Christ Our Example?

I got this from a blog I usually scan. The blogger has a great interest in Robert Ingersoll (late 1800s political figure). He was probably most known for his speeches, and, for our purposes, his views on religion. As I read this selection today I was troubled; I don't even know how to describe it.

Am I saddened by the thought that someone would think this way about Christ? Of course, but this is nothing new; it wasn't in Ingersoll's day and it sure isn't in ours. Does the influence of this kind of thought seem surprising? No, the apostle Paul dealt with it and suffered because of it. Can I say anything about evil, animosity or lack of biblical understanding in thoughts like these? Yes, I could, but those who view Christ (God) this way don't see enlightenment as evil; I'm not saying I do, but when our thoughts and ideas turn away from God that, by definition, is evil.

The words of people who hold these beliefs speak of truth and character. However, I have trouble finding resources that do not use derogatory language, hateful speech and the frequent use of belittlement as a technique for defense when discussing religion or faith--yea, no animosity there. It's obvious that thousands of years of education of who Christ is will never be enough. If Christ viewed Himself as God, then He knew all about science, justice and education.

I'm not trying to pose a defense against these words/thoughts. Basically, I'm just doing a little ranting. BUT! I pray this would be a spark for some of you. God's work should always be ever pressing in our hearts. Only the Kingdom of God will bring change; that is what Jesus taught. I pray to let my life be a reflection of that kingdom---that way I wouldn't have to say a thing. Stay blessed...john

IS CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE?

He never said a word in favor of education. He never even hinted at the existence of any science. He never uttered a word in favor of industry, economy or of any effort to better our condition in this world. He was the enemy of the successful, of the wealthy. Dives was sent to hell, not because he was bad, but because he was rich. Lazarus went to heaven, not because he was good, but because he was poor.

Christ cared nothing for painting, for sculpture, for music — nothing for any art. He said nothing about the duties of nation to nation, of king to subject; nothing about the rights of man; nothing about intellectual liberty or the freedom of speech. He said nothing about the sacredness of home; not one word for the fireside; not a word in favor of marriage, in honor of maternity.

He never married. He wandered homeless from place to place with a few disciples. None of them seem to have been engaged in any useful business, and they seem to have lived on alms.

All human ties were held in contempt; this world was sacrificed for the next; all human effort was discouraged. God would support and protect.

At last, in the dusk of death, Christ, finding that he was mistaken, cried out: “My God My God! Why hast thou forsaken me?”

We have found that man must depend on himself. He must clear the land; he must build the home; he must plow and plant; he must invent; he must work with hand and brain; he must overcome the difficulties and obstructions; he must conquer and enslave the forces of nature to the end that they may do the work of the world.

–Robert Green Ingersoll, “About the Holy Bible” (1894)