Christianity has been the most successful faith in world history and has been integral to America’s success, although you will rarely hear people say that these days.
The thing I struggle with most as a Christian is probably the first item on your list, being judgmental or hate-filled about people I disagree with. It feels natural to me to hate people who will happily abuse me, or single me out for discrimination, simply because I believe in what the Bible says. It feels like loving my enemies is foolishness when they are actively engaged in behaviors that will kill the civilization that Christians have built. For example, when I see America welcoming- or tolerating- unfettered immigration of people who would happily kill me for not believing in their way of worship- I want to rise up and fight back. I do not want to lose my country to Muslims who would use the tolerance Christians have built into the constitution to invade and overwhelm our Western civilization and values that made our country great. It feels like not fighting back is suicidal and un-Godly. Do you love the enemy during a battle while the bullets are flying? Do you love your neighbors as they choose to vote to make it legal to kill babies in the womb, right up until birth? Or government bureaucrats who will use a virus as an excuse to shut down Christian worship centers while allowing bars to stay open or unmasked protests everywhere else? I really feel more like acting like a Crusader, a warrior monk who would fight back and yes, potentially die- for the cause of defending Christendom and repelling Islam. If that is un-Christian, then how do we survive? If everyone is a martyr, how can we triumph? I don't know, and I pray about this often, because it is a dilemma I can't resolve. I just re-watched Passion of the Christ, and the price He paid is just too great for me to bear, or to ignore. I love Him and need Him, and I enjoy the presence of the Comforter He sent to me every day! Thanks for posting this thought-provoking essay, John, and may the Lord bless you and keep you, brother.
Yeah, I agree. What do you think stays my hand? Read one of Raymond Ibrahim's books, I just finished "The Two Swords of Christ." I bet it will forever alter your understanding of our eternal struggle with Satan and his crew, like it did for me. Or not, it might be easier in some ways not to know the ugly reality? Thanks for your reply.
But notice that it's the non-Christians who focus on this. Yes, Christians have flaws but it's nearly always somebody who favors evil who wants to point out your flaws as a means to justify their evil.
Just discovered you on Substack when I ‘explored’ under the heading Conservative. Until I came to your posts, it looked like the results were pretty much Liberals bashing Conservatives. Read a couple of your posts and it was like “Ahhh, someone standing up against the angry mob”. Your posts are well-thought out - I can identify. I bet you take a lot of flack, but thumbs up to you.
The thing I struggle with most as a Christian is probably the first item on your list, being judgmental or hate-filled about people I disagree with. It feels natural to me to hate people who will happily abuse me, or single me out for discrimination, simply because I believe in what the Bible says. It feels like loving my enemies is foolishness when they are actively engaged in behaviors that will kill the civilization that Christians have built. For example, when I see America welcoming- or tolerating- unfettered immigration of people who would happily kill me for not believing in their way of worship- I want to rise up and fight back. I do not want to lose my country to Muslims who would use the tolerance Christians have built into the constitution to invade and overwhelm our Western civilization and values that made our country great. It feels like not fighting back is suicidal and un-Godly. Do you love the enemy during a battle while the bullets are flying? Do you love your neighbors as they choose to vote to make it legal to kill babies in the womb, right up until birth? Or government bureaucrats who will use a virus as an excuse to shut down Christian worship centers while allowing bars to stay open or unmasked protests everywhere else? I really feel more like acting like a Crusader, a warrior monk who would fight back and yes, potentially die- for the cause of defending Christendom and repelling Islam. If that is un-Christian, then how do we survive? If everyone is a martyr, how can we triumph? I don't know, and I pray about this often, because it is a dilemma I can't resolve. I just re-watched Passion of the Christ, and the price He paid is just too great for me to bear, or to ignore. I love Him and need Him, and I enjoy the presence of the Comforter He sent to me every day! Thanks for posting this thought-provoking essay, John, and may the Lord bless you and keep you, brother.
I am 100% with you. But we have to focus on the goal—everlasting life!❤️
Yeah, I agree. What do you think stays my hand? Read one of Raymond Ibrahim's books, I just finished "The Two Swords of Christ." I bet it will forever alter your understanding of our eternal struggle with Satan and his crew, like it did for me. Or not, it might be easier in some ways not to know the ugly reality? Thanks for your reply.
I will look for it!
Looking at the world, it does seem that we are heading into the hell on earth you describe in the last paragraph.
But notice that it's the non-Christians who focus on this. Yes, Christians have flaws but it's nearly always somebody who favors evil who wants to point out your flaws as a means to justify their evil.
Just discovered you on Substack when I ‘explored’ under the heading Conservative. Until I came to your posts, it looked like the results were pretty much Liberals bashing Conservatives. Read a couple of your posts and it was like “Ahhh, someone standing up against the angry mob”. Your posts are well-thought out - I can identify. I bet you take a lot of flack, but thumbs up to you.
SUMS IT UP WELL!👍🏻