The Good Samaritan; or The Gay Atheist

A simple story based on a parable (story) told by Jesus 2000 years ago. Probably still relevant today.

For those who are not aware, a Samaritan was a member of a Jewish sect living in Judea at the time of Jesus. Some did not recognise them as proper Jews, having intermarried with people, who lived also in Judea, but were not Jewish, even though a Samaritan followed all the Jewish dietary rules, kept the Sabbath, and thought of himself as a Jew.

Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritans  The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke chap10 verse 30-37) For more information and the original version.

Background details done now back to the story:

There was a man walking through Judea and he was set upon and robbed by thieves, he was badly beaten up, robbed and left for dead by the roadside.

Along came a Christian preacher [I know Christians did not exist then, but bear with me] who looked at him and thought. “it is my Christian duty to help this man, but the thieves may still be around, plus I have an appointment to keep.” So he past on by.

Next came a Jewish Rabbi, who saw the man and thought. “I know that I should help this man, but I have just had a ritual bath and to touch him would make me unclean.” So he past on by.

Then came a Muslim Imam [Yes I know that Islam did not exist then, but bear with me] Again he looked at the man and thought. “I know that I should help this man, but clearly he is not a Muslim and he must have done something wrong for God to allow him to beaten up like that.” So he past on by.

Next along the road came a Gay Atheist, who saw the man, and thought. “That could be me lying there, but for the grace of God [Yes I know that an atheist does not believe in God, but bear with me] So he stopped, giving no regard for his own safety. Helped the man up, took him to a local Inn, where he cleaned and bandaged his wounds. Left some money with the Innkeeper, saying. “When the man feels well enough, give him a meal and arrange for a taxi to take him home.” Then went on his way.

Jesus then asked [It could just as well have been Mohammed, but he was not born then, but bear with me] the simple question? Who do you think was acting in a more Godlike compassionate manner?

Then he said; “go and do likewise.”