CNN Asks: Would Jesus Occupy Wall Street?
CNN tried to tie Jesus to a liberal movement on Wednesday as correspondent Carol Costello labeled various religious authorities as supporters of the "Occupy Wall Street" protests – even as she reported that protests became violent at "Occupy Oakland."
"'Occupy Oakland' protesters hurled paint at riot police, and riot police hurled tear gas. Jesus, here?" Costello asked during the 11 a.m. hour. "Yes. And the Vatican seems to be backing them up," she added. [Video below the break.]
What was Costello's evidence for this strong religious support? A Vatican cardinal who justified "the basic sentiment" behind the Wall Street protests, and Pope Benedict's call for reforming global financial rules – hardly a blessing of violent protesters throwing objects at riot police.
Costello also touted Muslims praying in a Manhattan park and a Jewish man who connected the protests with Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. She did give brief credence to the opposing view of the protests at the end of the segment, but only after citing three different religions supporting the protests, and hastily giving it the blessing of the Pope and the Vatican.
"Would Jesus walk alongside these protesters then?" she rounded out the segment.
A transcript of the segment, which aired on October 26 at 11:03 a.m. EDT, is as follows:
[11:03]
T.J. HOLMES: And today's question: Would Jesus occupy Wall Street? Carol Costello, we probably knew this was coming. People always asking what would Jesus do? Here you go.
CAROL COSTELLO: Here you go. Would Jesus occupy Wall Street? An interesting question, especially today, in light of what happened in Oakland, California. "Occupy Oakland" protesters hurled paint at riot police, and riot police hurled tear gas. Jesus, here?
Yes. And the Vatican seems to be backing them up. The Sydney Morning Herald reports a senior Vatican official says the Wall Street protests are justified. Pope Benedict himself has called for overhauling global financial rules, because the gap between rich and poor is so wide.
In New York, those of other faiths are joining forces with "Occupy Wall Street." On Friday, a group of Muslims prayed in Zuccotti Park. Some Jews celebrated Yom Kippur.
(Video Clip)
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Part of the themes of Yom Kippur are doing teshuva, returning to a best self. I think our country has really gone off the track, I think we've forgotten about the poor, we've forgotten about the workers. And one of the major themes of Yom Kippur is to remember the poor, remember the workers, and to do what we can to make a better world. And I think this is a beautiful, holy expression of God's desire.
(End Video Clip)
COSTELLO: But not all religious people support "Occupy Wall Street." Jesus did repudiate the desire for personal wealth. He did advocate care for the poor and the powerless, but they say, Jesus also believed in community. People helping others, not government. Would Jesus walk alongside these protesters then?
The TalkBack question today, would Jesus occupy Wall Street?
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Comments
One should never listen to a
Submitted by buddyc on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 1:17pm.
One should never listen to a slut like Costello on what "Christ" would do. She would be the last person on CNN capable of answering that question.
Why do libs and the media consistently trash Christianity and
Submitted by Lipton on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 1:21pm.
then hijack it for their own purposes.
Jesus would turn to the OWS
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 1:24pm.
Jesus would turn to the OWS and say where is your fruit? Then he would say to OWS .... Die
Why would an atheist ask
Submitted by johnsonl on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 1:28pm.
what a religious figure would do?
When I see that these
Submitted by ForeverOnTheRight on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 4:14pm.
When I see that these atheists or practical atheists (those who may go to church and claim to be a Christian, but who live and act as an atheist) inject Jesus into, in this case OWS it offends me and I want to yell "Just STOP! You don't have a clue what you are talking about!"
The liberal MSM ran out of
Submitted by Beukeboom on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 1:35pm.
The liberal MSM ran out of substantive material on this story long ago and are now desperate to try to find new angles and this non sequitural angle is a sure sign of desperation.
MSM
Submitted by Gothampc on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:19pm.
A-Freakin'-Men!!! They are whipping this story trying to keep it alive, hoping that it will cause out and out riots so they will have real news to report on.
WWJD? >C a desperate media using religion
Submitted by TerryWest on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:08pm.
I can't see Jesus supporting OWS, for one he would be to busy among and taking care of the poor who you wont find many of at the protests.
Two he wouldn't support a movement that wants to take from one source they consider greedy only to hand it to another greedy source to squander and use for selfish goals and motives, which have nothing to do with closing the gap between rich and poor.
Jesus would see through the organized movement as the unoccupied false prophets for profit agenda that it is.
He might also ask why there is such enormous amounts of money being gathered and banked, camping and laying around parks with I -pods / phones & laptops yet food banks are empty and understaffed.
Why don't they just ask him
Submitted by ant on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 1:44pm.
Why don't they just ask him themselves? Judging by their praise and devotion, he resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Since they are 'feel-good'
Submitted by killa37 on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 1:59pm.
Since they are 'feel-good' and 'tolerant' and 'all-inclusive' libs, I think they should also ask 'what would Mohammed, or Satan, do'.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul?
Submitted by ironchefofmunchies on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:05pm.
I think the "robbing Peter to pay Paul" sermon might actually do these OWS folks a world of good.
They would probably run Jesus off the stage though if he tried. Or throw a pie at him.
A new prisim for news
Submitted by Vonu on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:04pm.
What would Jesus do about the jobs bill.
Who would Jesus vote for in the NH primary
Who does Jesus want to win the World Series
Would Jesus order Coffee or Tea.
Jesus might also ask why the
Submitted by TerryWest on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:20pm.
Jesus might also ask why the media is trying to attach his name to a movement yet refuse to show with honesty the plight of the poor, the true existence and magnitude of the unemployed and the struggling, nor admit their own contributions, negligence and enabling re the country's dire condition.
Let's consult the Bible on
Submitted by Gothampc on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:25pm.
Let's consult the Bible on this:
Jesus said in Matthew 16
When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
2 Timothy 3
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
I'm no Bible expert - by a
Submitted by killa37 on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:36pm.
I'm no Bible expert - by a REAL long shot - but aren't there some lines about 'vanity of vanities', or something like that. It would be very apropos for Boy Barry.
Good morning killa
Submitted by cocodrie on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 2:54pm.
Got two for ya
Ecclesiasties 1:2 "Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity".
Jonah 2:8 "They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy".
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Thanks coco..............I
Submitted by killa37 on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 3:01pm.
Thanks coco..............I worked with a guitar player who used that 'vanity of vanities' line a lot, so that's why I was asking.
I just read an article on Yahoo news - check it out!! It's titled '5 protesters, 5 questions'...............some interviews with various OWS protesters................pretty much sums up the mentality there.
WDJS?
Submitted by wiley cat on Thu, 10/27/2011 - 12:32am.
While we can read a Bible, maybe we should ask the question: "What Does Jesus Say?"
Because of what Jesus said/says, we know He is still present here, among believers, today, as follows:
"For where there are two or three who have been joined together into my Name with the result that I am the common object of their faith, there I am in their midst." (1) "And behold, as for myself, with you I am{,} all the days until the consummation of the age." (2)
(1) Matthew 18:20. (2) Matthew 28:20. from "The New Testament: An Expanded Translation" (from the Greek text), Kenneth S. Wuest.
Thanks for, and taken from, the previous Comment by Gothampc, 2 Timothy 2, as follows: :"...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.". Would or does the Lord say anything to or about the basher or the shouter with the sign, or others involved?
Caution: Christ taught that everyone is guilty of some or all of these traits, naturally, at some time or other in our lives, with some totally caught up in them. Please note that the key phrase is the phrase in the passage quoted above, from 2 Timothy 2: "...more than lovers of God;..."
Is it any wonder that most people who do not want to have anything to do with Christ, Christians, and Christ's words, are not "lovers of God" (in my experience); and they may not even be aware of it?
Without God there is no "Justice". With God there is no "Social"(...Class as a political entity.).
Wow, so Moses, Jesus AND mohammed all are onboard...
Submitted by SickofLibs on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 3:04pm.
just touch base with Buddha and we'll be ready to go, Costello.
(You can skip the Wiccans - that's a foregone conclusion)
Jesus on OWS
Submitted by cocodrie on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 3:17pm.
If jesus visited the OWS it would be a rerun of cleansing the temple.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
How would it go?
Submitted by Model850 on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 3:42pm.
So if Jesus were to show up at Zuccotti Park how would it go?
'We have guest..."
We have a guest...
"who wants to speak...."
who wants to speak....
"and does not approve...."
and does not approve....
"of a lot of what we are doing."
of a lot of what we are doing.
"Using hand signs only...."
Using hands signs only...
"should we allow Him to speak?"
should we allow Him to speak?
A wave of "down twinkles" washes over the crowd.....
pithy quote
Submitted by wiley cat on Fri, 10/28/2011 - 10:02pm.
(Jesus to announcer over open mike:)
"Thanks. I really had nothing to say. I have already said it all, long ago, and my Word will never change. If you so desire, there is no power in the Universe that can keep you from learning of me and believing in me, and experiencing my love, complete forgiveness, and security, in our relationship together, into Eternity."
Without God there is no "Justice". With God there is no "Social"(...Class as a political entity.).
WWJD, huh?
Submitted by Great Debater on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 3:47pm.
What would Jesus say/do about OWS? You mean the Jesus Christ that said "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's." and "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." and "Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you." and "Where your treasure is, there your heart is also." along with many others? That Jesus?
Then, I seriously think he'd say that those that love him should strive to be a help to their fellow man instead of a hindrance.
Aside: It's interesting that OWS wants businesses to pay MORE in taxes, yet INCREASE hiring, while not lowering wages & benefits. I guess that's proof, once again, that 50% of the population has below-average intelligence.
who are they trying to kid?
Submitted by sometimesright on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 4:39pm.
who are they trying to kid? our lord and savior Jesus Christ would've been welcomed with rocks and curses. Jesus would condemn their promiscuous and public sex, drug use, profanity and blatant racism against his people. Jesus was NO liberal and he sure as heck wouldn't reward godlessness and sloth.
Some of what Jesus had to say:
Submitted by Slyrr on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 4:40pm.
From ancient, and modern scriptures:
'Thou shalt not covet.'
'He that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.'
'The idler shall not have place in the Church, except he repent and mend his ways.'
'Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands.'
The answer is obvious
Submitted by octavioj on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 5:57pm.
In the time of Jesus, Caesar was the emperor of Rome and Pontius Pilate was the prefect of Judea, Herod was the tetrarch of Galilee. Not once in the historical accounts it says Jesus rallied against the rich to take away their fortunes. Not once Jesus demanded the government provide anything to anyone. Jesus requested and required the individual to do his or hers best for the others, including time, talent AND treasure. But VOLUNTARILY. So the answer is obvious, Jesus would not Occupy Wall Street.
In fact, Jesus specifically
Submitted by Slyrr on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 6:49pm.
In fact, Jesus specifically said, 'Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's - and render unto God the things that are God's.'
The verses later add that all who heard him say this 'were astonished at the doctrine'.
Ten to one, if Jesus said that to these Flea-baggers, they'd be staring with gaping mouths too.
I think Carol's question is backwards
Submitted by jpwcpa on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 6:58pm.
Carol Costello should not be asking, "Would Jesus walk alongside the protestors?", but rather, "Would the protestors allow Jesus to walk alongside them?". And chances are excellent that the protestors would not be in favor of this.
If we assume that Carol did state the question properly, then my belief is yes, Jesus would walk alongside the protestors. For the same reason that he ate dinner with tax collectors and other sinners - something about the sick, not the healthy, needing a doctor.
No, but Barrabus probably
Submitted by lotr on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 9:25pm.
No, but Barrabus probably would have.
Would Jesus OWS?
Submitted by AR72 on Thu, 10/27/2011 - 6:58am.
Funny how secular "news" networks are quick to inject the name of Jesus whenever it fits their angle. They like to refute and ridicule anyone who believes in Jesus Christ openly, but then turn around and use Him as bait in an attempt to paint Christians into a corner, as though they understand Him better than believers do. In short, Jesus did not come to protest for social justice. He came to reveal Himself to those who did not know Him...the real Him. He became angry and violent because people were abusing His Father's house, not because of the government or corporation's abuse of its people.