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.

1. Elon Musk’s Declining Popularity

Summary: Elon Musk’s favorability ratings have significantly dropped, with a net favorability rating plummeting to -13 points. This decline is largely due to his close association with President Trump and his controversial actions, including making provocative comments and gestures that have alienated many. His involvement in Trump’s administration, particularly in the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has further tarnished his public image.

Analysis:

Impact on the Working Class: Musk’s declining popularity reflects a broader discontent among the working class, who see his actions as self-serving and disconnected from their needs. His controversial comments and gestures have alienated many, leading to a loss of trust and support.

Usurping Power from the People: Musk’s close association with Trump and his role in the DOGE highlight the concentration of power within a small elite group. This undermines democratic processes and erodes public trust in government institutions.

2. Trump’s Executive Order on Downsizing Federal Workforce

Summary: President Trump signed an executive order to continue downsizing the federal workforce, a move heavily influenced by Musk. This plan, currently on hold due to legal challenges, aims to push federal workers to resign in exchange for financial incentives. The deferred resignation program, commonly described as a buyout, would allow employees to quit and still get paid until September 30.

Analysis:

Impact on the Working Class: The executive order threatens job security for millions of federal employees. The proposed buyout program, while offering financial incentives, leaves many workers uncertain about their future employment prospects. This creates a climate of fear and instability among federal workers, who are unsure if they will be able to find new employment after resigning.

Economic Inequality: By prioritizing the interests of billionaires like Musk, the administration’s policies exacerbate economic inequality. The working class faces increased financial instability while the wealthy continue to consolidate power and influence. This widening gap between the rich and the poor undermines social cohesion and economic stability.

3. Legal Challenges and Court Defiance

Summary: A U.S. District Judge issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration’s plan to allow Musk’s team access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system, citing violations of federal law. This defiance of judicial authority raises serious concerns about the separation of powers and the balance of checks and balances.

Analysis:

Erosion of Democratic Processes: The administration’s actions, including defying court orders and centralizing power within a small group of elites, undermine democratic institutions. This concentration of power in the hands of a few threatens the foundational principles of democracy and the rule of law. By bypassing legal and institutional checks, Trump and Musk are eroding the mechanisms that ensure accountability and transparency in government.

Public Distrust: The declining popularity of figures like Musk and Trump reflects growing public distrust in their leadership. This erosion of trust can lead to social unrest and weaken the social fabric that holds democratic societies together. When leaders are perceived as self-serving and disconnected from the needs of the people, it fosters cynicism and disengagement among the electorate.

By highlighting these issues, we can better understand the dangers posed by the current administration’s policies and advocate for a more equitable and democratic society. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable to ensure that power remains in the hands of the people.

The United States has descended into an oligarchy, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals. At the forefront of this crisis are Elon Musk and Donald Trump, whose actions have directly led to the erosion of democratic principles and the establishment of this dangerous new order.

Posts like this, straight from Musk himself, demonstrate that he and Trump don’t understand how the constitution works to protect us from a takeover by a tyrannical dictatorship. It’s beyond dangerous that people with no concept of why our government is structured this way are being given unchecked power to try and alter the very fabric of our government with no regard for those who are affected.

The Dangers of an Oligarchy

An oligarchy is a form of government where a small group of people hold significant power and influence. In the United States, this group includes billionaires like Elon Musk and influential political figures like Donald Trump. Their combined wealth and influence have allowed them to bypass democratic processes and reshape the government to serve their interests.

Elon Musk, with his vast resources and technological dominance, and Donald Trump, with his political clout and loyal following, have systematically undermined the checks and balances that are crucial to a functioning democracy. Through executive orders, backdoor deals, and leveraging their social media influence, they have eroded legislative oversight and public consent, making the voices of ordinary citizens secondary to their whims.

Fighting Back: The Power of Democratic Socialism

To counter this gross executive branch overreach, we must look towards democratic socialism as a viable solution. Democratic socialism emphasizes the need for a true democracy where the government is accountable to the people, not just the wealthy few. It advocates for policies that ensure economic and social equality, giving everyone a fair chance to participate in the democratic process.

By promoting public ownership of key industries, universal healthcare, and free education, democratic socialism aims to reduce the influence of money in politics. It seeks to create a society where decisions are made collectively, ensuring that the needs and rights of all citizens are prioritized over corporate interests.

Getting Involved: Steps to Reclaim Our Democracy

Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power. Stay informed about the actions of those in power and their impact on our democracy. Share this information with your community to raise awareness.

Participate in Local Politics: Change often starts at the local level. Attend town hall meetings, join local political groups, and support candidates who advocate for democratic socialism and true democratic principles.

Vote: Exercise your right to vote in every election, from local to national. Encourage others to do the same. Voting is a powerful tool to hold leaders accountable and bring about change.

Advocate for Campaign Finance Reform: Support initiatives that aim to reduce the influence of money in politics. This includes advocating for public funding of campaigns and stricter regulations on political donations.

Join or Support Activist Organizations: Many organizations are dedicated to fighting for democratic principles and social justice. Find one that aligns with your values and get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading their message.

The Point

Elon Musk and Donald Trump have led the United States into an oligarchy, undermining the democratic foundations of our nation. However, by embracing democratic socialism and actively participating in the political process, we can fight back against this oligarchic rule. Together, we can ensure that our government remains of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Let’s stand united in the fight for a true democracy, where every voice is heard, and every citizen has an equal say!