‘Occupy the Manger’: Boston Protesters Perform a Live Nativity — With a Wall Street Spin
- Posted on December 23, 2011 at 7:08am by
Billy Hallowell
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We already showed you what happened when a live nativity scene was placed in the middle of the Occupy D.C. encampment. Now, you‘ll get a sneak peak at Occupy Boston protesters who dressed up in biblical garb and attempted to make parallels between their movement and Christianity’s central themes.
On Thursday, around 20 members of the Boston movement returned to Dewey Square Park to get their holiday-themed protest off to a rousing start. This was the first day that the park was re-opened following a Dec. 10 eviction. The Occupiers came along with “protest chaplains,” who are described by Boston.com as “clergy and lay people who have brought a spiritual framework to the Occupy movement.”
The event, organized in part by Harvard Divinity School student Robin Lutjohann, was apparently a showcase meant to stop consumerism from co-opting the holiday. Lutjohann, 25, said he hoped the brief protest would focus upon New Testament themes he holds dear.
“The message is to show people that Christmas at its heart is about liberation,” he said. “It’s not about how expensive is the gift you give to your loved one. It’s not about jump-starting the economy. It’s about liberating the oppressed.”
The protesters held signs that said, “There is still no room at the inn” and “Peace on Earth, goodwill to the 99%” — clearly attempting to use the holiday themes to bring more attention to their cause. According to CBS News, other signs read, “Occupy the Manger,“ ”God believes in unwed pregnant teenagers” and “Shepherds are the 99%.”
The group put on a nativity play, as they infused themes from the protest movement to bring more attention to their cause. Watch another clip from the event, below (stay tuned for the biblical mic checks):
The Rev. Stephanie Spellers, a local faith leader, led the protesters in singing “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Pointing to the similarities she sees between Christ and the Occupy movement, she said:
“The point is just to remind people as they celebrate the Christmas season that you can’t celebrate Christmas without acknowledging that Jesus was poor, homeless, disenfranchised and willing to give his life for the many. Can we be that generous?”
(H/T: Boston.com)
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Comments (62)
Old Ogre
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 2:20pmI still don’t quite understand what the 99 are expecting to change or make better. It just looks like one big long partying bitch session to me. What a disorganized waste of space and potential they are, it’s the blind leading the blind. I wonder what they could accomplish if they actually just sat down and figured out what they wanted.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/256/help-save-the-holidays-/
“Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.” ~ Thomas Jefferson ~
“The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.”
Report Post »— Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America)
DogTags
Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:58amAs the Good Shepherd, Jesus would leave the 99 to save the one. Matthew 18:12.
Report Post »DogTags
Posted on December 24, 2011 at 12:04pmTimothy 3
Report Post »1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
DogTags
Posted on December 24, 2011 at 12:13pmAs Paul wrote to Timothy, we should have no approving affiliation with these people. They are trying to cloak their movement in a spiritual baptism, but they are following another god and preaching a false doctrine.
Jesus did not condemn wealth when he asked he told the rich young ruler to sell all he had and give it to the poor. Jesus addressed an attitude of self-sufficiency that tended to accompany wealth. But, the Occupy Wall Street movement seems to be infested with the same attitude. They believe that wealth will save them, only they demand the “rich” give them their wealth instead of earning it for themselves.
Report Post »tbeachhead
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 1:34pmWhat do they suppose Jesus did with the gold, frankincense and myrrh? Or do they suppose that the wise men gave tokens without sacrifice in their worship, similar to the huge percentage who throw a buck in the offering plate, and rail against anyone who thinks the tithe is the minimum? Do they understand that Jesus‘ ministry had a ’money box’, and that Jesus allowed Judas to be treasurer…though he stole from the treasury! Do they understand that Jesus actually gave from that treasury to the poor…not because the government made Him pay His fair share, but voluntarily, because He is love?
Report Post »swoods08
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:54pmWhat a joke, what bad theater. Then again its got to be tough to memorize the script when you are frying on acid every night. I mean just look at the black lady in the front.
Report Post »proudinfidel54
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 7:13pmDo you think if we ignore them that they might go away, nahh no such luck.
Report Post »qzak491
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:41pmThis reminds me of the two thieves on the crosses. One mocked JESUS the other didn’t. What the mockers here have forgotten is as Paul Harvey would say “the rest of the story”, that is which one of the thieves was rewarded. The OWS mock, the Tea Party doesn’t, enough said.
Report Post »mean_conservative_teacher
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:33pmWell, now the Palestinians have company on the hypocritical hijacking of Christmas to satisfy selfish and anti-Christian ends bandwagon.
Report Post »mean_conservative_teacher
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:37pmWe have already seen what the occupiers think of the Nativity: that it should be illegal and that those portraying it should be forcibly removed from public view.
Report Post »hi
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:30pmSocial justice means the poor have a right to take from the rich.
Report Post »The Bible says not to covet or steal.
SecularConservative
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 2:51pmit’s all how you interpret it…
Report Post »RaptorEP
Posted on December 24, 2011 at 6:59pm@Secularconservitive it’s real hard not to see it what it is. OWS wants what a vast majority of the wealthy worked there @ss off for all there lives. They covet what the wealthy has and wants to steal it away. The bible also says in Proverbs”…The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil…” and that’s on both sides of the argument, the few wealthy who lie cheat and steal to get there wealth are no different then those misguided who covet that same wealth, they love money and will do whatever means necessary to get it.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:11pmMerry Christmas and God Bless everyone!
-Tiny Tim
Report Post »Aidan MacAnBhaird
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 11:29amMay every person; regardless of political or religious leaning,
Report Post »have a most BLESSED OF CHRISTMASES AND THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS!
Not just 99% of you, but ALL of you.
And the folks in this story? Including them, too.
B-Neil
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 11:17amHay People! There has to be a way to get attenchen. Lets try this, will dress up and act like idiots, that should do it. That did’nt work. Lets try something els. I know; lets go home and ignor what they do. Yaa-Yaa. Will show them. CARRY ON McDUFF p.s. MERRY CHRISTMAS and GOD BLESS to all even the atheist and Occupiers
Report Post »Zpro
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 11:47amThe occupiers trying to wrap a religious cause around God. Here’s my opinion of The 99% Watch http://goanimate.com/movie/09ctUSJB8p_U?utm_source=linkshare&uid=0GVVTfOjymE4
Having said that…..I wish all a Merry Christmas! (Yes, Occupiers too)
Report Post »SecularConservative
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 2:33pmMerry Christmas to you too :)
Report Post »Voteman
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 11:14am“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.” Thomas Jefferson.
Report Post »Look4DBigPicture
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 10:45amChristmas used to be such a special time of year, but everything going on in our country and the rest of the world makes me very very sad. God Bless America and Merry Christmas to those of you on this post who appreciate God’s love for all.
Report Post »ConservativeVictory2012
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 10:39amAs I heard from a friend, “Jesus left the 99 sheep for the one. I want to be the 1%”.
Report Post »Bygraceonly
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 4:54pmAmen! I am with you
Report Post »only-rush-can-save-us
Posted on December 24, 2011 at 4:24pmGreat post!
Jesus said that god “helps those who help themselves” and “only a few shall get into heaven”. So it’s clear the 1% who actually do all the work are the ones blessed by god. Thats why they have the money. Because god is blessing them.
Do you see the 1% asking for handouts? No!
Do you see the 1% sleeping in the streets? No!
Do you see the 1% blocking traffic and making fools of themselves? No!
You can see simply by their fruits that the 1% is who god is blessing. look to them for your path forward. leave these 99% sinners behind and shake the dust from your sandals.
Blessings and Merry CHRISTmas to all!
Report Post »ConservativeChristianB1954
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 9:40amOk atheists do your thing. Bet you won’t.
Report Post »mean_conservative_teacher
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:39pmThey know it’s a farce.
Report Post »IMPEACHBHO
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 9:35amThe Obama youth…
Report Post »ROMANS 10-9
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 8:47amYes,
Jesus did
kick over
the money changers tables
in HIS FATHERS HOUSE
OF WORSHIP,..
BUT!
JESUS did not
kick ANY money changers tables
as he walked through the city
on his way to
HIS FATHERS HOUSE OF WORSHIP!
Jesus was IS capitolist
who does not believe in debt!
Read
Acts 4:12
it’s Good News!
Merry CHRISTmas America!
Report Post »Michalisko
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 11:23amit is good news have faith in the lord dont run to the big banks to save you.
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 8:46amI’m so tired of the 99% crap. That is so far from the truth. I’m tired too of Our Lord being used for political purposed. Merry Christmas everyone and may we bless God this Holy Season in the hope that He may once again bless America.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 8:41amAt the core of this movement are individuals who have hijacked the message of Christ , which was to love one another. At the core of this movement is the hijackers’ message: hate the rich; obstruct the law; Occupy and bully the taxpayers; taunt the police , and bring on the “chaos” which is the core of the Anarchist Movement. This International Band of Haters is easily recognizable by their actions which have nothing to do with respecting and loving their fellow citizens. To use Christ’s message to deceive the gullible is nothing short of sacrilege.
Report Post »ROMANS 10-9
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 8:39amJesus IS a Capitolist!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 8:38amYou cannot merge… Christ’s offer of Salvation for an Individual… into… Communist Salvation of the Collective… trading Freedom for Mediocre Security!
Report Post »mean_conservative_teacher
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 1:19pmThat is the crux of all of this. Obama has pretty much said that the kind of salvation in which he believed is of the collective sort. All of this echoes the black liberation theology of Reverend Wright and his ilk. That in mind, perhaps the most apropos sign for these protestors to be carrying would be one saying “God d@^^n America”. Such as these want the government to be your father and mother and god. And the godlike government that they desire is not one confined to the borders of this nation which they hate.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 8:22amThe real manger and ancient shepherds smelled better than these tools.
Report Post »NashEast
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 7:52amI’m sure Mr. Lutjohann from the ‘Hahvard’ Divinity School really feels the suffering of the poor and homeless. Hypocritical little twits playing at concern for others before returning to their million $ homes a few hours later.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 7:40am“The point is just to remind people as they celebrate the Christmas season that you can’t celebrate Christmas without acknowledging that Jesus was poor, homeless, disenfranchised and willing to give his life for the many. Can we be that generous?”
No, they can’t. Not when they have declined to feed the homeless at their very own OWS kitchens in NYC. Not when they declined to donate food to a food bank in DC (but they will accept all the corporate food donations they can get their grimy little mitts on). Not when they destroyed the very San Diego businesses that had fed them for free until the business owners could no longer afford to do so. No, they cannot be that generous. Thanks for playing, please try again.
Report Post »iac
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 8:11amBesides the fact that Jesus was NOT poor nor homeless. He was a skilled tradesman. When as an adult, if he wasn’t preaching, I’m sure he was busy at work. When preaching and out of town, he wan’t squatting in the town square!
Report Post »pjr12345
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 8:23amIf you actually read Luke’s account of the birth of Christ, you’d have learned that Joseph took his family to Bethlehem because an edict by an over-reaching government required everyone return to his town of origin and be counted. He arrived way past the check-in time, and apparently didn’t let the hotel know of his possible late arrival, so the manager gave his room away. Since the sympathetic hotelier must hav known there was no room to be gotten in the entire city, and Mary was in labor, he offered them the garage. Long story short, Joseph may not have been rich, but clearly he was not poor. And consider this: Joseph was a gainfully employed carpenter who was NOT a union member.
Report Post »RaptorEP
Posted on December 24, 2011 at 7:13pm@IAC Yes and no, Jesus was a tradesman before ministry at the age of 30, where John The Baptist baptized Him. Then he lived a selfless life and spread the news of his fulfillment of prophecy and inevitable salvation of mankind. He slept in Inns because those he touched donated to him, hence the need of a treasury which handled the needs of His ministry and those who traveled with him. He knocked over the money changers because they were cheating the people and disrespecting the temple, not for any dislike of the wealthy. Jesus’ message is being perverted again as it has during the hypocrite kings of Europe during the crusades, and by contemporary swindlers today.
Report Post »TheLastBestHopeofManOnEarth
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 7:34amPeace on Earth, Good will towards ALL men. I will pray for the “useful idiots”.
Report Post »Henrys_Ghost
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 10:02amI believe the correct phrase is “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men” It doesn’t alienate anyone or any “percentage”. Peace on Earth Goodwill to the 99% sounds a bit scroogie to me? Not a very Christian sentiment. Go play with your drums elsewhere.
KickinBack
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 7:33amOccupational Hazard. No wonder why they don’t work.
Report Post »lel2007
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 7:17amIdiots.
Report Post »GIDEON612
Posted on December 23, 2011 at 7:27amI could not have said it better
Report Post »