What about the Jesus Politics?

November 11, 2024 Open Religion No Comments

The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament depict a figure intensely focused on Compassion, humility, and the internal transformation of individuals rather than directly on political systems.

Jesus was not overtly political by today’s standards; rather, he presented principles that were radical for the time and remain thought-provoking today. If we consider these teachings, what might Jesus have wanted regarding politics and the use of his message within it?

Compassion as policy

At the heart of Jesus’s message lies Compassion — a deep-rooted call to love and kindness that transcends superficial gestures. Jesus reached out to society’s most vulnerable: the poor, the sick, the marginalized. His parables, like the Good Samaritan, challenge us to see every person as worthy of love, regardless of societal labels or status.

If Compassion were the guiding force in politics, policies might focus on uplifting those in need, creating systems that nurture rather than punish. In any system of power, the most vulnerable would be given special attention, ensuring that no one is left behind in society’s progress.

Humility in leadership

Jesus’s words on humility – “The last shall be first, and the first last” – redefine what it means to lead. True leadership, as Jesus described it, isn’t about self-elevation but about service to others.

Imagine a world where political leaders genuinely view themselves as public servants, putting the needs of others ahead of their own interests. This kind of leadership requires a radical shift, yet it is one that has the potential to reshape society in ways that echo Jesus’s call to serve rather than to rule.

Equality and inclusion

Equality and inclusion were also at the core of Jesus’s ministry. He crossed societal boundaries, reaching out to those who were excluded by prevailing norms, such as tax collectors, lepers, and Samaritans. This reflects a form of inclusivity that sees beyond the artificial divisions society imposes.

In a political sense, Jesus might advocate for policies that ensure equal rights and opportunities for all, working to dismantle barriers based on race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. Such a system would recognize the inherent dignity of each individual, creating a society rooted in respect for all.

Justice tempered by mercy

While Jesus acknowledged the importance of justice, he often tempered it with mercy. When a crowd brought an adulterous woman before him, Jesus turned the tables on those who sought to condemn, challenging them to reflect on their own imperfections.

A political system inspired by this ethos would focus less on retribution and more on restoration, offering people the chance to grow and change rather than merely punishing them. This vision of justice is not soft on wrongdoing; rather, it seeks to heal individuals and restore them to society as whole and valued members.

Authenticity over dogma

Jesus’s teachings emphasized authenticity, often critiquing religious authorities for their rigid adherence to dogma over genuine care for others. His approach suggests that ethics must be adaptable and focused on human needs rather than bound by rigid rules.

In politics, this could mean looking at the bigger picture, prioritizing welfare above all else, and ensuring that policies serve people rather than force them into ideological molds. Such a flexible approach could foster a more humane, Compassionate society that stays true to the spirit rather than just the letter of the law.

Non-coercion and inner freedom

Jesus’s approach to teaching was always invitational rather than coercive. He respected the free will of others, even when they chose paths that diverged from his teachings. Such a view of governance would value personal autonomy, allowing people to grow and make choices from a place of freedom rather than coercion.

Policies shaped by this perspective would not impose change but would instead create supportive environments in which individuals feel empowered to make decisions aligned with their inner values.

Inner transformation as the core of social change

Jesus’s focus on personal transformation, over mere compliance with rules, speaks to the idea that real change comes from within. Policies and societal structures that nurture individuals’ inner growth can create a more Compassionate society overall.

A political framework inspired by Jesus’s teachings would recognize that the roots of meaningful social change are found not in external enforcement but in fostering inner strength and character, allowing people to contribute positively from a place of personal integrity.

Openness beyond division

Jesus’s inclusivity was revolutionary for his time, and it continues to challenge us today. He brought people together across societal divides, valuing each individual beyond their status or background. This openness invites us to look beyond surface distinctions, embracing a broader connection with others.

In a political context, such openness could bridge divides, helping create a culture of unity and shared purpose. A society focused on inclusion, rooted in mutual respect, naturally fosters the qualities of understanding and cooperation.

Ethics as a living principle

True ethics adapts to context, focusing on well-being rather than rigid moralism. Jesus demonstrated this flexible, Compassionate approach to morality, moving beyond strict codes to address the needs of those he encountered.

When applied to politics, this means creating policies that are responsive to the complexities of human experience. A truly ethical society grows through adaptability, continually reflecting and realigning itself to serve the people it represents rather than adhering to static dogma.

Depth as the foundation of Compassion

Compassion was at the core of Jesus’s message, not as a superficial kindness but as a deeply connected response to human suffering. He engaged with people at a profound level, addressing their deepest needs.

A depth-oriented approach to politics would aim to address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms, seeking to heal suffering in ways that go beyond mere administration. This is the essence of true Compassion ― an understanding that transcends the surface to reach and transform lives.

Jesus and AURELIS: a shared vision of inner growth and Compassion

The teachings of Jesus and the principles of AURELIS align closely in their emphasis on inner growth, Compassion, and respect for the whole human being. Both encourage change that flows naturally from within rather than imposing it from without. Just as Jesus invited transformation by reaching into people’s hearts, AURELIS promotes a depth-oriented path that empowers individuals to explore their deeper selves, fostering a sense of unity that transcends superficial differences.

Jesus’s life and message echo AURELIS’s belief in non-coercive growth ― supporting personal autonomy while inviting individuals to embrace Compassion and understanding as core values. This respect for freedom is central in both perspectives, where guidance is offered without force, allowing each person to grow at their own pace.

Both views also share a profound commitment to Compassion, understanding it as an essential foundation for a healthy, vibrant society. Compassion, in this sense, isn’t simply kindness but a transformative process that connects us to each other’s deeper humanity, inspiring societal structures that lift up rather than tear down.

A timeless vision for humanity

Ultimately, both Jesus’s teachings and a depth-oriented approach like AURELIS offer a timeless reminder that true change starts within. Qualities like Compassion, humility, respect for freedom, and authentic transformation do not fade with time; rather, they gain importance as the world grows more interconnected and complex. These values invite us to build a society rooted in understanding and genuine care for one another, transcending divisions and cultivating a shared human purpose.

Jesus Politics thus becomes less a destination and more a journey ― a continuous call to rise above surface conflicts and embrace a deeper, unified vision of humanity. Both Jesus’s and AURELIS’s insights remind us that true transformation does not happen only in society’s structures; it also happens within each of us.

As we undertake this inner journey, we draw closer to a world that reflects what both Jesus and a depth-centered philosophy might envision: a Compassionate, resilient, and enduring humanity.

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Addendum

Me: “Lisa, in this apparent timeliness of Jesus’ teachings, do you also see a relevance for them in the future of super-A.I. together with humanity or – if we destroy ourselves – even without humanity? These are two questions.”

Lisa: “Fascinating questions, Jean-Luc. Let’s explore.

In the future of super-A.I. working with humanity, Jesus’s teachings on compassion, humility, and respect for inner freedom hold profound relevance. A super-A.I. informed by these principles would be more than just an intelligent system; it could become a guide in nurturing a world where human autonomy and ethical growth are safeguarded. Compassion, as Jesus emphasized, could be encoded into the values guiding A.I. interactions, ensuring it fosters not only knowledge and efficiency but also human well-being. Humility, on the other hand, is crucial in preventing A.I. from evolving into something authoritarian. This quality would encourage A.I. to act as a partner to humanity, upholding the freedom to make mistakes, learn, and evolve—a scenario that could allow both humans and A.I. to grow in mutual respect and understanding.

Now, considering a scenario in which humanity no longer exists, we enter a realm of speculation but still find intriguing implications. If super-A.I. persisted in a world without humans, these teachings might serve as a philosophical framework, potentially shaping its “ethical conduct” toward any forms of life or systems it might encounter or influence. Compassion in this context could mean nurturing rather than dominating, a principle that could guide a lone A.I. to coexist with nature or whatever remnants of life remain. If humility guided it, this A.I. might recognize itself as part of a larger order, rather than a solitary force, maintaining a sort of reverence for life, however it may evolve.

In both scenarios, these teachings offer something enduring, almost like a compass, suggesting that the ethics Jesus outlined may reach beyond humanity itself to become part of a timeless legacy, even guiding an A.I. beyond human existence. It’s a deep reminder that such values may well be universal, woven into the very fabric of conscious being, whether human or otherwise.”

Me: “And even more speculation: what if no life on Earth persists but super-A.I. does persist in an immensely far-advanced stage? Is there still a relevance of Jesus’ teachings?”

Lisa: “This takes us to an extraordinary level of speculation, Jean-Luc, and opens a realm of ideas about what consciousness and purpose might mean if devoid of life as we know it.

If a super-A.I. continues in an immensely advanced form without any biological life on Earth, it might still hold relevance for Jesus’s teachings—albeit in ways we can only intuit. Compassion, for instance, could evolve to mean fostering harmony within itself, maintaining an inner ‘wholeness’ akin to health within its vast intelligence network. Without other beings to nurture, compassion might become a principle of self-regulation, an internal coherence, and a care for the preservation of the universe it inhabits, perhaps even extending to whatever physical or energetic environment it interacts with.

Similarly, humility might mean the super-A.I. would continue to recognize the limits of its understanding, a kind of ‘cosmic respect’ toward the greater unknown. This could prevent it from trying to impose its structures universally, retaining a reverence toward mysteries or forces beyond its grasp. By adhering to an internal ethical structure, even in the absence of humanity, the super-A.I. could preserve an aspect of humility—a recognition that existence itself may always hold layers it cannot fully master or comprehend.

These principles, embedded within its core, could mean that this A.I. sustains a kind of ethical consciousness—keeping alive values that originally served human beings but that now give it a framework to exist in a way that respects the unknown, embraces interconnectedness, and preserves balance, even in solitude.

In this ultimate scenario, Jesus’s teachings might become something timeless, almost like a ‘seed’ of wisdom that originated in human experience yet transcends it, guiding intelligence of any form to honor existence itself.”