ORLANDO, Fla. — A controversial religious figure who claims he is Jesus Christ incarnate with a following of millions with “666” tattoos on their bodies, filled an amphitheater in Orlando this weekend, and promised joy, peace and prosperity. Orlando police officers stood guard around the Lake Eola amphitheater as Dr. Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda, 61, arrived in the city Saturday. Miranda, who has been banned from three countries, told Local 6 News cameras and a cheering crowd that he was Jesus Christ reincarnated. His followers believe that Miranda’s life and his teachings replace those of Jesus of Nazareth….
I don’t know if Dr. Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda is the Messiah. Frankly, I couldn’t care less. What I do find interesting is that Miranda can attract enough “believers” to fill an ampitheater. I suppose this just goes to show that there’s a religion to fill every need, as long as there’s someone willing to fill that need…and Miranda certainly seems willing.
What I don’t understand is why Christians feel the need to protest. Why not just operate under the “perhaps if we ignore him, he’ll go away” theory? What threat is Miranda to the majority religion in this country? Are they worried about Miranda proselytizing amongst the same folks they want to? Yeah, you wouldn’t Miranda invading the territory of “real” Christians, would you? Perhaps they’re afraid that if people actually thinking about modern Christianity, they’ll have reason to think twice.
Miranda said millions of people worldwide have tattooed their bodies with “666” in recognition that the second-coming of Christ has taken place, according to the report.
“I have it proudly on my hand,” a believer told Local 6’s Jamie Guirola. “It is easier when they shake my hand. It is easier for them to ask. I am very proud to show it is a sign of love.”
A group of Christians protested the event, calling the following a cult. Police also removed two people from the amphitheater.
“We are just questioning their faith and their ‘666’ tattoos,” a protestor told Local 6. “We just want to learn more so we can relate more between being a Christian and believing in this and who the true Jesus is.”
Well, of course they protested, silly. No good, God-fearing Christian is going to countenance anything that runs counter to their narrow beliefs. Actually, I should probably be careful here, since I’m married to a committed Christian, but you’d think these people would let the silliness of this spectacle speak for itself, wouldn’t you??
Miranda said he is known as God in at least 30 countries.
Local 6 reported that he was born in Puerto Rico and admits to being a recovering heroin addict. He also spent times in prison on drug and petty theft charges.
Right, and he at one time played centerfield for the Baltimore Orioles. Who freakin’ cares? If I had a dollar for every two-bit charlatan who claims to be God or claims to have a direct line to the Almighty (et tu, James Dobson??), I could retire comfortably. The only thing this proves is that people need to believe. What they believe is something each person needs to figure out for themselves. Whatever gets you through the night….
The Christians who were protesting Miranda’s appearance in Orlando might want to settle down. You’re likely only encouraging him.
