I fell down a hole in my news feed earlier this evening; which isn’t new. Many times, I stumble across little distractions as I attempt to come down from the intensity of the workday. This particular pit of drama caused sadness and is perfect example of the duality that drove me from organized, Christian religion; something that I don’t speak to publicly very often.
Below are two screenshots I took at approximately 6:30 PM this evening. The posts were public, as I am not friends with the original author. I am choosing to hide names and faces since I don’t know these people personally.
A Historical Disclaimer:
I feel as though for half of you, I may need to provide some context as to my history in the church. I grew up in the faith. I started singing in the choir, possibly, when I was in first grade. For many years one could probably argue that I spent just as many (if not more) waking hours at the church, as my home. It was a very large part of my identity; leading the youth group, singing and playing in worship and creating outreach programs. I am not currently a practicing Christian.
For the other half, I may need to provide a disclaimer that I know the owner of this establishment. I used to frequent another business of his when it was open downtown (no, it wasn’t a strip club). He has always been very kind and caring to me and my friends. This is not meant to provide an opinion on the nature of the business in the post and one should be careful not to assume my position unless I explicitly define something as such.
“So Why You So Sad?”
There is an anger in the American evangelical culture today and it has brought about behavior that only serves to undermine their ultimate goal. In the first post, you see a positive, uplifting message; “Positive posts only…I dare you.” Then, not even three days later, they share a post calling the actions of others “trash”.
I read the first two hours of comments on the original posts and heard the arguments not only today, but over the preceding years. “We aren’t calling the people trash, only what they are doing.” While that may be their intent, it doesn’t come across that way and the grey area can lead one to assume either way. In addition, I believe that our actions are what makes us who we are. I believe a business or place of congregation is an extension of those who lead and attend there.
The posturing, the word choice, the placement; it all drums up emotion to the viewer; both good and bad. Those who side with the subjects in the picture reacted very positively and congratulated them on doing God’s work. While those who they may be trying to reach felt attacked and minimized. Calling something “trash” is dismissive, degrading and hurtful; most of the time originating out of anger.
It is that very emotion that is such a danger to the message of Christ. In fact, the way that many evangelicals react to events is at odds with not only how Jesus’ teachings instructed us to act, but also how he carried himself. The only time that Jesus got angry (to my recollection and quick Google search) was when people of the faith were taking advantage of or issuing judgement on those less fortunate. (ie. The Temple Mount, Jesus and the adulterer, Joel Osteen Ministries, a certain ‘Touchdown Jesus’…whoops, I digress…)
I cannot remember (and could not find) an example of Jesus being angry at or dismissive of those who were in need. One can argue that the sign they stood with in the second post indicates they feel as those the women who work there and the men who frequent the place are in need. They why are they being so degrading to them? Why are they using emotional language and an ask to share/re-post? What are they doing for those individuals they feel are so harmed by this establishment?
My guess is that Jesus would be handing out food, drink and most importantly, love.
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“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” - Proverbs 15:1
“Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort.” - Ephesians 4:31
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” - James 1:19-20
“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8