One of the most common biblical themes is caring for and defending the poor. There are more than 2,000 verses on the subject, many of which you can hear modern-day echoes of from Sen. Bernie Sanders. He is like an Old Testament prophet crying in the wilderness for a corrupt system to change its ways.
“The people have practiced extortion and committed robbery; they have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the alien without redress.” (Ezekiel 22:29)
“Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” (Zechariah 7:9-10)
Our system works very well for the rich but is failing the poor and working people of America. Half a million people go bankrupt every year primarily because of medical debt. Real wages for most haven’t budged in decades. Meanwhile, the very wealthy get a bigger piece of the pie and a greater influence in shaping our society and politics.
Bernie has policies and vision that could usher in a modern jubilee. With our vote on super Tuesday, we can help make that happen.
Jared Lounsbury-Decker, St. George