CNN's "What Would Jesus Really Do?"

 

On Christmas Eve, 2007 CNN aired a program called "What would Jesus really do?" [ 2, 3 ] with host Roland Martin. The show was a sequel to a previous program of the same name that was aired in April of the same year.

The focus of the program was to discuss how Jesus might have weighed in on modern-day issues. The questions were posed to two contemporary religious authors, Mark Ellingsen and Gary Cass, and then Martin would give his final analysis.

Martin has become a popular pundit on CNN since the begining of the year. according to his website, "Roland S. Martin is a nationally award-winning and multifaceted journalist. [...] With extensive roots as a reporter and manager in radio, television, newspaper, and the Internet, Roland S. Martin is a multimedia journalist who can do it all - report it, shoot it, write it, produce it, edit it and voice it. He is the ultimate cross-trained journalist! Learn more about the newspaper editor, TV commentator, radio talk show host, web publisher, and book author!"

I actually watched one of the airings of this program, and was dismayed at the presentation. The majority of the program was just Q&As with people on the street and talking heads not saying very much. You can read the transcript of the show at this link.

I was struck by several things in the program. For one, the portions of the program when the questions were asked of the authors was very brief, giving each of the speakers only twenty seconds to speak before Martin gave his final verdict.

This seemed a ridiculously short amount of time considering that these questions were the main focus of the show, and that the subjects being discussed did not seem to be the kinds of issues that should be discussed in a such a limited framework. Also, it seemed inappropriate to have a verdict rendered, especially considering how poorly the subject matter was treated.

I felt that the format of the show was mindless and contrived. Neither speaker was given enough time to speak, and having the host render a verdict made the whole thing sound like a kangaroo court. The even had a buzzer sound to indicate that each authors time was up, presumably to lend the program a "game show" sort of edge.

The views expressed as "Republican" and "Democrat" were consistent with certain things said by some politicians and pundits, but were overly broad. I could not help but feel that they were trying to put words in either party's mouth. The point of the show just seemed to be a condescending and self-righteous put down.

I felt that the program did a disservice to religion by treating the subject matter in such a frivolous manner, treated the Republicans like they have no heart by only allowing a warped portrayal of their views, and gave a distorted picture of Democrats as self-righteous and condescending.

I did generally agree with the views that were expressed by the Democratic author, Mark Ellingsen, but I felt that the Republican author, Gary Cass, was out of his depth. It seemed unfair to the Republicans that they were represented by an individual that was clearly an extremist. That said, what the two authors and Martin said were at least interesting, and so I present the most salient points of the program below.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: OK, here's the first question, gents. How would Jesus vote on the death penalty?

Mark Ellingsen, Interdenominational Theological Center: Well, I don't think Jesus took a side on Democrats and Republicans, but he and historic Christianity have some views that really help us to do politics.

And on most issues, the Democrats take those views right. On the death penalty, for example, yes, the Bible teaches an openness to the death penalty. But Jesus has this hangup about forgiveness. Jesus has this hangup on justice.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: Let's go, Gary. What say you?

Gary Cass, Author of "Christian Bashing": Well, with 20 seconds, we know that Jesus did not forfeit the moral law. He said, I came to uphold it. And if you take someone's life, an innocent person's life, you forfeit your right to life. The cross of Jesus Christ is proof that the death penalty is something that God takes seriously, where Jesus Christ himself died for my sins. So, I believe that Jesus would support the death penalty.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: I got you. And I would disagree. I think that Jesus would not support the death penalty, because that would not give people an opportunity again to give their soul to him. So, I would disagree on that one. CNN

Cass is echoing an argument I first heard from former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee. The cross of Jesus Christ was a device created by the Romans to torture and kill people, and Jesus was not put on the cross for murder. This is a very weak argument. The evidence that Cass cites does not apply.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: All right, gents, how would Jesus vote on the war in Iraq? You each have 20 seconds.

Gary, you go first.

Gary Cass, Author of "Christian Bashing": Well, I absolutely believe the Republican position is the right one. Self-defense is a duty we all owe to ourselves, our families and our neighbor. And it's the first duty of government. A strong defense is essential.

The Iraq war was justified on the basis of the intelligence that we had at the time. So, self-defense and liberating those under tyranny are Christian virtues...

(BUZZER SOUNDING)

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: OK.

Gary Cass, Author of "Christian Bashing": ...just as Christ defends and liberates his people.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: All right.

Let's hear from the left.

Mark Ellingsen, Interdenominational Theological Center: Yes.

Gary didn't say everything about what a just war is. Even if we grant that this was a war of self-defense -- and it certainly wasn't -- it's not a just war, according to the Christian faith, if you are gaining something from it.

And we -- our American companies are gaining a lot of oil reserves from this war. It's not a just war. The Democrats are right.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: Well, I don't think Jesus would be for the Democratic side or Republican side, because Jesus had enough power to have peace, regardless of your actual beliefs. CNN

Cass' argument is really lame, but by casting Jesus into the role of a superhero that would just wave a magic wand and fix the problem, Roland Martin has completely missed the point of the question and sidestepped the issue entirely. He wins the prize for most ridiculous answer on this question, in my opinion.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: Let's bring back again Mark Ellington, our house lefty, and on the right, Gary Cass. OK, gentlemen, how would Jesus vote on the issue of immigration? You each have 20 seconds. Mark, start with you.

Mark Ellingsen, Interdenominational Theological Center: Jesus has a bias on behalf of those who are getting the shaft. In fact, his favorite people, the Jews, were illegal immigrants. They didn't their papers. Jesus is against those who exploit the poor. This is actually what's happening with regard to the way in which the fat cats are who are employing illegal immigrants and getting cheap labor. Jesus is against that kind of practice. The Democrats have it right.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: I certainly appreciate it. Thanks a lot. You say Democrats have it right. Let's go to you, Gary.

Gary Cass, Author of "Christian Bashing": No, I do not think the democrats have it right. I think we have to balance the rule of law with compassion. Most illegal immigration is based on some notion that people have a right to a better standard of living. If that was true, why aren't I living with Bill Gates? We don't do that because you can't simply move in where you want just to improve your standard of living. We have compassionate exceptions for political refugees, we spend billions feeding the poor all around the world and no one will die if we secure our borders. It's like I get to go to heaven through the door. I can't - I've got to go over the fence.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: You should know, Republicans get more time on the issue of immigration. I'm soccer both of you are wrong. This is Jesus' world, there could be no borders. There's no feed for illegal immigration. I'm sorry, he wouldn't support either position. But I'll say, sit back, hold tight. Both of you please stay with us. Our next vote is coming up, how would Jesus vote on the very controversial topic, same sex marriage. That's going to be a hot one.

And I realize not everyone in the world is Christian. So what do non-Christians do this time of year? Do Hindus put up Christmas trees? I'll ask one next. And he'll be joined by an atheist who says this whole time of year sucks. He said it, I didn't. You'll want to stick around for this conversation. CNN

Most illegal immigration is based on people looking for work and employer getting employees that cost a lot less money. A "right to a better standard of living" has nothing to do with it. Even if it was, Cass not living with Bill Gates is not evidence of his false claim. The statement is non sequitur.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: It's probably safe it say that the Bible is quoted more often on this social issue than any other in this country. I'm talking about same sex marriage. Republicans and Democrats are generally split on the issue. And just like we did before. We're going to ask how would Jesus vote? Here to answer that question on the right again, Gary Cass, on the left Mark Ellington. OK, we know this is a controversial topic. How would Jesus vote on same sex marriage. Gary cast you're first up. Twenty seconds.

Gary Cass, Author of "Christian Bashing": Jesus affirmed the natural created order. He said for this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife and two shall become one flesh. Marriage was created by God for happiness an procreation. Homosexuality is forbidden because it violates the natural order and violates the Seventh Commandments. It's Gospel, Jesus is the bridegroom redeemer.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: Gary, appreciate it, let me go to Mark.

Mark Ellingsen, Interdenominational Theological Center: Roland, I want to be clear that I've been agreeing with you that you can't say Jesus was a Democrat flat out. Just that Democrats have a it right more often. When it comes to homosexuality, the Bible doesn't condemn committed relations. And we've got to remember what Jesus said, before you get all bent out of shape about the speck in your neighbor's sexuality, don't forget the log in your own heterosexuality.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: Mark, you made a big mistake, you didn't answer the question. The question there was same sex marriage. And I got to agree with Gary, if we have anything in the Bible, he did speak about man marrying woman, I would disagree, fall on the Republican side of that one. You got the issues confused. But it's OK. You'll have another shot at social security, that's the next question we have. Both of you please stick around and tell us what you think about that one and folks, let's also be real, for the most part, Christmas has nothing to do with religion. It's about shopping. That's where my next guest comes in. His message, please cut it out, stop it -- international. CNN

LOL! They are all idiots.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: OK, guys, how would Jesus vote on social security? Mark, batter up.

Mark Ellingsen, Interdenominational Theological Center: Republicans got it wrong when they want privatization. Jesus warns against that kind of free market unbridled capitalism. He wants us to be able to protect ourselves from ourselves. That's why he had it with the Book of Acts when he had his followers get a social system. We had had Paul do it and when he had the 16th century reformers set up a welfare system in the 16th century.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: Time's up, got to go to Gary.

Gary Cass, Author of "Christian Bashing": No, Jesus would support privatizing it because social security is a family duty and we're to honor our father and mother by supporting them in their old age. Only those without families, widows and orphans deserve any kind of financial assistance.

Roland Martin, CNN Anchor: Hey, I think Jesus would disagree with both parties because they've done a horrible job of fixing the problem. CNN

Cass is saying that people that are older should not get any kind of assistance unless they have no family. He appears to be ignorant of the fact that social security is not a hand out or charity. Citizens pay for their own security during their lifetime.

Martin is not much better. Social security is not really in any trouble, as long as the government pays back all of the money that has been borrowed against it over the years. By making adjustments in how the money is collected, such as raising the income level of those that pay into it, would alleviate any other shortcomings.