What Would Jesus Protest? Why, as a Christian, I will not be supporting “Jesus for NZ” and may even stand against it

Next week the “Jesus for NZ” protest is coming to town. To the steps of Parliament, to be exact. If you’re moving in Christian circles, chances are you’ve heard of it. Chances are you’ve been told to come along.

It’s a stand, so we’re told, for Christianity, for Jesus. Protesting the fact that Hon Trevor Mallard, Speaker of the House, changed Parliament’s opening prayer, removing the name of Jesus.

I want to begin in humility, by acknowledging that each of us, as followers of Jesus, is on a journey in learning to listen to and follow him. Each of us must follow our own conscience and what we feel to be the leading of His Spirit. Faithful followers of Jesus can differ in how they understand the particulars of following God in certain circumstances, and I commit to loving and honoring my brothers and sisters who both choose to attend and not to attend the protest.

However, having said all that, I also want to share why I will not be supporting it. I do this not to attack my brothers and sisters who do, but rather to start a conversation about what it means for us to follow Jesus in our society. I hope that if you disagree with me you are willing to be open to listening to what I have to say, but also to sharing your thoughts with me. I hope we can both learn, and that conversation on these things can bring us closer to Christ.

I ‘ve named this post What would Jesus protest? The reason I used this title is because I believe there are things about the “Jesus for NZ” protest that Jesus would not protest for. I am going to talk about two things that I do not think Jesus would protest for that this protest majors on.
1.) – I firmly believe that Jesus would not protest to maintain a religious ritual
2.) – I firmly believe that Jesus would not protest for cultural Christian domination of society.