Until about two years ago, I could easily define the word Christian. Now, after seeing the rise of “Christian Nationalists,” I have no idea how to define a Christian, so I’m not going to bother.
But I do know how to define a Follower of the Way. I see myself as a Follower, someone who follows the historical Jesus, whose core message was—and remains—to live agape, or unconditional love, for everyone regardless of where they are on their life’s journey. This includes unconditionally loving Christian Nationalists, but not their interpretation of Christianity.
I don’t see how people who call themselves “conservative” can also be Followers of the Way. Why not? Because I believe Jesus was a radical revolutionary whose goal was to change the world, not with armies and weapons but with love and compassion. From my understanding, this is far from what conservatives believe.
I see a connection between what Constantine did to the Followers of the Way in the fourth century and what Christian Nationalists are doing to the concept of Christianity today. Constantine established the church as an institution, and in doing so, he downplayed the message of Jesus. Buildings, hierarchy, laws, and punishment took priority over house churches, small group dynamics, and the Great Commandment.
Christian Nationalism involves strict adherence to laws, violence, and harsh punishment, and its followers want to replace democracy with a theocracy governed by the supreme leader. (Guess who?)
I could never be a conservative. I support constant change, replacing the old and trying new things, scraping off the barnacles on the keel of progress and moving forward.
Jesus preached unconditional love, as shown in the parables of the Good Samaritan and the prodigal son. I see conservatives more aligned with the Jewish religious leaders who ignored the wounded Jew in the Good Samaritan parable and with the older brother who wanted to punish his sibling in the prodigal son parable. Conservatives seem very rigid and punishing.
I find conservatives also to be judgmental about sexuality, the role of women, abortion, and people who are different from them, and they strictly adhere to laws established four thousand years ago if those laws reinforce their prejudices.
Conservatives fall short when it comes to living out Matthew 25. Jesus told his followers, “I was hungry and you gave me food” (Matthew 25:35). Meanwhile, the conservatives in Empire 2025 are taking away food from the hungry by canceling many federal programs designed to help feed the less fortunate.
Jesus went on to say, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). Not only are conservatives closing our borders to “strangers,” but they are also sending the ones who live here into harsh prisons in distant countries.
Jesus said, “I was naked and you gave me clothing” (Matthew 25:36). Conservatives don’t care if someone is naked. They think it’s the other person’s fault. They want these people who are lacking not to bother them because they are probably criminals, mostly from Mexico.
Jesus said, “I was sick and you took care of me” (Matthew 25:36). Conservatives respond with “I don’t care if you are sick. You cost money, and we would rather give that money to rich white people.”
Jesus said, “I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36). And conservatives think, “It’s your fault if you are in prison, and I’m going to make sure you suffer as long as possible.”
It’s hard to believe that most of our country voted for these backward ideals, but those who voted differently must find strength so we can bring back leadership that restores our democracy, where there is freedom and justice for everyone and equality, diversity, and inclusion guide us.
Toss the Empire out. Let democracy in. Christian Nationalism out. Separation of church and state in. Emperor out. A leader for the people in.
We survived the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, and now the Uncivil War must be won.
PeaceLoveJoyHopeKindness
Bil
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P.S. People often ask me provocative questions about current events, both religious and secular. I have found that some of these questions are being asked universally. I’ll be periodically alternating regular articles with one of those questions and my answer. I invite you to send me your question to bilaulenbach@yahoo.com.
Photo courtesy of Europeana via UnSplash (painting by Cyprián Majerník, 1940, Slovak National Gallery, public domain)
So wonderful what you have said here, so true, so I am hopeful we can get back to where we need to be as our democracy is intended to take us ❤️
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Bil. I always enjoy reading them!
Hurrah