“But it also thinks that a great many things have gone wrong with the world that God made and that God insists, and insists very loudly, on our putting them right again.”  C.S. Lewis/Mere Christianity

Dear Christian;

I haven’t written anything in weeks.  I had nothing because my vision of what I wanted this blog to be (reflective, but upbeat) was at odds with all the things I’ve been thinking and feeling since the elections last November.  I’ve been affected in a way that was profound and unexpected.  What happened?   I love politics.  I love to debate the merits of the policy du jour.  Not so this time, because this election was never elevated to discussions on policy.  Instead we were continually tripping over behavior that most of us would not tolerate from even the most casual acquaintance.  No good good come from the leadership of a guy who has been accused of defrauding students (Trump University), whose charitable foundation admitted to violating a ban on “self dealing”, who publicly ridiculed a disabled person, and…so much more.  I’ve felt isolated, wondering why I felt the sting of this election so personally, when everyone around me has moved on.  I’ve considered the suggestion that much of my angst was a result of my tendency to over analyze.  Maybe I’m one of the many whiny babies and sore losers that some in the media have made reference to.  I don’t suppose it matters anymore, because today is the day I move on.  I’m intentionally looking forward with certainty and confidence.

Of course, before I move on; here’s what I need to say.

What has blown me away, and kept me stuck is my confusion and disappointment at the large number of Christians that voted for the President-elect. I can’t wrap my head around it.  The math doesn’t work.  Our faith is in Christ, who commands us to love others as we love ourselves.  We watched or read tweets from a man who blatantly insulted, vilified and bullied humans from all walks of life.  Supporting that is the opposite of love.  God is moral and just.  Why would we choose to support a leader who almost daily shows a lack of regard and compassion for the earth and people that God created?  It isn’t reasonable for a Christian to believe that a just Supreme Court will spring from the nominees of a man who has exhibited blatant immorality?  I feel certain that the means will not net the hoped for end.  *You reap what you sow

God gifted us with free will.  We choose freely to follow Christ.  Our obedience to Him flows from a submitted heart, not the law.  We have been commissioned to share Christ by modeling the life He led; not by ramming the law down people’s throats.  Aligning ourselves with any leader who repeatedly espouses disdain for every value we are supposed to hold dear does deep damage to our cause.  We are to foster change in the way people want to live. We do that with compassion, cheerful generosity and kindness.  I sincerely believe that God weeps at the thought of us trying to achieve His purposes by any means necessary.  Christianity isn’t losing the cultural war because of its values.  It’s losing, because many Christians adhere to the letter of the law, while shamefully ignoring the Spirit.  Isn’t that what the Pharisees did?

The election is over, but the need to be clear about what you believe and where you stand as a Christian is urgent.  Christianity was never about seeking personal comfort.  Even its founder billed it as difficult.  Choosing to follow Christ is a grave, but noble decision.  Choosing to live that decision means relying on tradition and groupthink won’t cut it.  Prayer and soul searching followed by action will.

Writing my thoughts has been cathartic.  My intent is not to hurt or alienate, but to share what I believe to be true while providing a little food for thought.

Meanwhile, I appreciate the opportunity to share what has been foremost in my thoughts.  Thanks!

Please share your thoughts whether you are opposed or in agreement with mine.

*Galatians 6:7

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