Could Jesus pass muster with the Obama team?

Growing up, it was rare for me to hear my Lutheran teachers say much about other denominations or religious traditions. That’s probably why, my whole life, I’ve remembered my seventh-grade teacher telling our class that if we ever met a Jesuit priest, we’d be in the presence of a highly educated man.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of meeting a number of Jesuits, and of course, my teacher was right. What he didn’t tell us, however, is that Jesuits usually have a great sense of humor.

Consider a recent piece of satire from Father James Martin, editor of the Jesuit magazine America. He got his hands on the lengthy questionnaire being used by the transition team for President-elect Barack Obama to screen candidates for high-level positions. He then worked up a memo evaluating Jesus on the basis of the most relevant questions. A sample:

8.) Briefly describe the most controversial matters you have been involved in during the course of your career.
Lots here, unfortunately. Healed sick on Sabbath. (Big plus when we tackle healthcare reform.) Plucked ears of grain on Sabbath. (Will farming lobby be offended?) Spoke to Samaritan woman. (Samaritan-American vote is close to nil, except in blue states we own.) Chased businessmen from the Temple in Jerusalem. (Might be huge help in current anti-business climate.) Also, they were selling turtledoves. (Hello, PETA votes!) Unfortunately, charged with (I think) sedition by Roman government. Ask Berlusconi for details?

10.) Please list, and if readily available, provide copy of each book, article, column or publication you have authored.
Unpublished. No paper trail. We all approved of this. Want more applicants like this guy.

To read more, go to Jesus Meets Obama’s Transition Team.