Nicole, This is an excellent piece. So appreciate your addressing it. Julie has asked me to put some faith related essays on Substack, but I just don't seem to get around to doing it. This whole thing with the Pope may move me to it. And of course, It isn't just about the Pope. That is just the last in a long line of actions and words that degrade Christianity. I agree with the other comment, that so called good Christians are turning people away from God. Thanks for your words.
Thanks for responding, Kathleen. I would love to read your thoughts in an essay! Please let me know if you ever do end up writing some faith-related content.
"actively turning people away from God"... this is what I've been railing about for years, having watched the first of my children fall away. Where performative Christianity is concerned, I suspect that to some extent, this has always been true, but it really does seem to be having a moment. A painfully long one.
Nicole, one of the definitions of "Pharisee" is "a sanctimonious, self-righteous or hypocritical person." A common misconception is that a Pharisses was a priest, but most were not. Rather they were middle class establishment leaders of the of the Jewish community in.Biblical times,, not unlike those to whom your essay alludes. To them, Jesus said, "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? .Matthew 12:34 See also, Matthew 23. The most inexplicable thing about the MAGA movement to me is how they can expect to make America great again in harness with the biggest most viper-like Pharisee of all.
Thank you so much for sharing that, Christopher. I feel like I'm constantly mining new depths. I also mourn how so many have been so grievously deceived. Thanks for being here.
Great article Nicole...I identify as a "follower of Jesus" but not a Christian. I'm working on letting go of irrelevant identities. It was nice to meet you in Storm Lake...looking forward to more of your columns.
Nicole, What you write I heartedly agree with. I did not grow up as you did in the CRC and in the mid-west but in New Jersey in a Catholic family. Many Catholics, because of the Pope, are true to the gospel so I applaud the church of my upbringing. There are still many Catholics who agree with Trump and his love of himself who loves himself so much he pictures himself as Jesus. That picture turned my stomach and my head into spins of "I can't believe he did this."
It was a shocking image to be sure. I'm glad there was an uproar--I just wish there was an uproar about all the other atrocious things he says and does. Thanks for taking the time to join the conversation.
True your words: The so-called Christianity on display today is . . . quite possibly the most unappealing, un-Christlike version of Christianity I can imagine.
Exactly who is: “actively taking food assistance, healthcare, clean water, clean air, shelter, due process, and basic human dignity away from people”? And, accepting the NYT’s take on the Trump-Pope bickering is a reach too far. Obviously, you are a Christian. Good. The Holy Spirit convicts, Jesus save and (only) God judges. Seems you had an awful lot of judging going on in this piece. Oh, and stop layering all Christians who happen to believe in putting our country and citizens first (Nationalists?) in some pit of untouchables. Leave that to Hillary. You’re far better than her. Write on.
Nicole, This is an excellent piece. So appreciate your addressing it. Julie has asked me to put some faith related essays on Substack, but I just don't seem to get around to doing it. This whole thing with the Pope may move me to it. And of course, It isn't just about the Pope. That is just the last in a long line of actions and words that degrade Christianity. I agree with the other comment, that so called good Christians are turning people away from God. Thanks for your words.
Thanks for responding, Kathleen. I would love to read your thoughts in an essay! Please let me know if you ever do end up writing some faith-related content.
It amazes me how you put into words exactly how I feel. Wow! (:
Aw, thank you, Julie! I was worried about offending…
"actively turning people away from God"... this is what I've been railing about for years, having watched the first of my children fall away. Where performative Christianity is concerned, I suspect that to some extent, this has always been true, but it really does seem to be having a moment. A painfully long one.
I hear you. I pray this ugly moment doesn’t turn more of our children away.
I’m sure it will. My prayer is that they eventually find a way back.
Nicole, one of the definitions of "Pharisee" is "a sanctimonious, self-righteous or hypocritical person." A common misconception is that a Pharisses was a priest, but most were not. Rather they were middle class establishment leaders of the of the Jewish community in.Biblical times,, not unlike those to whom your essay alludes. To them, Jesus said, "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? .Matthew 12:34 See also, Matthew 23. The most inexplicable thing about the MAGA movement to me is how they can expect to make America great again in harness with the biggest most viper-like Pharisee of all.
Thank you so much for sharing that, Christopher. I feel like I'm constantly mining new depths. I also mourn how so many have been so grievously deceived. Thanks for being here.
Great article Nicole...I identify as a "follower of Jesus" but not a Christian. I'm working on letting go of irrelevant identities. It was nice to meet you in Storm Lake...looking forward to more of your columns.
So nice to meet you, too, Daniel! I'm so grateful for our IWC community. Thanks for being here!
Nicole, What you write I heartedly agree with. I did not grow up as you did in the CRC and in the mid-west but in New Jersey in a Catholic family. Many Catholics, because of the Pope, are true to the gospel so I applaud the church of my upbringing. There are still many Catholics who agree with Trump and his love of himself who loves himself so much he pictures himself as Jesus. That picture turned my stomach and my head into spins of "I can't believe he did this."
It was a shocking image to be sure. I'm glad there was an uproar--I just wish there was an uproar about all the other atrocious things he says and does. Thanks for taking the time to join the conversation.
True your words: The so-called Christianity on display today is . . . quite possibly the most unappealing, un-Christlike version of Christianity I can imagine.
Thanks for reading, Marianne.
Exactly who is: “actively taking food assistance, healthcare, clean water, clean air, shelter, due process, and basic human dignity away from people”? And, accepting the NYT’s take on the Trump-Pope bickering is a reach too far. Obviously, you are a Christian. Good. The Holy Spirit convicts, Jesus save and (only) God judges. Seems you had an awful lot of judging going on in this piece. Oh, and stop layering all Christians who happen to believe in putting our country and citizens first (Nationalists?) in some pit of untouchables. Leave that to Hillary. You’re far better than her. Write on.