I can only come up with what I posted here before on your good analyses. It's the quote from Ghandi: "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."
I don’t think you’re missing anything. Someone told me once that a true Christian should be willing to “look good on wood.” That means taking risks, speaking out against injustice and corruption, suffering for others, including those people no one likes, and knowing that you may be poor or considered a “loser” by current standards. I don’t see that much in our current political climate, just “what’s in it for me?” Using Jesus as a good luck charm or the key to success or the way to label our country really isn’t “Christian.” That might be a cult.
I have wondered if I have missed something in following Jesus all these years. My mother taught me it was terrible to be selfish, that I was supposed to share, and take turns. All I can figure out is that the people who are delighting in cruelty and destruction towards others are NOT followers of Christ. I hate even using the word Christian because it is so connected to meanness. All the religious wars have certainly given the term "Christian" enough weight to sink an aircraft carrier. Gandhi said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are nothing like your Christ." The "Christians" who hate Jesus are Christians in a cultural sense, in that they are not Buddhist, Hindu, etc. These folks are ignorant of their religion and their secular history. Which pastor said what's being preached now is an American gospel, not the gospel of Jesus?
The answer is easy they are NOT Christians any more than Hitler was and Trump is. Nazi’s promoted Christianity “the opiate of the masses” (Karl Marx). But it as a part of their “get them to like us” plans. Trump would tell people he’s a unicorn if he thought it would get more votes. What always amazes me that the gullible “church leaders” don’t catch on. He cannot tell you a single Bible verse that is dear to him because he doesn’t know a single verse. And they bow down to to him as if he is the second-coming of Christ.
The well-organized Evangelical Nationalists grabbed on to Trump and held on for dear life. Even when it was obvious he has zero respect for them and has actually committed enough sins to secure his place in Hell for eternity. I suppose Christ would consider these faux christians as blind, deaf and dumb.
I am afraid the “christian followers” get an “F” in understanding and following Christ’s teachings. I’m not a practicing Christian but my life is a mirror reflecting outwardly the empathy, compassion and love that Jesus showed to all he encountered. I grew up in a Christ-centered church and the New Testament is the foundation of how my son and my grandson live because they were taught the Golden Rule.
I do not have any tolerance for MAGA vileness and hatred and will not be a party to their belief that they are representing God. But as a group, I do feel sorry for them and especially for their children. It would take a miracle to deprogram them.
When so many of us talk about protecting democracy we are talking about protecting the innocent child, the LGBTQ community, the immigrants, the poor, the demeaned, the discriminated, the disabled and not just Americans. The best part of America has always in the 20th and 21st history that we care about every child, man and woman in the world. We don’t just send money, we send them soldiers, doctors and chefs into the danger zones because people need us. We leave our families to give others the chance for a safe, happy and healthy life.
Under a Trump/Republican regime, we are going to become isolationists, develop unholy alliances with the authoritarian leaders and abandon any one that does not accept our newly established national religion.
I am terrified what the oligarchs, right-wingers and anti democratic proponents have planned for us. Trump and many of his sycophants are going to use violence and punishment as a means of controlling us.
We cannot love, accept or pray enough to save the huge masses of people who are determined that we will comply or else.
Those who truly live a Christ-led life, those who have compassion and empathy will have to stand together to protect the least of us and demand the best for us.
Recently my 18~year-old grandson ask why news often made me cry. I answered, “I feel deeply for others and weep in support and as a prayer for hope and then try to help any way I can.” Gratefulness is a source of happiness. “There but by the grace of God, go I.”
Thank you. Just... thank you. You so eloquently said what's in my heart. I've walked away from "the church" because I didn't see Jesus there, and I certainly don't see it in the current conservative movement.
As I am sure you know, you aren’t missing anything. The people professing to be Christians while spouting hate are the ones who are missing something. They are missing Christ. And it is sad.
Brilliant post. I’m a long-lapsed Southern church-goer for several reasons, including those you describe so beautifully here. My mind boggles when I watch the “faithful” at Trump rallies or the GOP convention. What in hell are they thinking?
You are not missing a thing, John! Your "Beautiful Mess" has become a highlight to my days. I especially appreciate this group of diverse, like minded, caring people. I was also raised in Christian/Protestant churches, but am forever grateful to my parents & the religiously diverse community of my youth. When old enough to ask: May I attend the local Catholic church or Jewish synagogue with friends, I was encouraged to do so. So...to believe that one faith is "better" than any other is beyond my comprehension. My hope for this country is that we prove Christian Nationalists to be very wrong in November! Peace Out :)
Given the fact that these un-Jesus-like “Christians” have usurped the Christian identity, the question is how those who aspire to be Jesus like in the manner John sees the Jesus of the Gospel self identity?
Christ is a title (messiah) not Jesus’s last name. His mother and father were not Mary and Joseph Christ. So the identity should be focused on his name not his title.
Jesus is the man of the gospel whom John describes. Several years ago, the theologian Hans Kung, I believe, wrote of anonymous Christian to describe people who lived a Jesus like life without an awareness of Jesus.
What do we call ourselves if we don’t want to be identified as “Christian” while being very aware of and intentionally trying to be Jesus like?
I agree with you 100%...as a pastor, and as a person, I believe that if you don't show love and genuine concern "for the least of these" you are NOT a Christian!
I can only come up with what I posted here before on your good analyses. It's the quote from Ghandi: "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."
I don’t think you’re missing anything. Someone told me once that a true Christian should be willing to “look good on wood.” That means taking risks, speaking out against injustice and corruption, suffering for others, including those people no one likes, and knowing that you may be poor or considered a “loser” by current standards. I don’t see that much in our current political climate, just “what’s in it for me?” Using Jesus as a good luck charm or the key to success or the way to label our country really isn’t “Christian.” That might be a cult.
Wow! 'Using Jesus as a good luck charm' is such a condemnation of those who would try to do so. Thanks for your comments above.
Not my job to condemn, just observe.
Thank you for this post. Thank you for being a voice of compassion and kindness in this maelstrom.
I really appreciate that you used shalom in its full meaning of completeness. That concept of shleimut is what I aim for in my practice of Judaism.
I have wondered if I have missed something in following Jesus all these years. My mother taught me it was terrible to be selfish, that I was supposed to share, and take turns. All I can figure out is that the people who are delighting in cruelty and destruction towards others are NOT followers of Christ. I hate even using the word Christian because it is so connected to meanness. All the religious wars have certainly given the term "Christian" enough weight to sink an aircraft carrier. Gandhi said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are nothing like your Christ." The "Christians" who hate Jesus are Christians in a cultural sense, in that they are not Buddhist, Hindu, etc. These folks are ignorant of their religion and their secular history. Which pastor said what's being preached now is an American gospel, not the gospel of Jesus?
The answer is easy they are NOT Christians any more than Hitler was and Trump is. Nazi’s promoted Christianity “the opiate of the masses” (Karl Marx). But it as a part of their “get them to like us” plans. Trump would tell people he’s a unicorn if he thought it would get more votes. What always amazes me that the gullible “church leaders” don’t catch on. He cannot tell you a single Bible verse that is dear to him because he doesn’t know a single verse. And they bow down to to him as if he is the second-coming of Christ.
The well-organized Evangelical Nationalists grabbed on to Trump and held on for dear life. Even when it was obvious he has zero respect for them and has actually committed enough sins to secure his place in Hell for eternity. I suppose Christ would consider these faux christians as blind, deaf and dumb.
I am afraid the “christian followers” get an “F” in understanding and following Christ’s teachings. I’m not a practicing Christian but my life is a mirror reflecting outwardly the empathy, compassion and love that Jesus showed to all he encountered. I grew up in a Christ-centered church and the New Testament is the foundation of how my son and my grandson live because they were taught the Golden Rule.
I do not have any tolerance for MAGA vileness and hatred and will not be a party to their belief that they are representing God. But as a group, I do feel sorry for them and especially for their children. It would take a miracle to deprogram them.
When so many of us talk about protecting democracy we are talking about protecting the innocent child, the LGBTQ community, the immigrants, the poor, the demeaned, the discriminated, the disabled and not just Americans. The best part of America has always in the 20th and 21st history that we care about every child, man and woman in the world. We don’t just send money, we send them soldiers, doctors and chefs into the danger zones because people need us. We leave our families to give others the chance for a safe, happy and healthy life.
Under a Trump/Republican regime, we are going to become isolationists, develop unholy alliances with the authoritarian leaders and abandon any one that does not accept our newly established national religion.
I am terrified what the oligarchs, right-wingers and anti democratic proponents have planned for us. Trump and many of his sycophants are going to use violence and punishment as a means of controlling us.
We cannot love, accept or pray enough to save the huge masses of people who are determined that we will comply or else.
Those who truly live a Christ-led life, those who have compassion and empathy will have to stand together to protect the least of us and demand the best for us.
Recently my 18~year-old grandson ask why news often made me cry. I answered, “I feel deeply for others and weep in support and as a prayer for hope and then try to help any way I can.” Gratefulness is a source of happiness. “There but by the grace of God, go I.”
Thank you. Just... thank you. You so eloquently said what's in my heart. I've walked away from "the church" because I didn't see Jesus there, and I certainly don't see it in the current conservative movement.
Amen, keep up the wonderful writing please!
As I am sure you know, you aren’t missing anything. The people professing to be Christians while spouting hate are the ones who are missing something. They are missing Christ. And it is sad.
Brilliant post. I’m a long-lapsed Southern church-goer for several reasons, including those you describe so beautifully here. My mind boggles when I watch the “faithful” at Trump rallies or the GOP convention. What in hell are they thinking?
Please don't let these people make you despair. Christ is still with us.
It is sad to see so many Christians talk the talk but not walk the walk. I try not to judge, and lately that is one of the hardest things to do.
You are not missing a thing, John! Your "Beautiful Mess" has become a highlight to my days. I especially appreciate this group of diverse, like minded, caring people. I was also raised in Christian/Protestant churches, but am forever grateful to my parents & the religiously diverse community of my youth. When old enough to ask: May I attend the local Catholic church or Jewish synagogue with friends, I was encouraged to do so. So...to believe that one faith is "better" than any other is beyond my comprehension. My hope for this country is that we prove Christian Nationalists to be very wrong in November! Peace Out :)
What are you missing? Nothing! Unlike those you're writing about, YOU GET IT and get it good. Thank you for your words of compassion and love.
Given the fact that these un-Jesus-like “Christians” have usurped the Christian identity, the question is how those who aspire to be Jesus like in the manner John sees the Jesus of the Gospel self identity?
Christ is a title (messiah) not Jesus’s last name. His mother and father were not Mary and Joseph Christ. So the identity should be focused on his name not his title.
Jesus is the man of the gospel whom John describes. Several years ago, the theologian Hans Kung, I believe, wrote of anonymous Christian to describe people who lived a Jesus like life without an awareness of Jesus.
What do we call ourselves if we don’t want to be identified as “Christian” while being very aware of and intentionally trying to be Jesus like?
I agree with you 100%...as a pastor, and as a person, I believe that if you don't show love and genuine concern "for the least of these" you are NOT a Christian!