The conservative Christian church contributed its solidarity, its endorsement, its resources, and its numbers to power the successful election of this presidency. They say Trump represents them, that he represents God. They say God endorsed him.
Those of us who also call ourselves Christians but disagree with the growing voice of American Christianity have a choice to make: join the crowd or not. We could have safety in numbers if we join. We could immediately alleviate the criticism we are enduring if we do.
“Join in, and you’ll be accepted. Don’t join in, and expect our rejection of you. Expect our chastisement of you. You are out of line with God. You are out of line with the Church. Our beliefs are right. Your beliefs are wrong. Let me correct you with scriptures. You are clearly wrong.”
(Have you noticed the increased use of that word “clearly” in the church in recent years? It’s an effective word in addressing dissenters –- it leaves no room for disagreement; they are clearly right and others are clearly wrong … end of discussion.)
“So acquiesce to us and do it now. Or not. But if you don’t, be prepared for God’s judgment upon you. We are certain of our rightness. Our growing numbers increase our certainty. Our victory by our candidate of choice validates us.”
But, I wonder, should they be so certain? This particular branch of Christianity has blended the waters of politics and the waters of God, called it correct, and recruited others to jump in. The resulting river of blended waters is historically unique and especially potent.
The numbers of people within in it have swelled, and the 2016 presidential election hastened the current. They move along swiftly, focused on each other, on their victory, on their momentum, on their common beliefs, on their perceived correctness.
They give no ear to those on the banks who aren’t among them. Land-based warnings aren’t welcomed; by the time a word or two reaches them, the current has moved them beyond range to be heard anyway.
The isolated river they created that causes them to feel safe and empowered, is the very river that discourages personal responsibility and accountability. It gives an illusion of anonymity and unanimity. It gives a false sense of invincibility.
The very river that causes them to claim endorsement by God causes me and others to feel alarm. Christians who are planted on the banks of that river, who never joined the Group Think River, are observing and pondering.
I wonder about the vast numbers of people in the river. Do they realize safety in numbers is deceiving? I imagine it must feel good to be in that river assuaging their perceived correctness and empowerment, but from where I watch, I don’t trust it. More accurately, I strongly distrust it.
Based on its steadily intensifying qualities, I wonder where that river is headed. Is it possible for it divert to righteousness, love, peace and truth? Will it please God? Will it serve humanity?
Does God endorse them, as they claim, or …
Does He abhor their river? Has it drowned out His voice? Will He silence its clanging gongs of discord and pride so that His voice can once-again be heard?
Has He allowed the river in order to ultimately flush wrongdoing from His Church?
Will he turn to the scattered remnant on the banks to gather together in His name? Will He ask them to represent Him? Will he find those who are willing, sanctified, prepared, trained, and who have sacrificed self for Him?
Will He find those who have become less, so that He can become more? Will He find those who will let Him use them according to His will, direction, and leading?
We each have to answer to God for what we do in His name. We have access to His Holy Spirit to teach us, to give us eyes to see and ears to hear.
Will we let Him warn us? Will we let Him instruct us?
If you’ve only consumed theologies and teachings about Him …
Cindi Gale 