Stop the Memes, Shut Up, and Actually DO SOMETHING

It’s nothing new or unusual to be scrolling through Facebook, or any other social media platform, and come across a meme. Most of these are funny, and harmless. Some may be sarcastic. And still others are just plain ridiculous. But it’s mostly in good fun. Until we see the political ones. Even worse are the political ones which someone has been kind enough to manipulate scripture in an attempt to back up their position.

Here are some examples:

“God is in favor of walls.” “God welcomes immigrants.” “There are walls in Heaven.” “You can’t be a Christian and be against immigrants.” or something similar to “Heaven has an immigration policy too.” “God says your suppose to be kind to immigrants.”Of course these are just a few examples, and they almost always have a Bible verse listed somewhere.

Please, do us all a favor and just stop. First, most people refuse to acknowledge any legitimacy to the arguments on the other side. And there truly is a middle ground. But also, you all are just showing ignorance. And yes, I believe it is ignorant, as well as disingenuous, to simply pick a position then try to use Scripture to justify it. Especially when you’re twisting it, and completely ignoring the rest of it. Finally, posting memes does absolutely nothing to provide possible solutions.

Are you still with me? Good. But I must warn you, I’m not letting you off the hook. Because now I want to know if you are actually even trying to do something. Well, are you?

Have you done anything besides post a meme, or tell others that their position is wrong? First, have you at least taken the time to try to understand the other sides position? Any of it? Have you tried to understand the issue or the people? Or do you just post your memes, and your thoughts and prayers, and think that’s enough?

When was the last time you wrote to your United States senator, representative, or president? Heck, if it’s an issue at the state level when was the last time you contacted your state senator, representative, or governor?

But don’t simply contact them and tell them how you feel. Think through the issue, as many sides as you can, and present a possible solution. No, you’re not going come up with the whole solution to every possible scenario, but stop just posting memes, shut up about your feelings, and actually try to present a possible solution to the issue.

Finally, to our senators, representatives, and our President: with all due respect; Stop with all the political posturing. Stop pointing fingers at each other. Shut up, sit down, and actually work toward solutions. Heck, turn to us, your constituents and actually encourage us to get involved. Oh, and stop being so concerned with the media. Do your job right and your constituents will respect you. We are more important than the media.

My response to President Obama

So, our President pointed out this week that Christians have committed atrocities in the name of Christ, just like ISIS and other radical Islamic groups are doing today in the name of Islam. As I read the words that he spoke, and have thought about them I can’t help but feel like he is actually trying to justify the atrocities currently being committed by these terrorists.

Sadly, Mr. President, you were partially correct in saying that Christians committed atrocities during the crusades. Yes, sadly, there were some serious crimes against humanity committed by the crusaders. However, the purpose of the crusades was not to forcibly spread Christianity and murder all who opposed it. The primary purpose of the crusades was to liberate the Holy Land, and others, which had been brutally attacked, and taken over by, guess who… radical Muslims, who declared it to be their God given duty to destroy any who do not believe exactly as they do.

And yes, as I studied the history of Christianity in seminary, I was appalled by the atrocities that Christians, Catholics and Protestants alike, have committed in the name of Christ, even against each other. I have been disgusted at the way our leaders have often behaved. But the sins of the past in no way provide a defense, or excuse for the atrocities currently being committed. And to reference those past actions and failures of others is nothing more than a poor attempt to overlook, excuse, or even worse, to justify the current crimes against humanity being committed by isis and other terrorist groups.

Mr. President, if that is the best you can do, tell us that we shouldn’t get on our high horse because of past behaviors of others who claimed to be Christians, while our nation and the world are under attack from a violent and dangerous enemy, then you are unfit to lead this nation. You should resign, as you have shown that you are unwilling and unable to take any real action to protect or defend the United States, and our Constitution against any enemy. In fact, you are beginning to sound like an apologist for them.

Finally, may we who confess to be followers Christ, fall on our knees and pray for our nation, and for forgiveness, as a nation. We must also pray for our leaders, that they may have the wisdom and the courage to lead us back to honoring God, as well as to stand up against evil.