MAGA and The Great Christian Con
I grew up in a conservative, Roman Catholic household. I was spoon fed Fox News and was taught that our family votes Republican. However, as I got older I started to notice a philosophical gap between what my priest said about Jesus’ teachings and the political indoctrination of my childhood. The conservative ideologies and beliefs seemed to naturally conflict with what I’d read in the gospel, which was strange because I’d always been taught that Republicans were led by the Bible.
Jesus seemed to always talk about reaching down to help up his fellow man, accepting refugees, advocating for the poor, and encouraging the rich to share their wealth and blessings with those who were less fortunate. But, I noticed the Republican rhetoric was focused on individualism, cutting critical care to our most vulnerable populations, and exploiting the poor in search of profit.
I couldn’t understand how, in one breath, they talked about Jesus’ love and in the next denounce and attack the poor and oppressed.
If the conservatives want to have their platform, that’s on them. History will show the horrors they champion. But, don’t pretend that it’s in the name of Christianity when everything you stand for flies in the face of its core teachings.
The Old vs New Testament
You can find many people who will quote Old Testament scripture to validate antiquated ideologies or beliefs. However, what they are failing to give context to was the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He became the perfect sacrifice and, in doing so, satisfied wrote new law with his teachings and cleansed us of the sin that clung to us previously.
The gospel, the word of Jesus, teaches us about the path forward, away from the old laws that governed our salvation. If we focus solely on the new doctrine Jesus provided Christians, the narrative changes from one of strict conservative values to mirroring what the liberal movement is trying to promote.
What Does The Bible Say About What’s Happening Now?
The Bible is pretty clear on Jesus’ stance about these things. One simply has to actually read the religious doctrine they espouse. Here are three impactful teachings that can help guide our efforts today.
“… How can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? … If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, ‘You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor’—well,doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?”
– James 2:1-4:
This one seems to ring true in today’s global political climate. In the US, the Trump administration and its officials have openly shared their disdain for those of lower socioeconomic status, with Elon Musk publicly labeling them the “parasite class.”
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
—Matthew 25:25–36
Here we see Jesus is celebrating those who give their own possession, time, and compassion to those in need. It’s easy to forget the government imprisoned Jesus for his teachings of love and unity. We’re seeing a drastic parallel from this administration trying to actively defund organizations dedicated to doing these exact same things.
Jesus said “‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. … Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And [I] will answer, ‘… when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’”
– Matthew 25:41-45
Jesus clearly says here “when you don’t help the person most in need, you’re turning away from my teachings.” Our LGBTQ, Black, and Immigrant brothers and sisters are facing systemic oppression and attacks on their rights and safety. They are being sent to prison camps, being stripped of federal protections, and subject to verbal and political attacks and defamation from our current administration.
What Can I Do As A Christian?
Many people have told me “well, there’s nothing we can do,” and I think that’s the farthest thing from the truth. It’s easy to ignore problems that don’t affect us directly. As a white male, many of the attacks on our vulnerable populations don’t seem to directly have an impact on me. But, we are a community and an attack on one of us should be seen as an attack on all of us.
As a father and husband, I’ve been horrified to see the attacks on women in this country. One of my best friends growing up was trans, and she lost her life to suicide from the hate and bullying she received. Two of my best friends are members of the LGBTQ community, and I can’t stand by and watch our administration try to dehumanize them and strip them of their safety.
We can stand up and protest. There are more opportunities than ever to get directly involved. Question your church or place of worship and see what their stances are. See if you can create a discussion or reading group there to try and make an impact in your community.
Alone, we’re one voice, but using that voice to gather others turns it into a roar that can’t be ignored. Now is the time in the country to participate instead of standing by and doing what’s easy.
Jesus didn’t teach us to do what was easy, he taught us to do what was right.
