Surveying my news feed lately, I can't help but think that most people doing the same thing would be hard-pressed not to come away with the conclusion that all Christians are preoccupied with plumbing—both personal and public.
If you’re following the news out of Texas, the state has just sued a homeless shelter for doing exactly what you described: going out into the streets, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the incarcerated. By that last one, I mean providing addicts with clean needles so they don’t spread disease and infection.
The shelter has claimed that their actions are how they exercise their religion. We’ll see if religious liberty allows us to practice our faith based on an inclusive reading of the Bible.
I hope the courts side with them and they can continue their service. BUT imagine, a state trying to prevent them from following the teachings. Horrifying!
John Pavlovitz, I agree with your statement: “The topic of sexuality is a cheap, effective aphrodisiac for bored, self-righteous people needing a reason to feel religious. It's spiritual Viagra for people who can't sustain passion naturally.” And that “Passion” is measured in dollars to keep the pretty churches afloat and the pastor employed. It’s all about the Benjamin’s. If the church is spending so much time on the topic of sexuality it would be great to see them turn inward to ask themselves why they are personally so easily hooked by it? Why are so many pastors and youth leaders given a pass to abuse? Why are so many women told to shut up? The church is a hot mess of its own making. Christ and a majority of Americans are longing for true spiritual example and leadership. But will that ever happen since it’s not a money-maker? John Pavlovitz, you do try. Thank you.
As well as those who truly follow the message. I cherish those who are the true believers, and I say this as an atheist. I don't want to hate anyone, but I struggle to find love and compassion for those who live in a hell on earth of their own making, as they strive to draw others into their world of suffering. It does not make any sense...
Agreed! I’m a believer and the Christ that I have a personal relationship with is not the God of the evangelicals, He is the opposite. I don’t know what Bible they’re reading but they are errant in what they’re “preaching”.
I wonder if this fixation also is being used as a distraction for the daily sexual abuse scandals coming out of the church by high-profile (and low) pastors, mostly white males. Julie Roy’s posts almost daily on this abuse of power that’s often swept under the carpet for decades while these leaders rise in fame and fortune. As Eugene Peterson writes in Jeremiah in the Message: “The Fraud picked us clean, swindled us of what our ancestors bequeathed us, gypped us out of our inheritance-God-blessed flocks and God- given children. We made our bed and now lie in it, all tangled up in the dirty sheets of dishonor. All because we sinned against our God, we and our fathers and mothers. From the time we took our first steps, said our first words, we’ve been rebels, disobeying the voice of our God.” (3:23-25)
It seems there may be a reckoning of church leadership that continues to shock and surprise many. When repentance is no longer the heart’s humble cry, putting a sledgehammer to the outside culture ( the us-them othering) seems to work well. It keeps the focus off our own need to acknowledge sin.
Why are we allowing them to call themselves “Christian”? Why do they get to co-opt the language, just like they did with “Patriot”, “Freedom” “Woke” “Liberty”?
These folks have driven millions out of the church, and repelled even more outside of it. It's gotten to the point that they feel they have to take over the government and force people to be "christians." We all know how that ends.
Once upon a time, French writer George Sand said, "Separation of mind and body is the reason why we have nunneries and brothels." I don't agree with her in all the things she said but this.... seems to hit home just now. The Christians seem to insist that their preoccupation with other people's bodies is all about their minds (or souls), but for some reason it just doesn't ring true.
Thanks John. This kind of nonsense is exercising more than just Christians (although I understand why you highlight them) but I do admit that this nonbeliever finds it kind of darkly amusing that the christofascists have taken on the mantle of the most extreme Muslim, Jewish, Hindu belief systems as well. Basically, unless you're Wicca or Animist, the fascist wing of your religion is using the LGBTQ+ community as the whipping "boy" to promote a frenzy in their followers. But it has ever been thus. Jesus departed from Christianity a very long time ago: just about the time when Saul of Tarsus showed up.
Bullseye, John! Thanks for calling out our own worst sins of hypocrisy. Jesus couldn't have said it better. Today's American culture of fear/hate reminds me of the "mayhem man" in those All-State insurance commercials.
Today December 1 Christians celebrate the beginning of Advent. Let’s prepare by welcoming all people to manifest the love and pure acceptance of that infant who was born to ultimately save us all.
I believe they are engaging in activity that brings "short term gains." Unfortunately, as you have so eloquently stated, they ARE alienating the "watching world," and that doesn't bode well for the future of their version of Christianity. It is also apparent that as long as a majority of Christians who don't follow their hate/fear based version, but continue to stay silent, they will lose more and more followers...and struggle to convert new believers.
Hypocrisy is easy to identify and hard to justify...as my son and his friends quickly point out.
I am afraid the so called “Christian right”will not be able to fly in our commercial airlines. Only one bathroom per cabin. Will they pay the price of a ticket in order to “stand guard”, or will their religious infatuation with sex and toilets get airline executives to put in a Christian only toilet.
That could be very difficult as the CEO of Delta just baptized trump as the answer to all their needs. First, very few airline toilets are big enough even for those just wanting to downsize from their last meal.
My my….. we are a troubled lot.
Thank you John for talking “straight “and with truth and love. You can also talk “gay”…., no matter real people do not need to control someone else’s private parts.
I wish your article was the front page of any newspaper that still believes in articulate and solid truth.
If you’re following the news out of Texas, the state has just sued a homeless shelter for doing exactly what you described: going out into the streets, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the incarcerated. By that last one, I mean providing addicts with clean needles so they don’t spread disease and infection.
The shelter has claimed that their actions are how they exercise their religion. We’ll see if religious liberty allows us to practice our faith based on an inclusive reading of the Bible.
I hope the courts side with them and they can continue their service. BUT imagine, a state trying to prevent them from following the teachings. Horrifying!
I wait for your posts. They help me feel I’m not alone. I would not say I’m a Christian, but the things taught by him resonate as a human being.
Thank you John for articulating what I have been feeling.
John Pavlovitz, I agree with your statement: “The topic of sexuality is a cheap, effective aphrodisiac for bored, self-righteous people needing a reason to feel religious. It's spiritual Viagra for people who can't sustain passion naturally.” And that “Passion” is measured in dollars to keep the pretty churches afloat and the pastor employed. It’s all about the Benjamin’s. If the church is spending so much time on the topic of sexuality it would be great to see them turn inward to ask themselves why they are personally so easily hooked by it? Why are so many pastors and youth leaders given a pass to abuse? Why are so many women told to shut up? The church is a hot mess of its own making. Christ and a majority of Americans are longing for true spiritual example and leadership. But will that ever happen since it’s not a money-maker? John Pavlovitz, you do try. Thank you.
Amen! I’m so tired of the hypocrisy! The evangelical church has done so much harm to the message of Christ.
As well as those who truly follow the message. I cherish those who are the true believers, and I say this as an atheist. I don't want to hate anyone, but I struggle to find love and compassion for those who live in a hell on earth of their own making, as they strive to draw others into their world of suffering. It does not make any sense...
Agreed! I’m a believer and the Christ that I have a personal relationship with is not the God of the evangelicals, He is the opposite. I don’t know what Bible they’re reading but they are errant in what they’re “preaching”.
I wonder if this fixation also is being used as a distraction for the daily sexual abuse scandals coming out of the church by high-profile (and low) pastors, mostly white males. Julie Roy’s posts almost daily on this abuse of power that’s often swept under the carpet for decades while these leaders rise in fame and fortune. As Eugene Peterson writes in Jeremiah in the Message: “The Fraud picked us clean, swindled us of what our ancestors bequeathed us, gypped us out of our inheritance-God-blessed flocks and God- given children. We made our bed and now lie in it, all tangled up in the dirty sheets of dishonor. All because we sinned against our God, we and our fathers and mothers. From the time we took our first steps, said our first words, we’ve been rebels, disobeying the voice of our God.” (3:23-25)
It seems there may be a reckoning of church leadership that continues to shock and surprise many. When repentance is no longer the heart’s humble cry, putting a sledgehammer to the outside culture ( the us-them othering) seems to work well. It keeps the focus off our own need to acknowledge sin.
Why are we allowing them to call themselves “Christian”? Why do they get to co-opt the language, just like they did with “Patriot”, “Freedom” “Woke” “Liberty”?
These folks have driven millions out of the church, and repelled even more outside of it. It's gotten to the point that they feel they have to take over the government and force people to be "christians." We all know how that ends.
I'm wondering what witches will be created and what crusades will come of this.
Once upon a time, French writer George Sand said, "Separation of mind and body is the reason why we have nunneries and brothels." I don't agree with her in all the things she said but this.... seems to hit home just now. The Christians seem to insist that their preoccupation with other people's bodies is all about their minds (or souls), but for some reason it just doesn't ring true.
So many Christians in name only.
I remember, I was working for an eye doctor and patients having their cataracts removed,
were always asked if they lived alone. One
tall, skinny Black woman answered, " Well,
it's just me and Jesus!"
Me and Jesus. A personal relationship! He is
interested in my life, not anyone else's.
Knock( just me) and the door shall open."
Pretty nifty, to be sure!
Thanks John. This kind of nonsense is exercising more than just Christians (although I understand why you highlight them) but I do admit that this nonbeliever finds it kind of darkly amusing that the christofascists have taken on the mantle of the most extreme Muslim, Jewish, Hindu belief systems as well. Basically, unless you're Wicca or Animist, the fascist wing of your religion is using the LGBTQ+ community as the whipping "boy" to promote a frenzy in their followers. But it has ever been thus. Jesus departed from Christianity a very long time ago: just about the time when Saul of Tarsus showed up.
Bullseye, John! Thanks for calling out our own worst sins of hypocrisy. Jesus couldn't have said it better. Today's American culture of fear/hate reminds me of the "mayhem man" in those All-State insurance commercials.
Spot On, Dan Held !
Today December 1 Christians celebrate the beginning of Advent. Let’s prepare by welcoming all people to manifest the love and pure acceptance of that infant who was born to ultimately save us all.
I believe they are engaging in activity that brings "short term gains." Unfortunately, as you have so eloquently stated, they ARE alienating the "watching world," and that doesn't bode well for the future of their version of Christianity. It is also apparent that as long as a majority of Christians who don't follow their hate/fear based version, but continue to stay silent, they will lose more and more followers...and struggle to convert new believers.
Hypocrisy is easy to identify and hard to justify...as my son and his friends quickly point out.
I am afraid the so called “Christian right”will not be able to fly in our commercial airlines. Only one bathroom per cabin. Will they pay the price of a ticket in order to “stand guard”, or will their religious infatuation with sex and toilets get airline executives to put in a Christian only toilet.
That could be very difficult as the CEO of Delta just baptized trump as the answer to all their needs. First, very few airline toilets are big enough even for those just wanting to downsize from their last meal.
My my….. we are a troubled lot.
Thank you John for talking “straight “and with truth and love. You can also talk “gay”…., no matter real people do not need to control someone else’s private parts.
I wish your article was the front page of any newspaper that still believes in articulate and solid truth.