No, Jesus didn't tweet

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Sep 26, 2013

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, one of the most quotable prelates at the Vatican, has captured popular attention once again with his comment that Jesus “used tweets before everyone else.” The president of the Pontifical Council for Culture explained that Jesus made statements that were “brief and full of meaning.”

It’s a cute notion, and naturally the cardinal’s observation is very popular on Twitter. Insofar as Cardinal Ravasi meant that Jesus was a successful communicator, he’s certainly right. But in another sense he’s quite wrong—in fact, 100% wrong.

Jesus always spoke to people. Sometimes He spoke to individuals, and sometimes to larger groups, but always to people who were with Him. He did not write notes or make statements for the record. And He certainly didn’t launch ideas out into the ether, hoping that someone would pay attention.