The events surrounding the first days of this year will be studied by many fields for many decades I imagine. One of the things I think will be apparent is that words matter. You might say, “Of course words matter, everyone knows that!” Unfortunately, I don’t think they do.
These are the words that have accompanied those in the “Christian” faith for many decades, but has been acute these last four years, and especially these last couple months:
“We have to take our country back.”
“Our country is being stolen.”
“We need to fight for our country.”
“God, guns, and country.”
“You can’t vote to kill babies on Tuesday and praise Jesus on Sunday.”
“Threaten the 1st Amendment and I’ll use the 2nd Amendment.”
“We need to protect our children from the liberals.”
“This nation is going in a bad direction.”
“Trump is the greatest gift to the Kingdom of God in decades.”
Taken alone, any one of these statements seem harmless. But multiply it exponentially, from the pulpit, in Bible studies, on social media, and in private conversation, and what you end up with is what we have seen so far this year: a justification for violent uprising to save God and country. A “Christian” faith so far removed from Jesus that someone like Russell Moore can call it satanic! Let us join together and baptize the church all over again with these words:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for the will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God.
(Matt 5:3-10)
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