Today’s Thought Sauce!

Before you pass judgement on another, have you walked in their shoes? Have you spent the endless night inside their head when they struggled to figure out a course of action between choices…and none of them available…are the best ones?

It is increasingly apparent that there are a significant number of Americans who when asked identify as “Christian.” (Or they display their identity (clothing, stickers, and other mediums) Yet, they are not living out the tenets of their faith. Yes, I understand that none of us are “perfect”and mistakes are made, but what is actually the point of calling yourself something when you don’t follow the teachings?

Is it just a habit…a concept to believe in…because it’s more “acceptable” to society? When someone points out their un-Christian behavior, they seem to have a problem, and do not like the mirror they are shown. Some, deflect, rambling off a list of good things they have done. “Oh! Look at me! I’m not a bad person!”

For me, living a life of faith has always been more about the actions that are observed than the words that are spoken, but there is cruelty in words. What are you doing when no one is watching? How are you speaking to others around you? The tongue is a mighty weapon. Cruel words take longer to heal than physical wounds. We are told to just “brush” it off and “turn the other cheek,” but when do we have a responsibility to call other believers out when we see that their words do not align with the faith practice they profess they are a part of?

These days, in a world gone mad since the MAGA brand of Christianity…a cult…has taken hold and White Christian Nationalism is on the rise, more practicing Christians are needed to speak out.

I’ve been reluctant to do so, in a formal sense, even though I witness increased cruelty and attacks from so-called now former, “Christian” friends. I tell myself that someday “they’ll see the light,” but I’m not sure if I believe that because I have studied history. I do not return their personal attacks and just scroll on or create distance with those who in my mind have strayed from the teachings of Jesus.

What do I call myself? I can’t identify as “Christian” because that word is now tainted. Do I even believe the same way after everything I’ve been through personally, much of the pain caused by so-called “Christians” who seem to have forgotten The Ten Commandments, if they ever lived by them? Yet, I’ve never been an Old Testament, eye for an eye type of Believer. I’m more of a love unconditionally whole-heart, seek-understanding-where people-are-kind of Believer.

It is okay to ask questions…to wonder…to learn…and to grow. It’s when we don’t that might land us in more trouble.

I’m not sure where I will grow next, spiritually-speaking, but I know my values and I know Spirit speaks to me in its own way. Despite the terminology being complicated, I can still hear that quiet voice whispering to me. For now, I’ll call myself Agnostic…

We still enjoy one of the tenets crucial for a productive democracy, though it has been under attack for years in the Courts, the separation of church and state. It is worrisome to see this battle taking place. Especially if one has studied organized religion, participated and explored it, hoping for a more stable life, only to find it lacking simply because of the human factor, discovering too many others not living what they preach.

Why identify as Christian if you’re not living like the Fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23)