Re. McLaren

McLaren: What about religion?

When thinking about this question, I cannot but shrug off a feeling that 'what would Jesus do' in Christianity today, is the slogan that does belong on a bumper sticker. On daily basis we are witnesses of people who claim to be living the life of faith, acting completely opposite then how Jesus would act. I would have to say, that the life of Jesus and his actions are studied less in Churches, and that people, instead of looking at who Jesus really was and what he did, would rather just praise Jesus, and make 'reverent and honoring statements' about Him.

McLaren: What Issues?

While it is important to understand teachings and life of Jesus in a specific context, it is also very important to look at the universal principles of justice, love, morality...that Jesus teaches. When thinking about terrorism, sexuality, economics, one must first understand the life of Jesus, and refrain from subjective views and personal beliefs about these issues. And while we can like some rejoice to the signs of climate change (global warming), as signs of Jesus' return, we must combine his teachings of love, respect and justice when dealing with economics, environmentalism, terrorism.