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Of the holidays we celebrated at church during my childhood, Easter Sunday was my favorite.
The Easter story was about Jesus rising from the tomb to tell us he had died for our sins, then asked God to forgive us for our sins. It was a comforting concept for a child. The simplicity of his words, plus lessons from his Sermon on the Mount, provided a set of principles to follow growing up. It’s still a pretty good guide growing old in a complicated world.
It’s one reason why it’s now disheartening to see religion corrupted and twisted into something more threatening, than comforting, hardly resembling the teachings of Christ. It explains why many want nothing to do with religion at all.
Church attendance has steadily declined, especially among young people. There’s evidence it’s not so much lack of faith, but organized religion that contributes to the decline. The conduct of church elders sometimes reeks of hypocrisy. Rigid decrees demanded by various denominations can sometimes be extreme or dishonest, and nothing like Jesus intended. The simplicity of the way Jesus lived and asked us to live, is in total contrast to the grandeur and power of some of today’s religious institutions.
Frankly, many images and other trappings of churches’ wealth would probably be offensive to Jesus. I can imagine what he would say about them if he came back today.
The Ten Commandments are also pretty simple and to the point. It shouldn’t be that difficult to follow them, but many of us have a real hard time doing it. It’s disappointing when those who preach to the rest of us about how to live our lives, don’t do a very good job of following their religious pronouncements themselves - not necessarily committing theft, murder, adultery, etc., but more likely, having no tolerance, no mercy, nor little compassion for anyone different or in need.
This is when politics gets mixed up with religion: When tolerance seemingly is reserved primarily for straight white men. And when rules and laws are devoid of mercy. And especially when pursuing and maintaining wealth outranks compassion.
It’s impossible today to understand the concept of faith held by some. I have never understood how “eye for an eye” penalties fit under Christianity. I will never understand how Christians, especially those eager to tell us how religious they are, can be unkind and punitive to those less fortunate – like the homeless, disabled, those of a different skin color or gender identity, or migrants desperately seeking freedom and safety. Like calling them “animals.”
I cannot understand politicians who believe they are entitled to tell women how they should care for their families and their own bodies.
I will never comprehend mega churches manipulating people of faith, and charismatic religious leaders convincing them to hand over their money and make their idols famous and wealthy.
“Idol” seems to be the operative word. It’s like they’ve forgotten who their real savior is. They don’t seem concerned their heroes are flying around in private jets, living in palaces and preaching in gigantic, elaborate houses of worship.
The most disturbing result of all this wealth and power among mega church pastors, is their entry into politics. Their influence was mostly behind the scenes for previous presidents, but in recent years, some of them have become more public, more actively involved with conservative politicians.
Today, some evangelical leaders fervently support former president Trump; this despite him lacking religious fervor himself. When he became president in 2016, they literally wrapped their arms around him, behaving as though he is a direct link to God. Trump has never been religious, and has always lived his life often at odds with several of the Ten Commandments. Apparently, it’s not a problem for evangelicals still in his camp. Trump is even talking about establishing a Christian government, if elected. That concept violates the U.S. Constitution.
Trump’s most ardent MAGA followers aren’t bothered by hypocrisy. They see him as either a disciple of Jesus, a link to Jesus, or for some, even Jesus himself. Observing their flags and messages on their shirts, it appears they’ve got Trump and Jesus all lumped together in their minds.
This is a perfect example of politics ruined by religion - or vice versa.