The Beastly Beatitudes of George W. “B”.
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven;” (Matthew ch. 5: 17-20)
About 5 miles west of the Sea of Galilee a man rose from the crowd and ascended a small hill to address his disciples and all those to come who would heed his words. This address came to be known as The Sermon on the Mount and it was recorded according to St. Matthew in his first group of studies.
This single event personifies the new faith that was to be solidified in our social, political, and theological history, better than any other. For in it we see what is truly at the heart of the teachings of that man and by extension, the potential that lies within us all.
The Sermon on the Mount reminds us of The Ten Commandments delivered on Mt. Sinai, but with several key differences which would come to define this new religious movement.
The Ten Commandments were delivered by “Almighty God” himself in the form of clouds and tempest and thunder. With, perhaps, a burning shrubbery thrown in for effect. The Commandments themselves were Social Decrees of Behavioral Mandates. They were obligations to be met structured in a “crime verses penalty” foundation. There was no reason offered for these behavioral norms, save one; the loss of the kingdom of heaven.
The Sermon on the Mount was different in many ways. Though it does adhere to the basic tenets of the Ten Commandments, the Sermon is more of a “guide of moral reflection. … an advanced guide from the same God to His people for their salvation.” (George Mastrantonis, The Sermon on the Mount). The Sermon was an affirming message of humanity. It was designed to instruct how to root out “evil intentions” rather than simply punishing them. It was, and is, a lesson in ethics.
Another clear difference is that the Commandments were offered by an unattainable Almighty God personified as a cloud or thunder whereas the Sermon was delivered by touchable divinity; the personification of the Living God. Divinity itself descended to the level of man. This was an important development in that we were no longer simply expected to obey but that we were encouraged to pursue that very divinity within ourselves. And so divinity began it’s transcendence to man.
“The main teaching of the Sermon is not so much the kingdom of Heaven and repentance (4:17), which are presupposed, but the new piety versus the old piety of the scribes and pharisees (5:17-26)…. The Sermon instructs the Disciples and believers, to seek the true righteousness and informs them that their good works are for the glory of God (5:13-16), not for merit and fame.” (George Mastrantonis, The Sermon on the Mount).
Many who profess righteousness and attempt to use the cover of piety to mask their own self-glorifying agendas, actually detest the very foundations of truly Christian Ethics put forward in the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. They view these attributes as weaknesses or quaint throw-backs to be spun and taken advantage of in order to garner the misguided support of the truly righteous.
These are the beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. They are “the string of pearls” laid upon the foundation of what we consider our “Western Society”.
“The Beatitudes are independent exhortations of blessedness to mold the character of the Christian believer.” They are the root of what we celebrate tomorrow.
I have coupled a few of the beatitudes with Mastrantonis’ definitions as well as with the actions and statements of our president George W. Bush in hopes that some will recognize the differences.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Mastrantonis: “Blessed is the man who is poor in spirit, that is, one who feels so-the humble one, because humbleness is the gate which leads to the kingdom of heaven.”
George W. B: “I am the decider… and I decide what is best.”, “I just want you to know that, when we talk about war, we're really talking about peace.”, “Every nation in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.”
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Mastrantonis:
“Blessed are the mourners, who long to enter the kingdom of God, but who face many difficulties, such as sin and other impediments which block the way to the kingdom of God. Our merciful God will comfort them.”
George W. B: on finding the “mastermind” behind the killing of 3000 US citizens on Sept. 11th “Terror is bigger than one person. And uh, (sic) he’s he’s he’s he’s a person who has now been marginalized. So I don’t know where he is, nor do I…, you know, I just don’t spend that much time on it. To be honest with ya.”, Shock and Awe, Katrina.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Mastrantonis:
“Blessed are the meek, the people who are not disturbed by their own desires, but trust in the Lord (cf. Ps. 37:11, LXX). Their attitude will be rewarded with the inheritance of the earth, which means through their convictions and trust in God they will inherit the age to come.”
George W. B: Clark testifies that Bush ordered him to find a reason to go into Iraq on the 12th of September, 2001. Iraq for Sale: Bush Vetoes SCHIP Program: Bush defends the telecoms companies for illegally spying on US Citizens. “You are the ‘haves” and “have mores”. Some call you the top 1%. I call you my base.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Mastrantonis:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, the upright, the sincere, the honest in every thought and activity (Ps. 24:4). They will feel the abiding companionship of God.”
George W. B: The lies of George W. Bush.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
Mastrantonis:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, between neighbors and between nations, who have a peaceful mind to resolve human discrepancies. They should be the treasurers of divine peace from above in order to provide this peace for others who shall be sons of God.”
George W. B: What else can I say? Warmonger.
These are but a few of the teachings of the ethics of the Christian principles. They are not mandates nor are they laws, but rather they are simply a lesson plan for those in search of divinity on Earth.
In remembrance of all those who have perished or suffered; all those who have given of themselves the greatest measure of loyalty and devotion for our nation; for all those who have reached out for shelter from the storm, only to receive none; and for all those who dream of a better day in hopes that their children will not suffer the sins of their fathers; for all of you, I offer this simple prayer…
“Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men”.