This week, MSNBC’s Morning Joe featured one of the most interesting discussions of faith we’ve seen so far in the Democratic presidential campaign. Pete Buttigieg was asked if he has accepted Jesus Christ as his personal lord and savior.
What followed was a discussion about theology, New Testament translation, mystery, salvation and the teachings of Christ.
Buttigieg said, “Yes, but maybe that means different things to different people. Because a lot of people feel like they had a Road to Damascus personal encounter with God. For me, just personally, I actually came to the faith more through an appreciation of mystery and a personal humility about the limits to which this part of me [pointing to his brain] could get, than believing I had found THE answer. I struggle with a lot of doubt and a lot of ambiguity, but that is there in scripture just as that is there in life.”
When pressed again if Jesus Christ was his lord and savior, Buttigieg began discussing New Testament theology.
“To me, salvation through Christ has to do with the fact that when God comes into this world—according to the teachings of my faith tradition—the world is basically out to destroy the divine. And yet, through this sacrifice, we see what it means to live out the idea of love, of God’s love.” He then goes on to talk about different translations and the Greek original language.
He is pressed once again: “What I’m asking you is, do you believe the orthodox view, Jesus—son of God—died for your sins, was buried, the third day was resurrected and will sit at the right hand of the father? And, that your salvation depends on your faith in Jesus Christ?”
His answer: “Yes. And what we do. What I do.”
You can watch the full exchange below:
