A prophet ( I believe Jesus is much more than this) provides, in the words of Walter Brueggemann, an alternative consciousness to the oppressive practices of dominant cultures. Let me also be clear: No one, especially me, can answer the question "What would Jesus do?" without the huge admission that we don't often know exactly how he would react. Jesus was a master of subverting expectations. So when speculating about Jesus as a candidate for U.S. president we should venture with great humility and recognition of our limitedness.

Nevertheless, the writings of Jesus' followers highlight a Jesus ethic that can serve as a paradigm for interpreting on how he might speak to issues of our day. Certainly, even his sayings have been the subjects of volumes and libraries full of different interpretations. Still, as a follower of Jesus I am challenged to respond (not necessarily answer) this hypothetical question about Jesus and presidential candidacy with hopes of fostering a healthy conversation that would improve our shared common lives.

Jesus in his first Sermon in Nazareth (I am aware of historical critical scholarship and will not address that here) stated his commitment to "preach the gospel to the poor, proclaim freedom to the captive, recovery of sight to the blind, release the oppressed, and announce the year of the Lord's favor." These commitments of first mention give us a sense of some of Jesus' formative commitments to the least of these. Given Jesus' formation in a Jewish home and his knowledge of Hebrew prophetic tradition, there is little doubt that he was critical of any practice, political or religious, that ignored or oppressed the poor. Similarly, as a first century Jew he was clearly aware of the perils of military occupation and the abuse of the powers of Caesar. While he never mounted a military insurrection the message of Jesus provided another way, the way of love and justice. He did turn some tables over.

I think Jesus would be clear that no party has a monopoly on love or justice. Regrettably, the politics of personal destruction are still a major part of many political campaigns. Both parties have been guilty at times of demonizing the other and that's not quite Jesus-like. This being said I think that there are people of good will in both parties who earnestly believe they are doing what is best and morally acceptable for this country. In addition, one does not have to be Christian to be electable and a good legislator, executive, judge. Still there are times where Jesus fundamentally challenged people's assumption of what is good and best. Both the rich young ruler and Zacchaeus the tax-collector had to re-examine their notions of what following Jesus meant.

I wonder what Jesus would say about much of the xenophobic and nativist rhetoric surrounding the immigration debate. I seem to remember love your neighbor and the Good Samaritan as good narratives for informing public policy both foreign and domestic. I wonder what Jesus would say about the huge economic divides in this nation and between this nation and many other countries. A chasm that leaves to many people, particularly women and children, starving to death on a daily basis? What would Jesus say about the educational chasm between affluent districts and Appalachia, Native American reservations, and some urban and rural districts? What of the ever-increasing hunger for military and economic power that contributes to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the U.S and elsewhere? Jesus' prophetic impulse may alienate him from those who believe that weapons equals safety. Jesus as a healer would speak to the AIDS/HIV pandemic.

I also think that Jesus would have to say something to all sides of the aisles about the abortion of fetuses too often used as a birth-control mechanism and the refusal to provide holistic care for children once outside of the womb. Jesus would say something for and about these little ones." In addition, Jesus would speak on behalf of the many children exploited in child-labor, prostitution, victims of wars and Genocides, and human-trafficking. Would Jesus be a Republican, Democrat, or Independent? Jesus, speaking in this context, would continuously speak prophetically to all parties on behalf of an ethic of the kingdom of God that is life-honoring and seeks to call us to the best of our humanity. These are not Republican, Democratic, or Independent issues these are human issues that call for prophetic action.

Let me add one thing that I think it is important to note. I have noticed the legitimate concern of collapsing religion and government, faith and politics on this blog and elsewhere. I hold very dearly to the separation of church and state, the freedom of religion and from religious tyranny. I recognize the inalienable right of all peoples to believe, disbelieve, doubt, or refuse to comment as they wish. My commitment to being a disciple of Jesus Christ cannot and should not be imposed on others, just as no other faith, agnosticism, etc should be imposed on me. Still, I think that Jesus (whom I confess as God and Lord) has something to contribute to shared common life that should not be dismissed. There are other figures and writings who also contribute to this conversation in the public sphere and should be respected.