In the mid 1990’s the phrase “What Would Jesus Do” or WWJD for short seemed to be everywhere in the popular culture of that time. An important question for followers of the faith was unfortunately seized upon and mass marketed by a consumer driven society. A question that had the potential to lead people to deeper spiritual insight and growth became so ubiquitous appearing on bracelets, tee shirts, and bumper stickers that it sadly took on the characteristics of just another fad. Today we have an opportunity to revisit the question and a responsibility as a nation that continuously touts a Christian heritage to do so in earnest.
For anyone that spends time reading the Gospels it appears as if our current administration, led by a living, breathing antithesis of Jesus himself, is spiritually and morally bankrupt. Instead of welcoming the stranger in our midst we vilify and slander them, going so far as referring to entire groups of God’s children as human garbage. We make cuts in healthcare and services to those among us that are most in need. Agencies which were put into place to protect our planet, God’s creation, are gutted in favor of big oil and large corporations.
What makes our current situation even more heartbreaking is the unwavering support from large segments of our Chrisitan community. One can only imagine the damage this hypocrisy has done regarding the perspective of others towards Christianity. What exactly would Jesus say to these modern-day Scribes and Pharisees that shirk their responsibility to stand up against injustice and unrighteousness? Let’s hope that all the WWJD paraphernalia that is still out there be put away until we as a nation muster the courage to take the question seriously.
Ray Reuter
Bowling Green
