I have been REALLY turned off by Americans who claim to be people of faith, especially Christians. They also repeatedly appropriated the word “patriots” to apply it exclusively to themselves. I am discouraged because their statements negate their claims and their actions seem neither Christian nor patriotic. They did not consider the foundations of the Christian faith nor that of fidelity to the spirit of America’s founders.
Our country was created from real discourse based on disagreement, not contempt for another point of view. When the founders met in Philadelphia, they had divergent opinions about America. Some were determined to form our own nation and others wanted to reconcile with England. Through a process of conversation, argument, listening to each other, compromise, and a determination to understand each other, they were able to forge an agreement to create the United States as a free nation. Given the rejection of such intelligent behavior by some elements of our country and by our current Congress, such an agreement could never happen today. If this stubborn determination had happened 250 years ago, our nation would never have been created. Also, some groups wish
formalize Christianity in our laws
when the founders specifically wanted freedom of religion.
Likewise, their claims to be Christians are refuted by their actions, which are not Christ-like. The faith that Jesus preached was based on love and acceptance, not persecution and refusal to change: “Love one another. How I loved you. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; for it is the law and the prophets. Another passage suggests: “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” »
On the contrary, these fellow citizens claiming to be Christians seem to me more like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time, so locked in rigid rules that they did not recognize the value of respect for others or other ideas. They rejected the idea of understanding anything that did not correspond to their strict behavioral imperatives. Their way was the only way. Jesus, however, did not insist or command; Jesus invited. Jesus did not threaten or encourage his disciples to do this.
I do not believe that people who seek to hold public office by condemning others and claiming they will never compromise are patriotic or Christian in their behavior or beliefs. Our nation was created to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds. Diversity and discourse are the foundations for increased understanding and innovation. No single mindset can ever be the only way to think and succeed.
Cole Carley, Fargo, is a former member of the Forum’s Board of Readers and past president of the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau.
