What's a Christian To Do? by Philip Holt (Ripple on March 20, 2012)

On some levels, a religion can be judged as good or bad based on whether or not it makes its adherents better people. In that case, what can be said about Christianity? History has seen it begin as a humble faith of the persecuted and oppressed, grow into an intolerant leviathan, and then, in some places, shrink to a matter of convenience.


It has been used as an excuse for everything from the butchery of men, women and children, to the burning at the stake of people who did nothing wrong. Nowadays, those sort of things are frowned upon, but the use of a forgiving and loving philosophy as an excuse for hate still goes on. The infamous “God hates Fags” slogan of the Westboro Baptist Church springs to mind. And I’m sure that Texas legislators would tell you they were following God’s teachings when they passed their abortion law. How the hell can we reconcile following the teachings of a wise man with the people who claim to follow them, but disobey them at every turn?

It can be done pretty simply. First, say that you don’t believe what they believe. Distance yourself from this poisonous excuse for theology. Then, poke holes in their logic. Big holes.

The first step is the easier one. All it takes is stating that you do not believe the same as the people who you disagree with. While this might seem difficult, it really isn’t. Working to follow Jesus’ ideals of kindness to others, charity and forgiveness is not that difficult. What is difficult is the mental doubletalk that it takes to for people to maintain the personal illusion that they can follow Jesus while also really, deeply hating someone. What we are called to do as Christians is to be accepting, forgiving and kind to all people, gay or straight, white or black, Democrat or Republican, Samaritan or priest. What Jesus didn’t want us to do is to ignore his teachings and use his name as a cover to oppress and belittle others. So distance yourself from the dark and twisty path of invoking Jesus’ name in all the wrong ways, because it ends in Crusades and Inquisitions.

After the easy step, it’s time for the fun one. When people cite Old Testament passages to cover up homophobia, point out to them that that same book also prohibits gossip, shaving, tattoos and mixed-fiber clothing (Leviticus 18:22, 19:16, 19:19, 19:27-28). Also keep in mind that they condone when someone tries to force their point of view by invoking God, ask them how a kind and forgiving god could accept this sort of belligerent and mean-spirited behavior. I think you can take the idea and run with it from here.



And running with it is what we should do. Run and run and run and spread the word that not all the people who call themselves Christians are belligerent, hypocritical, aggressive blowhards. That is one of the greatest challenges I can see before us as peacemakers, that of cleaning up the name of religion, of showing that it isn’t just a front for hateful opinions, but rather a place for learning and bettering yourself.


by Philip "Puxy" Holt
Freshman @ SBHS


"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7