Losing Our Christian Compass

What happens when church and state merge

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I’ve been trying to figure out what to write about today. The world is so heavy and there are so many things I see going on around me that are disturbing to my soul. Many of you are probably feeling the weight of it all too.

Do I write about the estimated 14,000 babies that are set to die from starvation in Gaza in the next few days if something radical isn’t done to save them?

Do I write about the horrific act of antisemitism in DC when a man gunned down two beautiful young Israeli embassy staffers?

Do I write about ICE unlawfully pulling people off the streets with no warrants, and taking them away from their loved ones with no word of where they are and if they are alright? (Many of them here legally, I might add).

Do I write about our government officials trying to pass a bill that adds trillions to the national debt, while cutting taxes for the ultra-wealthy (and even nixing taxes from gun silencers and tanning services) while cutting food assistance and medicaid, hurting the poorest among us.

Do I write about how wrong I think it was for the state of Tennessee (my state) to pass a law “protecting” healthcare providers from being required to participate in or pay for healthcare procedures, treatments, or services that go against their conscience, which can be based on moral, ethical, or religious beliefs.

I could go on and on with this list… but…

…I think the main thing that is hurting my heart (and actually is a thread thru most of the specific issues I could list that are bothering me these days) is the lack of compassion for the “other” that I’m seeing - especially from so many Christians that I know. They don’t seem to care how others are hurting, as long as it’s seemingly protecting them or benefiting them. They don’t want to see the nuances and gray areas in what they see as “right” or “wrong”. And sadly, it seems to have become pervasive in most evangelical Christian circles.

I see this lack of compassion in their attitudes, their reasoning, their social media posts, and in their choice of who to support politically.

And trust me, non-Christians see it too.