Occupy Wall Street Update: Protests split Christian community right and left
October 15, 2011 New York
As the Occupy Wall Street protests continue and have now spread to Europe, U.S. shores are experiencing a different aspect of the movement: a division in the Christian community. Charisma magazine pointed out that the movement has split the religious community down the right and the left. For those who may feel a bit out of the loop; here’s a quick breakdown. Unlike what many might think, Christians do not all think the same, vote the same or interpret Christianity and the Scriptures in the same manner. There are some Christians that are more conservative and staunch Republicans, while others call themselves Christians and are 100% pure Democrats. There are Christians who identify as gay and lesbian and there’s a growing movement of Christian liberals.
So how do the majority of Christians view the Occupy Wall Street movement? There is no definitive answer. There are many Christians that believe in the prosperity gospel and believe that if someone is rich, it’s because they had enough faith in God to “claim” those blessings. On the other hand, there are many Christians that equate poverty and suffering with being closer to God- most often quoting the Beatitudes. Some Christians feel that big government is actually more in line with the teachings of Jesus- that a true Christian would never turn their back on the poor, the hungry, the widow, the orphan and the needy; while some argue that there will be poor always and there isn’t enough one person can do to meet the needs of those who are most destitute.
Some Christians agree with the movement while others criticize it. Reminiscent of the 70s Hippie movement; it seems that the Christian right is against Occupy Wall Street while the Christian left is praising the move.
What side are you on?
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Comments
We as asking ALL Christians to join us in showing and voicing your presence across this great nation in the OCCUPY movement. We TOO are part of the 99% and are searching to be freed from economic corruption and greed! God Bless America! http://www.occupychristians.snappages.com
I think it is important to note that the “Christian capitalists” are going completely against what Christ said to his followers. I do not believe these Dominionists are Christian, I feel they are a cult that is very schismatic in nature. Thank you for posting this as it gives a good short summary that is timely and important.