She opposed the death penalty, warrantless wiretapping of American citizens, the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. She favored women's rights and equal rights for gays and lesbians, including the right to a same-sex marriage. She also favored non-violent protests of the sort that are ridiculed out of hand by a few posters here. In fact, when Cindy Sheehan was camped out in Crawford, she called her to offer her support. Not only that but she was even a vegan. So, easy question. Was she a liberal or wasn't she? And why or why not? lib·er·al (l?b'?r-?l, l?b'r?l) adj. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded. Of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism.
Somebody needs to define the terms "Liberal" and "Conservative" in their current context before I can respond to this poll. The meaning of the two terms is so out of whack with their dictionary definitions that we need to set some guidelines pronto.
If advocating for the poor and downtrodden is being a liberal, then yes, she was a liberal. If wanting equality for all is a liberal trait, then yes! She was a liberal. If wanting the best for all Americans and wanting them all to reach the American dream is being a liberal, then yes! She was quite the liberal. If having the freedom to think as you wish and freedom of conscience is being liberal, then yes! She was liberal If having the right to express your views, whatever they may be is being liberal, then yes, once again, she was a liberal. If having universal education and healthcare are liberal traits, again I say, she was a liberal. God Bless her!
Isn't that really semantics? It's a good question though. Are christian values inherently liberal or conservative values? Even though conservatives seemed to have co-opted christian values, IMHO I believe christian values are inherently more liberal. Tend to the poor Forgive your enemies Provide for the less fortunate
The favorite quote of liberals everywhere. Too bad Jesus was neither a liberal nor a conservative. As far as Jesus being a liberal, I have a feeling he might find problems with that whole abortion thing you guys want.
edit: since you want to confine it one topic at a time, I think Jesus would have a problem with tax cuts for the rich... and btw nobody wants a woman to have an abortion. It is an issue of choice. http://www.jesusisaliberal.org/ Why is Jesus a Liberal? Webster's dictionary defines a Liberal as one who is open minded, not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional or established forms or ways. Jesus was a pluralist Liberal who taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion, and life. He rejected greed, violence, the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth without social balance, and the personal judging of others, their lifestyles and beliefs. Over and over again, He taught us to believe in and live a spiritual and ethical life based in our essential, inherent goodness. What Jesus promoted was succinct set of spiritual principals and a way of life based upon the of love, compassion, tolerance, and a strong belief in the importance in giving and of generosity to those in need. While not Biblical scholars, our common sense understanding of His lessons as philosophically and politically Liberal is founded upon Jesus' own words (see quotes below), modern interpretations of Liberation Theology, and in the positive, loving and compassionate application of His teachings - from the many early Saints to Mother Theresa and Liberation Theology. Certainly, Jesus brought a radically Liberal theology to the Orthodox believers of his time. Jesus IS a Liberal even today because now more than ever, His principals align with the very core of Liberal Beliefs. Biblical Quotes Supporting the Belief that Jesus Is A Liberal Peacemaking, not War Making: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [Matthew 5:9] Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. [Matthew 5:39] I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite-fully use you, and persecute you; [Matthew 5:44] The Death Penalty: Thou shalt not kill [Matthew 5:21] Crime and Punishment: If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to cast a stone at her. [John 8:7] Do not judge, lest you too be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. [Matthew 7:1 & 2.] Justice: Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [Matthew 5:6] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy [Matthew 5:7] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [Matthew 6:15] Corporate Greed and the Religion of Wealth: In the temple courts [Jesus] found men selling cattle, sheep and doves and other sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. [John 2:14 & 15.] Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. [Luke 12.15.] Truly, I say unto you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 19:23] You cannot serve both God and Money. [Matthew 6:24.] Paying Taxes & Separation of Church & State: Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. [Matthew 22:21] Community: Love your neighbor as yourself. .[Matthew 22:39] So in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.[Matthew 7:12.] If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. [Matthew 19:21] Equality & Social Programs: But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just. [Luke 14:13 &14.] Public Prayer & Displays of Faith: And when thou pray, thou shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou pray, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret… [Matthew 6:6 & 7] Strict Enforcement of Religious Laws: If any of you has a son or a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? [Matthew 12:11] The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. [Mark 2:27.] Individuality & Personal Spiritual Experience: Ye are the light of the world. [Matthew 5:14]
I would hazard to say that Jesus would say something to the affect that "it's none of your business and you shouldn't judge, that's my father's job." just a thought
I don't think he would have a problem with not using the industrial prison complex as the means to prevent abortions.
Well then, let's legalize ALL murder because only the actual murderers will have to suffer the consequences of their choice.... right?
