":"the-origin-of-the-claim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intramuralist.com\/?p=1579","title":{"rendered":"the origin of the claim"},"content":{"rendered":"

Steven Colbert of the \u201cThe Colbert Report\u201d is a comedic genius.\u00a0 Most comedic geniuses, in my semi-humble opinion, are strikingly funny because there is an element of perceived truth in what they actually say.\u00a0 The following Colbert quote (possessing possible, perceived truth)<\/em> was in an attempt not<\/em> to be so funny:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn’t help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we’ve got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don’t want to do it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Originally shared in December of 2010, the concept claimed by Colbert continues to gain traction.\u00a0 It\u2019s actually a fascinating concept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the challenge…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There currently exists significant social policy in which the stated motivation is to help the poor.\u00a0 The motive \u2014 at least that which is publicly stated \u2014 and which has been affirmed amidst these postings \u2014 is to abundantly assist the so-called \u201cleast of these.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s a valid, compassionate motive.\u00a0 How can we care \u2014 how should<\/em> we care \u2014 for the lesser among us?\u00a0 And perhaps the absolute best question that arises \u2014 in regard to the formation of actual policy \u2014 is how are we called to such care?\u00a0 Is it an individual or a corporate, government calling?\u00a0 Is it a natural outflow of our heart or an essential government mandate?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

(… great question…)<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What I find most interesting about Colbert\u2019s claim, no less \u2014 dismissing the completely unsubstantiated facade that Jesus was selfish \u2014 is that he ties the call to help the poor to the person of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Let me get this straight…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Many of those who advocate social policy in which monies are usurped from the wealthy to go directly to the poor believe the act is exactly what Jesus has called us to do.\u00a0 That, too, is an excellent question with which each of us should wrestle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I wonder then what Jesus meant when he said, \u201cIf you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Obviously, if we were to follow the call and command of the Savior of the world \u2014 again not distinguishing between the individual, corporate, and\/or national calling \u2014 we would not hesitate to generously feed the hungry and care for the poor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yet herein lies the challenge.\u00a0 Many of the same people who passionately advocate for a feeding of the hungry and caring for the poor omit the origin of the calling.\u00a0 Many will call for compassionate action, yet they will simultaneously omit the name of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Which is it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Are we to feed the hungry?<\/p>\n

… care for the poor?<\/p>\n

And thus, too, are we to acknowledge where the calling came from?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Or are we to believe it\u2019s wise to follow such a claim, without ever acknowledging the calling\u2019s origin?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fascinating… yes, fascinating indeed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Respectfully… always…<\/p>\n

AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Steven Colbert of the \u201cThe Colbert Report\u201d is a comedic genius.\u00a0 Most comedic geniuses, in my semi-humble opinion, are strikingly funny because there is an element of perceived truth in what they actually say.\u00a0 The following Colbert quote (possessing possible, perceived truth) was in an attempt not to be so funny:   \u201cIf this is … <\/p>\n

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