Gabriel Salguero
Pastor and Executive Member, Latino Leadership Circle

Gabriel Salguero

Salguero is a pastor and executive member of the Latino Leadership Circle. He is also director of the Hispanic Leadership Program at Princeton Theological Seminary.

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Jesus: Is He Electable?

I think that Jesus, if nominated, would not run. Jesus' function as a prophet transcends political partisanship. I am utterly convinced that he would have a corrective for all political parties, this is what prophets do. 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.

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.

By Gabriel Salguero  |  March 10, 2008; 1:29 PM ET  | Category:  Religion & Politics
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Napoleon said , if you want to talk about leadership, you have to talk about Jesus. Every principle that he taught still relevant for our time. If you apply every principle to our today's life you will see powerful results.You don't have to be a politician to change the world. Jesus is more famous than all the politicians of his time and this time..Baby it's time for revival.

Posted by: The Prophet | March 26, 2008 10:58 AM
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Napoleon said , if you want to talk about leadership, you have to talk about Jesus. Every principle that he taught still relevant for our time. If you apply every principle to our today's life you will see powerful results.You don't have to be a politician to change the world. Jesus is more famous than all the politicians of his time and this time..Baby it's time for revival.

Posted by: The Prophet | March 26, 2008 10:53 AM
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Doodle doo doo do me. Lord oodle poodle. May you shoodle on hoodle coodle. I be your president yankee doodle. I be Jesus the great kaboodle. I like White House like Bill Clinton. I stand as independent, for a party that will be your loving saviour. No taxes I will stuff guilt into tax collectors conscious. I have the power to make you feel sorry and afraid. Goodle poodle.

Posted by: Dudley | March 22, 2008 6:43 PM
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Moses was Bush in Fire on the Top of the Mountain. Muhammed was Golden After the Line of Fire. Abraham was in Garden with Roses and in Lake with Fish after Fire.

Candle with Fire, MAtch with Fire, Cigar with Fire, Raphael with Fire, Michael with Sugar Inspiration and Breath.

ah you remember the poem to Williams Bush, ha! He knows this language. if Williams Bush is Fired, then He is able to have inspiration without fearing and torturing people.

Posted by: Anonymous | March 12, 2008 3:47 AM
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Jesus wouldn't know what to do as a politician for a country. Jesus wasn't a politician even in his own time, he was a political revolutionary. Jesus cannot survive leading a government, he can only survive reforming civilization from the ground up. Jesus cannot survive as the head of a socio-economic system as large as the USA, he can only survive critically and cynically assessing the damage that this system, and all systems do.

What politician would Jesus look like? The kind that gives up on his or her own game and abolishes all systems.

Allan.

Posted by: Allan | March 12, 2008 2:59 AM
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The FCC and FTC should ban all religions for false and flawed advertising. The includes Jesus' religion.

Posted by: Concerned The Christian Now Liberated | March 11, 2008 8:04 PM
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is Jesus electable?
every one eats supper.

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 3:09 PM
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is Jesus erectable?
Jesus is the carpenter.

is Jesus collectable?
Jesus is the gardener.

is Jesus correctable?
Jesus is not amendabble.

Jesus loves children.

is Jesus electable?
did He choose Apostels?

is Jesus electable?
i thank for the daily bread.

Jesus is the cook.


Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 3:06 PM
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is Jesus intellect-able?
Jesus is seed for the brain.

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 2:46 PM
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If Jesus came to America the first thing that would happen is he would be detained and strip-searched at the airport. Filthy middle-easterner with an unkempt beard and no luggage. In fact, chances are they would refuse him a visa.

Posted by: Pete | March 11, 2008 1:26 PM
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I believe that Jesus wouldn't have used one sentence to address abortion. The numbers are staggering, sinful and a vile stench of national complacency.

That being said, I agree that He would care a great deal more about how we are raising children. I think you would be surprised to find out that He would be appalled at how Christian parents allow their children to be indoctrinated in schools that are openly hostile God, and openly embracive of sin.

Jesus wasn't just a moral character and prophet, although He was indeed both, but He also claimed to be the Son of God and proved it in the resurrection. Either it happened (the resurrection), or it didn't. If it did, we're talking about the Son of God here. If it didn't we're talking about the biggest lie to ever be embraced by mankind.

I believe that the Son of God wouldn't look to human government to care for children, but to God fearing parents to raise them with all of the love, and resources they could muster. To all the rest, He longs for you to see Him for who and what He was, is and will be... The Messiah.

Posted by: Peter Lounsbury | March 11, 2008 12:21 PM
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I believe that Jesus wouldn't have used one sentence to address abortion. The numbers are staggering, sinful and a vile stench of national complacency.

That being said, I agree that He would care a great deal more about how we are raising children. I think you would be surprised to find out that He would be appalled at how Christian parents allow their children to be indoctrinated in schools that are openly hostile God, and openly embracive of sin.

Jesus wasn't just a moral character and prophet, although He was indeed both, but He also claimed to be the Son of God and proved it in the resurrection. Either it happened (the resurrection), or it didn't. If it did, we're talking about the Son of God here. If it didn't we're talking about the biggest lie to ever be embraced by mankind.

I believe that the Son of God wouldn't look to human government to care for children, but to parents to raise them with all of the love and concern they could muster. To all the rest, He longs for you to see Him for who and what He was, is and will be... The Messiah.

Posted by: Peter Lounsbury | March 11, 2008 12:20 PM
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PKK loves bear,kill baby..

Posted by: dont forget WP | March 11, 2008 11:33 AM
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Sayin Genelkurmay BAskani

Gelibolu’daki babanin Mevlevi isleri varmis galiba, Porsuk cayinin balcigina helikopter dusurmus, pervanesi cikmis, teknisyendir kendisi, hapse atmamislar da istifasini vermis emekliye cikmis. Asli var mi? binbesyuz koyunu ve saltanati da var miydi?

Annemin amcasi bascavus Teksas’a gitmisken babayi Almanya’ya yollamislar, bir guzel icirmisler, sicilinde lakaytlikla ilgili bir kayit var mi? o tarihlerde Eskisehir’de gosteride ucak dusmus kuyrugunu carpmis, kasklari icinde kafalarini bulmuslar, dogru mu, Asliyok yaylasinda konaklamislar mi?

Amcamiz deniz lisesinde okurken bir kizi hamile birakmis, evlenecekler ama liseden ayrilmak senet ile. İyi de nasil yedeksubay olmus ki? Hangi liseyi ve hatta universiteyi bitirmis? Karisi cingene mi kurd mu? Ne var ne yok odemisler de benim anneye ceyiz kalmamis, bu amcanin ogullari Suleyman da Beykoz’da bascavusken icimde bir aci donuyor demis gitmis, hastalik falan yok. tam da benim Haydarpasa’da ikinci saglik muayenem zamani. Oglu Izmir Maltepe’den ve Deniz Harp’ten tegmen cikmis, karisi sekerden kor olmus. Ne garip degil mi BAsbakan, baba askerde maden isine girmis batmis, askerde nasil is yapiyorlar ki?

Silifke’nin yogurdu iste. Mersin nire Duzum nire Basbakan? Cok garip bir ulke burasi, cok garip bir ulke. Manen maddeten. Duzeltirsin yikarlar, yikarsin dikerler. Sokugu olan var miydi? Kimi kime sikayet edersin BAsbakan, vicdan koymaktan baksa ne yapabilirim? Isa’yi beklerken vicdan buluyorlar, tembellik iste. Yasli insanlar onlar, cuklerini optururler ogullarini bagislamak icin, Elogluna yapiyorlardir birseyler.

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 11:27 AM
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Ahhhhh...but most importantly, Who Would Jesus Bomb?

Posted by: trailing begonia | March 11, 2008 11:15 AM
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To me, if Jesus come to our world, he would be very shameful of his not real disciples. Yes they are west world and in general all of them are Christians. And if he comes to our world, the Christians of today also in general, would kill him. The best, he should not come to our world and not see this condition. Because it is very very bad... yours sincerely

unverm@omu.edu.tr

Posted by: Mustafa Unver | March 11, 2008 10:39 AM
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Degirmendere Golcuk was announced that it was similar to California line, "eleventh ascended" 11 Richter Degrees and Flood. Israel was in the region in MArmara Sea that Admiral Ilhami Erdil (Inspired Male Tongue) was later heared.

Lydians, Greek Mythology, Arachna TAilor, frog, Cat, donkey-ear Midas,

Sevim Tanurek was a singer of our parents and ANAP Party of George Bush and Turgut Ozal in 1988. she died in an accident in Sisli Mecidiyekoy (Mary of Magedda, place of Armenians and Orthodox Russians) in front of Turkish Radio Television Building by a car driven by the son of Prime Minister Recep TAyyip Erdogan.

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 9:24 AM
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what is the 1999 crossroads that changed the destiny of the civilization, earthquake of Degirmednere or 2001 World Trade Tower that we read in AC 2150 by Thea Alexander?

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 9:12 AM
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bael.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal

what is the "energetic destruction" of mongolians in MASTERS of FAR EAST of BAird Spalding? what is the 1999 crossroads that changed the destiny of the civilization, earthquake of Degirmednere or 2001 World Trade Towers? which groups did write these books? STAR GATE ATLANTIS is a series of movies based on BAAL, ATLANTIS ELECTRA Shining Ambersome Bright.

Atlantis, lemuria (east of asia)
maternal, paternal

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 9:10 AM
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i was expecting this experiment was for Istanbul, but Alasehir Manisa of St Paul and St John is really awesome.

so what did happen later in Mersin, Cukurova and Cottonland, Civil War? what did happen to the crew and then what did happen to Alasehir MAnisa?

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 8:57 AM
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and now lets see what is the Philadelphia Experiment for?

and where was John MCCain then, and lets see who was enslaved while John McCain was enslaved in Vietnam?

this is BAseball game. this is not mirroring, this is energy transfer and Tesla's work.

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 11, 2008 8:55 AM
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Ditto on the waterboarding. He'd look to much like a terrorist.

Posted by: Clayton Mauritzen | March 11, 2008 2:44 AM
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I think we would probably waterboard Jesus if he came to the U.S.today.

Posted by: gregs | March 10, 2008 10:28 PM
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I'm looking forward to Jesus coming back to rule and reign on this earth. I know He will set ALL things right. In the Bible There will be a 1000 year reign after the 7 year tribulation that will take place(Rev.20:4-6). In (Rev 19:11-21) & (Rev 20:1-6) and other verses in scripture reveals what happens when Christ returns. He WILL rule on this earth. No one knows the timing when. Come Lord Jesus!

Posted by: Cindy Murphy | March 10, 2008 9:45 PM
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Jesus left us two great commandments that sum up the intent of the original ten. Meeting the two, in letter and spirit, would prevent one from violating any ethical or maral principle. These commandments allow the disciple to navigate his dealings with his fellows, and life in general, with confidence that his corner of the world will be a better place for his passing. One sees little in the daily news to make a body think that political action and discourse is anywhere near leaning in this direction

As the exemplar on earth for the living of this type of life, Jesus would probably consider public office as too limiting and decline to run. His goals and actions played to a much larger agenda than the daily trivia that predominates the political news at any level.

Posted by: Joe Macartney | March 10, 2008 5:47 PM
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"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."

What would Jesus do? He was speaking to fellow Jews. He was speaking of the difference between slavery and enslavement, something not understood in Latin and Greek or Islamic cultures. That misunderstanding is the reason why Jews are oppressed. Christianity and Islam are beliefs of slavery. Freedom of belief and questioning of dogma are not permissable in these religious governments.
The Jew is required to question and to study the holy tracts and the interpretations of law and to discuss them openly. The Jew is obligated only to his God, not his government for moral and ethical decisions.

It is not for the goyim to inject cultural bias into questions of ethics, or analyse behavior according to political or cultural influences. Ethics is not a matter of value judgments based on beliefs. Beliefs are extreme in nature. They are the emotional reactions of fearlessness, a condition in which no consideration is give to the effects of a decision, or fearfulness expressed as anger and hate.
That is not the basis for rational, moral judgments, especially in keeping with the idea that man was made in the image of God.

Slavery is a cultural condition. Enslavement is an idea. To be a slave to a religion one must believe in slavery. To be a member of a religion one must constantly question the values of that religion against the cultural bias of the day before there is a decision concerning the ethical behavior mandated by belief

Jesus would do what he would always do. He would do what was right and just, if he was certain what right and just was.

Posted by: Morton Kurzweil | March 10, 2008 5:35 PM
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I am an elderly agnostic who searched in my youth for spiritual guidance. The thing that struck me was that Jesus renounced the "eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth" that is part of the other religeans originating in the middle east. Unfortunately, many christians do not.

Posted by: Jim R | March 10, 2008 4:55 PM
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Amos 5 .vs. greed is good?

and you know he was quite the left wing radical!

Jesus or mohammad or the woman no one talks about....
would have a devoted following and most others they'd lose.

too bad no one gets that IN all the relgions of the world( EXCEPT DEVIL/evil WORSHIP) the basics are the same.

and maybe how we are the same and that we are really all one that is THE BIG LESSON to learn.

who commands more respect day to day a social worker who helps severely disabled or a successful cosmetologist or a corporate mogal?

WE determine this.
only we can
create an environment fro the rewards to be fro true goodness.
ONLY individuals doing it and asking others to join can
BE THE CHANGE.

the word from the streets- where i barely live.

Posted by: d matthews | March 10, 2008 4:53 PM
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I am an elderly agnostic who searched in my youth for spiritual guidance. The thing that struck me was that Jesus renounced the "eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth" that is part of the other religeans originating in the middle east. Unfortunately, many christians do not.

Posted by: Jim R | March 10, 2008 4:46 PM
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if Jesus were in, would there be elections?

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 10, 2008 2:44 PM
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God Bless Williams Bush, President of USA,

months ago, communists and muslims were "terrorist". and now "communism" is a term for Apostels that had communed.

so any one who shall apply to live in USA will be announced as "terrorist", candidate or student to be apostelic.

who had educated Ahmet prophet was a Nestorian Christian too. the faith shall be complete and healthy. this is the Stand-Up!

Posted by: hakelminopuv | March 10, 2008 2:38 PM
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I am an atheist, so I don't believe much of what you wrote, but you made an intelligent and coherent attempt to answer the question directly. That I appreciate very much.

Posted by: DZ | March 10, 2008 11:51 AM
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