The reverberations of Bishop Budde’s commentary toward, and hope for, our new president continue. Now congress decided to put their 1 cent in, chastising the bishop for being political when, in fact, all she did was speak the Gospel and Prophetic truth to the bastions of power. The fact that the Roman Empire murdered Jesus is lost on these folks. Jesus was attacked for His religious views, yes, but He was killed as a political dissident. It’s one thing to have internal religious disagreements – the government doesn’t care – but when you tell Caesar that Jesus is the Son of God (and not Caesar), then you are messing with powers beyond your control.
I am just one small voice among many who have been telling the world that America is not a Christian nation and never has been. And that’s fine. We are a nation based on the rule of law – the Constitution – not God’s laws. Sure, God’s laws have had an impact on all law, but to claim that one particular religion as essential to being an America goes against the core of the Constitution. You can be a good citizen and not be a person of faith. You can also be a person of faith and not be a good citizen. I will take the first over the second any day. And remember – the Nazis subverted a large part of the church in the same ways that the Trump administration is trying to do.
The fact that so many people in our government – in our country! – are disturbed by Bishop Budde’s words is conclusive proof that we are not a Christian nation. Consider how many clergy have been forced out of their positions because they had the nerve to quote Jesus. Consider how most of the accusations of wokeness are ideas and practices that align with Christian – and other faiths – discipleship. You cannot despise the undocumented immigrant and be a follower of Jesus. You cannot hate LGBTQ people and be a follower of Jesus. You can’t ignore the needs of the poor and be a follower of Jesus. If you think you can, I would invite you to re-read the Bible. I would invite you to consider the foundational writings of your denominations founders and compare them to the Scriptures.
Because you can’t just say you follow Jesus. You actually have to follow Him. And most Americans are not.
Prayer – Holy God, forgive us for our fake piety and empty words. Fill us with purpose to be Your disciples. Amen.
Today’s art is “Servanthood” by Monar Ullah.