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Introduction: A “soft”, accommodating, and modern Jesus?
In many current environments—even within certain ecclesial circles—a picture of Jesus has been spread as someone always kind, tolerant to the point of indifference, and above all, “politically correct.” A Jesus who never raises His voice, who always smiles, who approves of everyone and everything, and who would never confront the world’s mentality for fear of “offending.”
But that is not the Jesus of the Gospel. That is not the Word made flesh. That is not the Christ who came to bring division (cf. Lk 12:51), to purify the temple (cf. Jn 2:15), to denounce hypocrisy (cf. Mt 23), and to give His life for proclaiming the Truth.
This article is not a provocation. It is a call to return to the true face of Christ: the Master who loved to the extreme, but who never lied to please; the Savior who forgave sinners but never told them that sin did not matter.
Because Jesus was not politically correct. He was, is, and always will be the Truth. And that, in a world wounded by relativism, is more scandalous than ever.
1. What does “politically correct” mean?
Before diving deeper, it’s important to define the term. Being “politically correct” means saying or doing what is socially acceptable so as not to make anyone uncomfortable. It often means avoiding the truth, softening speech, disguising reality, or remaining silent when one should speak—all in the name of so-called “inclusion” or “tolerance.”
This concept, which outwardly seeks peace, can in fact become a tool of censorship and cultural manipulation. Why? Because truth hurts, and one who loves cannot remain silent about it.
Jesus came to bring peace, yes—but not an artificial peace based on consensus. He came to bring a peace that flows from conversion and reconciliation with God.
2. Jesus: the Face of Truth
St. John expresses it clearly:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jn 1:14)
Jesus is the Truth incarnate. He did not simply speak the truth—He is the Truth (cf. Jn 14:6). And truth is non-negotiable, not relative, not adaptable to trends. Truth saves, but it also makes people uncomfortable. Truth liberates, but first it wounds pride.
Jesus never used a pious lie or strategic omission. His language was clear, direct, and often provocative. Not because He wanted to shock for the sake of it, but because He knew the human soul needs light, even if it hurts at first.
3. Confrontations That Prove It
a) Against the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law
Jesus was not ambiguous with religious hypocrites:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! … You are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” (Mt 23:27)
Would a politically correct person say this today? Certainly not. But Jesus did—not out of hatred, but because He loved them enough to tell them the truth.
b) With the adulterous woman
Jesus did not condemn her, but He also did not applaud her. He said:
“Go, and do not sin again.” (Jn 8:11)
Forgiveness, yes. Approval of sin, never.
c) With Peter
When Peter tried to dissuade Jesus from taking the way of the Cross, Jesus rebuked him harshly:
“Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men.” (Mt 16:23)
Jesus would not tolerate anyone—not even His closest apostle—endangering the plan of salvation for the sake of comfort or fear of suffering.
d) With the rich
To the rich young man, Jesus spoke the truth he didn’t want to hear:
“If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mt 19:21)
The young man went away sorrowful. Jesus didn’t offer him a tailor-made faith, but a call to total self-giving.
4. The Scandal of the Cross: “Foolishness” to the World
St. Paul summarizes it powerfully:
“We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.” (1 Cor 1:23)
The Gospel is not a marketing product. The Cross cannot be “sold” as something pleasant. Jesus didn’t seek likes or easy followers. He invited people to take up their cross, deny themselves, and die to sin. And even in His own time, that was unpopular.
5. Theological Relevance: Why It Matters Today
Today, there is often an attempt to present a watered-down Christianity, reduced to an ethic of good manners and universal tolerance. A “cuddly Jesus” who requires no conversion, teaches no doctrine, and doesn’t bother anyone.
But this is not Christian theology. It is secularism dressed up in religious garb.
From a theological perspective, affirming that Jesus was not politically correct is to affirm that Revelation is objective, non-negotiable, and that the mission of the Church is not to please the world, but to proclaim the Gospel.
St. Paul warns:
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” (2 Tim 4:3)
That time is now. And that’s why we must urgently return to the real Christ—not the one fabricated by today’s dominant culture.
6. Pastoral Consequences: How Do We Apply This Today?
Pastoral care must not be born out of fear of discomfort, but out of love for the truth. A love that speaks the truth with charity, but that does not betray the message of Christ.
a) In preaching
Priests and catechists are not called to give “motivational speeches,” but to proclaim the Word, even if it hurts. A homily that doesn’t challenge or call to conversion is not faithful to the Gospel.
b) In family life
Parents must teach their children the truths of the faith, even if it goes against what they hear at school or in society. They cannot “let them choose” without first forming them.
c) In social and political life
Christians must be the salt of the earth, not the sugar of the world. They must defend life, the family, and the truth about man and God, even if that means losing votes, friends, or social acceptance.
d) In spiritual life
Each person must ask: Am I trying to please God or people? Am I living an authentic faith or a faith tailored to my comfort?
7. Jesus, Truth and Love: The Perfect Synthesis
It’s not about opposing truth and charity. Quite the opposite. Jesus was the supreme manifestation of love, and precisely for that reason He never became complicit in sin. To love is not to say what someone wants to hear, but what they need to hear in order to be saved.
“Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Cor 13:6)
Charity that remains silent before evil, that sugarcoats sin, that justifies disobedience, is not Christian love. It is cowardice disguised as kindness.
8. Conclusion: The Courage to Be Like Christ
Jesus was persecuted, rejected, and crucified precisely because He was not politically correct. And He told His disciples:
“A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (Jn 15:20)
Today, following Jesus requires the courage to go against the current. To love without sugarcoating, to serve without negotiating the truth, to speak with charity but without fear. Because only the truth will set us free (cf. Jn 8:32).
Practical Application: What Can You Do?
- Read the Gospels without filters, and discover the real Christ.
- Do not be afraid to defend your faith in public, with charity and clarity.
- Pray for the gift of discernment so as not to fall into ideologies disguised as gospel.
- Seek doctrinal formation: faith needs foundation.
- Love as Christ loved: with tenderness, yes—but also with truth.
Final Words
Jesus was not politically correct. He was divinely just. He was infinitely merciful, yes—but also absolutely truthful. If we follow Him, we must be willing to live as He did: loving with firmness, speaking with clarity, and giving ourselves without fear to the Cross.
Because in the end, it’s not about pleasing the world, but pleasing God.
And in that path, we will find the only freedom that lasts: the freedom that comes from the Truth that saves.
