THE QUESTION

Candidate Jesus

If the historical Jesus were running for president, what kind of candidate would he be? Republican or Democrat? For or against the death penalty, the Iraq war, abortion, etc.?

Posted by Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham on March 4, 2008 12:22 PM
FROM THE PANEL

Jesus: Is He Electable?

Let me be clear that Christian does not equal blind allegiance to any political party or ideology. This is dangerous and idolatrous. Jesus would also be critical of religious practices that oppressed and ignored any group that includes Jews, Muslims, Hindus, agnostics, atheists, secularists, etc.

Posted by Gabriel Salguero, on March 10, 2008 1:29 PM

Memo To Politicians: Let Jesus Rest In Peace

Enough with this silly speculation about what Jesus would have done. I am interested in what Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain would do as president of the United States. And I am certain of one thing: none of these candidates is the reincarnation of Jesus.

Posted by Susan Jacoby, on March 10, 2008 12:45 PM

Leader of the Movement, not the Party

Were the historical Jesus in our midst, he would oppose the notion that running within the system would produce a president to change the system.

Posted by Anthony M. Stevens-Arroyo, on March 7, 2008 4:41 PM

How Would Jesus Vote?

Under today's circumstances, Jesus might speak of peace or poverty or the sacred duty to protect human life. But he would not offer a concrete political program.

Posted by Thomas G. Bohlin, on March 7, 2008 4:22 PM

Jesus Would Be A Liberal

Jesus would not stand a chance of winning a presidential election just as he would not stand a chance of getting a university job.

Posted by Arun Gandhi, on March 7, 2008 1:17 PM

No Religious Litmus Tests

As for Jesus and the United States presidency, I think he would take a pass knowing that his broad-based advocacy work requires a change in people’s hearts as well as their politics.

Posted by Welton Gaddy, on March 7, 2008 12:12 AM

Why Jesus Lost the Nomination

It seems to be forgotten that Jesus once ran for President, and the result was a fiasco. Since the first plank of his platform was "Love your enemies," he had no choice but to seek the nomination of both parties at the same time.

Posted by Deepak Chopra, on March 6, 2008 8:43 AM

Gospel Politics

I wish I could say that either the Republicans or the Democrats measured up to the gospel politics of Jesus, but to be truthful, they’re not even close.

Posted by Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, on March 6, 2008 7:40 AM

He'd Be a Crucified Demopublican

If the historical Jesus were running for our United States presidency, He would be a Demopublican. I think He would also be assassinated, lynched, or if you prefer, crucified as before.

Posted by Gardner Calvin Taylor, on March 6, 2008 6:52 AM

'Not of This World'

The only possible way in which one could deal with this question is to simply assume that someone wanted to be as Christ-like as possible, which means to take a biblical perspective on the various issues.

Posted by Charles "Chuck" Colson, on March 6, 2008 5:57 AM

He'd Be Rejected by Democrats and Republicans

Clearly, opposition candidates and the media, as well as self-righteous religious leaders, would have a field day with this politically naive, unrealistic candidate!

Posted by John Esposito, on March 4, 2008 3:26 PM

He Would Challenge Power, Not Run for It

The real question is, what sort of a cross would today's system be intent on using to kill him?

Posted by Nicholas T. Wright, on March 4, 2008 3:22 PM

He Wouldn't

He comes down to lift us up, not to stay and be brought down to our level!

Posted by Cal Thomas, on March 4, 2008 3:20 PM

FEATURED COMMENTS

Speaking Truth: Jesus was the ultimate politician. He was always involved with the matters of his nation. He wouldn't run for office nor would he align hi...

Cheryl: This argument is ridiculous. He wouldn't be IN politics in the first place, as all politicians are liars to some degree,are dishonest and de...

G. WILSON: Christ would never have stood for president of the U.S.A. He would never have told a single lie, let alone the plethora of lies required of...

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