It’s amazing how many people argue for a literal interpretation of the Bible, regardless of context or genre, for everything EXCEPT the teachings of Jesus.
When we Christians find that our religion is being used as a political tool to oppress the poor, immigrants, women, and marginalized groups rather than being used as a prophetic voice advocating for their rights, that is when we find ourselves on the opposite side of Jesus.
Jesus never forced someone to be his disciple.
Jesus never called his disciples to force others to follow him either.
If our theology and politics as Christians involves coercing others to follow God’s law, we are embodying a way that is opposite from Jesus.
I’m from Cleveland OHIO and I grew up going to Indians games. I loved Chief Wahoo. But I’m glad they’re now the Guardians because today we recognize other peoples prospectives and how what we call them matters. 🪡
When I was a kid we didn’t wear bike helmets. Here’s the thing, we all started wearing helmets and deaths among bicyclists younger than 20 declined 90 percent since 1975. This evolution saved lives! 🪡
@thomas__ryden If we convince ourselves our cross is something more palatable than being beaten, imprisoned or killed then we think we will be spared the fate of our bros and sis’ around the world being truly persecuted & we can still cry out “we’re being persecuted too.”