New Testament 300

In his rocker days — Arthur “Killer” Kane
(Wikimedia Commons)

Compare Matthew 16:27; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; John 5:29

Three quick observations and an addendum that will explain my inclusion of the image above:

The notion of an all-accepting, non-judgmental Jesus has no foundation in the New Testament.

The criteria of judgment seem to be largely if not behavioral. We won’t be asked a lot of theological questions, I think.

And the behavior most central — certainly in this passage — is our treatment of other people.

Addendum:

In the jail at Carthage, Illinois, Joseph Smith requested that John Taylor sing “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” — a song based on this passage of scripture that was newly-composed and very popular at the time — shortly before an anti-Mormon mob attacked the building, killing Joseph and wounding Elder Taylor.

Some of you will have seen the wonderfully touching film New York Doll, about Arthur “Killer” Kane, a hard-rock musician who joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served faithfully, and, sadly, died far too young. At the end, surprisingly and after the credits, comes this remarkable rendition of “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” by David Johansen (aka Buster Poindexter), formerly of the band New York Dolls, sung in appropriate tribute to his former band mate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4axKHtMNKw

If you haven’t seen the movie, please do so sometime.