The Occupy Movement: A Christian Movement?

It's known as the Occupy Movement. It's also known as the 99% Movement. Most people understand that this movement is pretty much about the have-nots pushing back against the abuses of wealth, power, and politics of the haves (the 1%). But what do these people really want, and by what means do they propose to get it? Do they have a right to get it? Is what they want somehow "un-American"?

The movement has taken root because there are alot of people who feel the free enterprise system has been free to concentrate the wealth of this country in the hands of a few (the1%), and oppress the bottom 99%. Whether you think its 1 vs 99 or 2 vs 98 doesn't really matter. Millions and millions of people feel this is not the American Dream they were raised to believe in, that they or their blood relatives fought to preserve. Still, the Movement has no single leader, and no defined strategic objective. The protests to date seem to call attention of the existence of a 99%. But there are no defined core values or priorities. The movement is like a building without a foundation. Unless and until there is some easily identifiable principle, the Movement will be subject to being defined by the media, which is largely controlled by the 1%. The Movement is also in danger of being hijacked by those with sinister motivations.

I like the Occupy Movement. I see great value in it. This is the biggest thing to happen in America since the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's. So I am going to offer the Movement an easily identifiable principle, a foundation to build upon.

While America does not have an official religion, this is largely a Christian nation, at least on paper. I suggest that the Occupy/99% Movement put America -- and that 1% -- to the test.

The Occupy Movement wants the 1% to treat the 99% with dignity, with respect, with fairness, with equality. But beyond that, the 1% should be willing to take action to restore the middle class, and reduce the burden on the poor. The 1% is wrong to oppress the 99% economically and politically. The 1% -- the very wealthy, including most of those in high political office -- need to be reminded that in the sight of God, we are equals, and thus we are morally, and ethically obligated to help one another.

I'm using Christianity as the foundation because that is what I'm familiar with. But I believe the concept is common among many beliefs. But since so many of the 1% and in the government claim to be Christian, they should get the point. The following quotes are from the New King James Version of the Bible:

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)

"...love one another; as I have loved you, ...also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34, 35)

"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them..." (Matthew 7:12)

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." (Romans 12:9-10)

"...You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Leviticus 19:18)

Is this asking too much?  I believe the Occupy Movement should make this appeal:

• to the very wealthy  -- individuals and corporations;
• to politicians who by their actions favor the haves over the have-nots;
• to those among the poor and middle-class who seek to get ahead by ripping off other poor and middle-class people.  

The methods being used to amass wealth and political power (by oppressing and marginalizing the poor, and destroying the middle class) are totally against the Christian principals which are supposedly the foundation of this nation.  The 99% calls on the 1% to live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.'

Again, an idendifiable foundation for the Movement can be Christian Bible-based:
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but... let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)

If you're a Christian, or even if you think you're a good but non-religious person, greed is not an option. Greed is not a sustainable way of life. It has to stop. We are stronger when we help each other up, instead of climbing over each other and pushing someone else down in the process.

Hopefully, this may help you understand what the Occupy Movement is trying to do. Hopefully this will help the Occupy Movement understand itself.