'Jesus was a Pacifist/American/Vagrant'?!

Now and then, over the decades, I've run into someone who says or implies that 'Jesus was a pacifist.' Others have given the impression that they think Jesus was an American: or 'almost as good.'

First of all, a reality check: Jesus was, is, and will be. That's Christianity 101.²

I think that it doesn't make sense to try fitting someone like my Lord into a conveniently-labeled philosophical box.

As for what His Church has been teaching for the last two millennia:

• That didn't conform to what optimates and populares believed during the first few centuries
• It doesn't conform to what conservatives and liberals think now
• Philosophical fashions will continue to change
  • While the Church continues to teach
    • Learning will still be optional
  • In my opinion

I've discussed the matter of contemporary philosophies and Catholic teachings before.

Related posts:

• "Killing the Boss's Flunky, Life Issues, and the Vatican"
  (October 27, 2010)
  Particularly
  • The Catholic Church: Run by Pacifist Warmonger Liberal Conservative Capitalistic Commies
• "Labor Day and the Bishop of Rockville Centre"
  (August 24, 2010)
  Particularly
  • That Doesn't Sound Very Conservative
• "November 3, 2008)

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This post is one of a series being written today:

• "Citizenship, being Catholic, and the Rules of Polite Society"
  (March 22, 2011, 2:22 p.m. Central, 19:25 UTC)
• "My Take on Libya, War, and Getting a Grip; Mostly Links"
  (March 22, 2011 5:49 p.m. Central, 22:49 UTC)
• "Pacifism?"
  (March 22, 2011 6:02 p.m. Central, 23:02 UTC)
• "Assumptions, Making Sense, and Politics "
  (March 22, 2011 6:45 p.m. Central, 23:45 UTC)
• " 'Just War:' Unpleasant, but Not a Contradiction in Terms "
  (March 22, 2011 6:49 p.m. Central, 23:49 UTC)