Would They Love Him Down In Shreveport
Love and Judgment: Jesus in Modern America
Lyrics
If they saw Him riding in
Jesus riding in, possibly on a symbolic journey
Long hair flying in the wind
Visual imagery of Jesus with long hair, a free-spirited portrayal
Would they love Him down in Shreveport today
Questioning if the people in Shreveport would accept and love Jesus
If they heard He was a Jew
Highlighting Jesus' Jewish and Palestinian identity
And a Palestinian too
Wondering if Nashville would accept Jesus with such backgrounds
Would they love Him down in Nashville today
Challenging societal prejudices and expectations
If they saw Him talk with ease
Jesus interacting with marginalized individuals
To the junkies, whores, and thieves
Reference to Jesus' acceptance of those society might reject
Would they love Him out in Wichita today
Questioning acceptance in Wichita for Jesus' inclusive nature
Would the rich man think it funny
Speculating on the reaction of the wealthy to Jesus' teachings
If He said give up your money
Imagining Jesus advocating for selflessness and charity
Would they love Him up on Wall Street today
Wondering if Jesus would be accepted on Wall Street
If He made the wine from water
Referencing Jesus' miracles, particularly turning water into wine
And he cured their sons and daughters
Highlighting Jesus' healing abilities and their impact on families
What would the folks in Salt Lake City say
Anticipating the reaction of the people in Salt Lake City
If He talked of brotherhood
Emphasizing Jesus' message of unity and kinship
As He walked their neighborhoods
Questioning acceptance in Boston for Jesus' teachings
Would they love Him up in Boston today
Challenging regional biases and expectations
If He said love those who use you
Addressing the challenging command to love even those who harm you
And forgive those who abuse you
Emphasizing the theme of forgiveness in Jesus' teachings
If He turned the other cheek
Referencing Jesus' teaching of non-retaliation
What would you say
Asking the listener how they would react to such a message
Would you laugh and call Him crazy
Anticipating skepticism and disbelief in response to Jesus' teachings
And just send Him on his way
Suggesting a dismissive attitude towards Jesus' unconventional message
If Jesus came to your town today
Directly posing the hypothetical scenario of Jesus visiting the listener's town
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