Jan Tessier
Jul 20, 2017 · 2 min read

I left Christianity years ago for a variety of reasons, the most notable of those being the widespread hatred among Christians for LGBTQ people, and the subjugation of women. “Stealing Jesus: How Fundamentalism Betrays Christianity” by Bruce Bawer is a book I read that led to my eventual withdrawal from that religion, and all religions in general. I call myself a “wistful agnostic”. By that I mean that I wish I could believe in a benevolent Someone, but I have no evidence that Someone exists. Having said all that, I have a great admiration for Rev. Barber and his ilk because they are living the words of Christ. Although I no longer believe in Jesus, I believe the sentiments attributed to him are worth following. The dominionist view of the world, and America in particular, is so prevalent among today’s Christians, and so appalling. The belief that America is a “Christian nation”, and that believers in Christ are called upon to take dominion over the government according to biblical law, is horrific. Rev. Barber speaks to the heart of what Christ not only said in the bible, but what is claimed that he lived: Feed the hungry; heal the sick; lift up the poor; fight back against evil (Throwing the money lenders out of the temple.); and above all, love everyone. The Religious Right worships money and power, period. They do not represent the word of Christ anymore than Donald Trump represents the American people. Although I don’t follow the religions of the Religious Left, I would gladly follow them into the gates of hell because they have truth and love on their side.

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    Jan Tessier

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