I have seen a remarkable number of complaints on social media about how many people are saying negative things about Christians. The majority of those complainers are upset that they are being called “fascists”, which is a very harsh and specific term. They cry out for justice, feeling justified that their belief that there is a war on Christians is real. No – there is no war on Christianity, and there never has been. Against Jews? Sure. Muslims? Yup. But Christians? Please – while America has never been an actual Christian nation, we are very good at pseudo-christianity – you know – the fake kind. We have a lot of loud voices shouting to Jesus while serving themselves. Lots of faithful churchgoers basking in the glow of taking food from children and healthcare from low-income Americans; two things, by the way, which are incompatible with the teachings of Jesus.
Mr. Rogers used to tell people that when he was a boy, he asked his mother what he should do if he was afraid or lost or in trouble. Her very wise answer was to look for the helpers. Mr. Rogers was one of the best, most public Christians in American history, but I don’t think he ever uttered the name of Jesus on his television show. His life, words, and actions, however, were examples of true discipleship. He was one of the helpers. Which leads me to my point: if someone says they are a Christian, but they are hurting people instead of helping them, they are pseudo-christians – they are fakes. Their faith is performative, not discipleship driven. They believe in God’s blessing of their lives with financial prosperity but do little to share what they have generously. Real people of faith – all faiths – are the helpers, not the hurters. They care if people’s rights are being trampled on – they work to make sure kids have warm coats in the winter – they love people regardless of language or national origin or race or gender.
So, yes – there is a backlash against fake christianity. The only backlash I personally receive as I try to live my imperfect faith life is from fake christians. They call and write and try to shame our church because we welcome people they don’t. It doesn’t matter how many people we clothe or feed or help with rent – what matters is that we don’t try cast people into hell, and that disappoints face christians immeasurably. The rest of the community either remains silent or says thank you, and we are not alone. The more people who speak up against pseudo-christianity, the better our country will be. Because christianity that does not follow Jesus is a form of fascism – it is Christian Nationalism, which is a festering wound in the side of Jesus. If we keep speaking the truth, maybe things will turn around. If we don’t, nothing will get better – and we will truly be fighting real fascism.
Prayer – Holy God, may our lives at least attempt to help those around us who are in need. Even if we don’t always succeed, we are trying. Amen.
Today’s art is “The Good Samaritan” by Van Gogh.