During my adolescent years in Bangladesh, I’ve always been fascinated by religions, but none other than Christianity. What intrigued me the most about Christianity is its parallelisms with Islam. Both religions believed in Jesus and his virgin birth, and both Christians and Muslims believe that Jesus will return and save us from evil. I’ve always believed that the philosophy of Christ is the one of love, compassion, equality and forgiveness. Mother Teresa and Dr. King were true followers of Christ; the same cannot be said about our elected representatives of the Republican Party.
Right before Christmas, Republicans passed a tax cut plan that will result in a trillion-dollar tax bailout for the rich. The burden of these tax cuts will be felt hardest by the working class. In a form of reverse Robin Hood, this tax plans takes from the underprivileged and gives to the very rich. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:23-24) This quote does not imply that Christ hated rich people, but that he hated greedy people. Not a single revelation of Jesus exists which would support the rich getting richer while the underprivileged continue to work for scraps. The rising income inequality is grotesque and immoral and the Republican Party continues to support such un-Christ like policies.
Since coming into office, Republicans have worked hard to repeal and undermine the Affordable Care Act. Already we have seen many Americans lose their health insurance as premiums skyrocketed. Now there are talks of privatization of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. There is nothing evil about promoting social equality and instituting social programs that help the unfortunate. Civilized societies should have a social safety net to help those who’ve fallen victim to a moving economy. Jesus Christ was someone who fed thousands of people with seven loaves of bread and fish without asking for anything in return. He healed the sick without checking to see whether or not they had health insurance. “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:13-14) I support the idea of universal health care, for I am my brother’s keeper. I believe that no American should go bankrupt because they cannot afford to purchase the medicine that they desperately need.
What would Jesus do? Would Jesus advocate for a law that would leave millions without health care? Would Jesus advocate for laws that endanger our climate? Would Jesus advocate for the forced separation of undocumented children from their parents? Would Jesus deny entry of refugees from war-torn countries? What would Jesus do? For until Republicans can honestly answer these questions, the party will remain morally bankrupt.
Rezwan Haq
Panama City Beach