A God who was born poor
Although Jesuit priest James Martin and I do not share the same faith, we apparently share the same respect for historical research. It’s refreshing to read an un-sanitized version of Jesus’ birth and early life, and it’s especially intriguing to learn about the origins of the word “tekton,” normally translated as carpenter but in reality more closely akin to day laborer.
Martin apparently shares my passion for social justice, a word strangely tarnished by the alt-right.
When I was 9, I was expected to donate money for charity every time I went to Hebrew school. I was told that everyone, no matter what, could do something to help others. My research into comparative religion teaches me that this precept is shared by all men and women of good will, no matter their faith.
Is it possible for all of us to look at immigrants — or, more locally, the day laborers we see on the street corners of our city — and notice a divine spark in each individual? The God I believe in loves everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or geography. Who are we to do any less? And how can people who profess to follow a “Jewish carpenter” look down on anyone else?
Martin’s piece reinforces my belief that the alt-right is at permanent odds with true Christianity, and indeed with all people of deep spiritual belief. I commend him for such a fine article. Korie Beth Brown Sierra Madre