For Those Who Call Themselves Christians:

Politically Relevant Teachings of Jesus Christ

    The most fundamental aspect of being a Christian is to follow Christ's teachings.  Therefore, to avoid being a hypocrite, anyone who considers themselves to be a “Christian,” or anyone who calls themselves a “Christian,” should practice and be ever mindful of Christ’s following teachings, which are especially relevant in our post-9/11 world:

God’s Two Greatest Commandments

"'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: '"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'"

- Matthew 22:36-40

The Golden Rule

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."

- Matthew 7:12

How to Treat Your Enemies

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."

- Matthew 5:43-45

Crime and Punishment

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person.  If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well."

- Matthew 5:38-40

Six Commandments, Including the Golden Rule

"Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself."

- Matthew 19:19

Anger with One’s Brother

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

- Matthew 5:21-22

Don’t Have Favoritism Towards Your Brother

"If you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"

- Matthew 5:47

Responding to Those in Need

"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me.'"

- Matthew 25:41-45

Hypocrisy and Judgment of Others

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

- Matthew 7:1-2

"With the measure you use, it will be measured to you–and even more."

- Mark 4:24

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

- Matthew 7:3-5

If You Want God’s Forgiveness, You Must Forgive Others

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

- Matthew 6:14-15

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

- Matthew 5:7

Setting an Example

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

- Matthew 5:14-16

Materialism Versus God

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'"

- Matthew 19:23-24

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money."

- Matthew 6:24 

The Value of Child-Like Humility

"And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

- Matthew 18:3-4

What People Say and Do Reveals Their True Character

"What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'"

- Matthew 15:11

"He went on: 'What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’  For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’"

- Mark 7:20-23