One of the deepest dangers in both our theology and politics today, especially in spaces dominated by Christian language, is the way we keep making people the problem, instead of actually addressing the problems themselves.
I seem to need this reminder daily now. I don’t want to hate the people who are being so cruel. But I live in a deep red county in a deep read state where for over 30 years I supported churches who now are silent about the atrocities that surround us.
They said that they were Jesus followers who valued justice and mercy across nationalities. And I believed them.
In a few days, I will be 77. I thought that I was discerning. Now I feel so stupid.
Janice, i live in the same situation - red on red. You are not alone - i'll be 74 on my next birthday. Our churches/pastors have double crossed the religion i grew up with - to reach out with grace, compassion, and love. Now we need to harness a passion for the things we believe in from the Christianity we know from our lifetime of trusting the path that Jesus trod. I am so blessed to have a pastor who is a truthteller - sharing the ways Jesus spoke to the crises we still battle today.
Absolutely! The politicians give away the game when instead of rational solutions, they give us hatred and punishment. All of these problems can be solved without dehumanizing people, but the goal is not to solve problems, but to create anger.
Way too many who believe themselves to be faithful Christians aggregate together in comfortable congregations where their long-held discomforts and fears are assuaged and coddled by pastors and deacons suffering from the same fears. It’s a vicious and un-Christ-like circle dressed in a costume of Christian piety. I expect Christ would once again say, “Get thee behind me, Satan” if He were to appear and confront these misled and misguided masses.
I attend a Christian church but we must be practicing differently because I have never heard the phrase “we can’t tolerate sin”. It surprised me but I am glad to at least know where some churches are coming from. When punishing “sin” becomes public policy it is even more harmful.
As humans we seek to quantify most things, my sin is not like “ those people’s sins”, therefore I’m ok. We can feel morally superior but God is the judge of all, and there is no hierarchy of sin. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. If “Christians paid as much attention to their own lives and standing before God I think this would be a much better place to live. I loved the St. John quote, keep up the good work.
Spot on- We have an obligation to determine the root causes of the PROBLEMS in our society and address them instead of pointing fingers and judging the PEOPLE who are wrongly labeled “the problem”.
I am so weary of trying to remind people (Christians) of this, and of feeling lonely in trying to represent this to my non-Christian friends and family.
I seem to need this reminder daily now. I don’t want to hate the people who are being so cruel. But I live in a deep red county in a deep read state where for over 30 years I supported churches who now are silent about the atrocities that surround us.
They said that they were Jesus followers who valued justice and mercy across nationalities. And I believed them.
In a few days, I will be 77. I thought that I was discerning. Now I feel so stupid.
I understand saying you feel stupid, but I don't see it that way. You were being trusting and loving. You were deceived, but not stupid.
Janice, i live in the same situation - red on red. You are not alone - i'll be 74 on my next birthday. Our churches/pastors have double crossed the religion i grew up with - to reach out with grace, compassion, and love. Now we need to harness a passion for the things we believe in from the Christianity we know from our lifetime of trusting the path that Jesus trod. I am so blessed to have a pastor who is a truthteller - sharing the ways Jesus spoke to the crises we still battle today.
Our your church services streamed? Are you on Facebook? I could message you.
Same 🛶 and same feelings
Your story is my story. 😒
Absolutely! The politicians give away the game when instead of rational solutions, they give us hatred and punishment. All of these problems can be solved without dehumanizing people, but the goal is not to solve problems, but to create anger.
Way too many who believe themselves to be faithful Christians aggregate together in comfortable congregations where their long-held discomforts and fears are assuaged and coddled by pastors and deacons suffering from the same fears. It’s a vicious and un-Christ-like circle dressed in a costume of Christian piety. I expect Christ would once again say, “Get thee behind me, Satan” if He were to appear and confront these misled and misguided masses.
One of the most “Christian” thing I have ever read!
Well done and thank you for all you do. The reminders about how we should follow the teaching of Jesus apply to all of us!
It’s easier to arrest a homeless man than to build him a home.
Easier to preach against a pregnant woman than to make sure she can afford prenatal care.
Easier to wave a Bible at the border than to reform the system that keeps people trapped there.
Jesus didn’t play that game. He called out the systems. He stood with the people those systems crushed. And it got him treated like a criminal.
If your gospel needs someone to scapegoat, it’s not the gospel. It’s just fear dressed up in scripture.
I feel like I'm constantly saying this, and I live in Canada. My heart breaks for what has been done to the gospel in some church spaces.
I attend a Christian church but we must be practicing differently because I have never heard the phrase “we can’t tolerate sin”. It surprised me but I am glad to at least know where some churches are coming from. When punishing “sin” becomes public policy it is even more harmful.
As humans we seek to quantify most things, my sin is not like “ those people’s sins”, therefore I’m ok. We can feel morally superior but God is the judge of all, and there is no hierarchy of sin. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. If “Christians paid as much attention to their own lives and standing before God I think this would be a much better place to live. I loved the St. John quote, keep up the good work.
I could not agree more. Thank you for the truth about being a follower of Jesus.
Spot on- We have an obligation to determine the root causes of the PROBLEMS in our society and address them instead of pointing fingers and judging the PEOPLE who are wrongly labeled “the problem”.
I am so weary of trying to remind people (Christians) of this, and of feeling lonely in trying to represent this to my non-Christian friends and family.
So good - thank you.
You write with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen 🙏🏻
Yes! Exactly! Beautifully written. Thank you!🙏❤️
Heck, “Xhristians” are leading the charge!