Hey fellow Christians, have you noticed that many people perceive us negatively? It’s true. There’s a significant portion of the population that feels marginalized because their lifestyles, beliefs, or political views don’t align with the narrow definition of “Christian.” They’re hesitant to embrace a faith that proclaims love for one’s neighbor, especially when that love seems conditional upon shared beliefs, lifestyles, and ideologies.
Take, for instance, the outspoken evangelical leader, Mark Johnson, who recently asserted that those with “progressive” views cannot genuinely identify as Christians.
Really? As a lifelong Christian, I’ve understood that being a Christian means accepting the grace offered through Jesus’ sacrifice and striving to live according to His teachings. Did I miss a memo? Is there some passage in the Bible that states my faith is invalidated if I lean toward progressive values? Maybe it’s in the book of Corinthians; I’ll have to check.
In truth, I consider my progressive stance to be an extension of my Christian faith. I support pro-choice candidates because I believe that safeguarding life encompasses more than just advocating for birth. How does criminalizing a woman for her choices reflect the message of forgiveness and compassion that Jesus embodied?
I also advocate for universal healthcare, inspired by Jesus’ actions of healing and caring for the sick and marginalized. How can denying essential medical services to individuals based on their financial capacity align with Jesus’ teachings?
Furthermore, I support sensible gun regulations because Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He never suggested that we should arm ourselves with weapons designed solely for destruction.
I don’t vote for candidates based solely on their Christian identity; many non-Christians are capable of enacting meaningful change. Remember the parable of the “Good Samaritan”? It wasn’t the religious leaders who were portrayed as the heroes in that story.
If identifying as a Progressive means I’m no longer welcome in the Christian community, I’m ready to resign from that club. I’m tired of fellow Christians misusing their beliefs to alienate others.
Despite Mark Johnson’s loud proclamations that being Progressive and Christian are mutually exclusive, I know there are countless others who believe otherwise. May our combined voices drown out the narrow-mindedness and intolerance that tarnish the image of Jesus Christ.
Christians, let’s strive to embody love and compassion rather than division.
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Summary
This article explores the reasons why many individuals perceive Christians negatively, highlighting the contradiction between the teachings of Jesus and the actions of some believers. It advocates for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to faith, emphasizing that being progressive can coexist with being Christian.