Actual Christianity

Many more individuals might embrace Christianity as an ideology and life philosophy if it were not burdened with unnecessary and divergent elements that deviate from its core values. These elements have personally led me away from the faith and towards atheism for a significant period.

The actions and rhetoric of modern Christians who do not adhere to Jesus’ teachings often repel people from a philosophy that fundamentally advocates peace, solidarity, and compassionate care for others. This corruption of Christianity’s message inevitably alienates both those who grew up within the faith and potentially new Christians.

In its current state, Christianity’s appeal is often rooted in family tradition rather than genuine agreement with its principles—an observation particularly evident among many modern Republicans who dismiss Jesus’ teachings as antiquated or irrelevant when espoused by others.

A key issue lies in the misconception held by many conservative Christians that simply professing belief in Jesus as Savior is sufficient for salvation, while the essential values of love, kindness, and forgiveness are marginalized. This misguided emphasis is perpetuated by ministers and pastors who prioritize declarations of faith over the practical application of Jesus’ teachings.

Ironically, Jesus himself never mandated the proclamation of accepting him as Lord and Savior as a prerequisite for eternal life or salvation. This has been artificially imposed as a modern construct within American churches, detracting from the core emphasis on loving, forgiving, and surrendering to the Holy Spirit.

To rectify this situation, Christianity must divorce itself from popular conservative figures, pundits, ideologies, and platforms that distort its essence. These influences contaminate what should be a selfless, benevolent ideology with their incompatible beliefs and practices.

Many conservative Christians fail to reconcile the teachings of their faith with their positions against universal healthcare, social welfare, and assistance to immigrants—an incongruity that undermines the compassion and inclusiveness Jesus preached. This hypocrisy, coupled with selective adherence to biblical teachings that support personal prejudices like homophobia, further distorts Christianity’s true message.

The distortion and misinterpretation of Jesus’ teachings to justify personal lifestyles and political views, particularly within conservative circles, have eroded the faith’s credibility and integrity. This misalignment with Jesus’ actual teachings has transformed modern Christianity into something unrecognizable from its origins.

Addressing these issues requires a critical reassessment of Christian identity and practice. Those who claim Christian affiliation must earnestly embody Jesus’ teachings of love, compassion, and humility, rather than cherry-picking doctrines to suit personal agendas.

The failure of many self-identified conservative Christians in the United States to align their beliefs and actions with Jesus’ teachings contributes significantly to the disenchantment and skepticism towards Christianity. This divergence undermines the faith’s moral authority and its potential to inspire positive change in society.

These common conservative positions/talking points routinely violate Jesus teachings.

• Unapologetically extending hatred to Minority groups, whether they’re LGBT or racial minority groups. This isn’t something that has gone away, you can take a cursory look at social media services like Twitter to see full blown unfiltered racism and bigotry from Conservative Christians proudly proclaiming their love for Jesus in their social media bios. It’s like they skipped over “Love thy neighbor” or crossed it out of their bibles.
• Valuing Money and Other Material Objects Over Spiritual Growth (The catalyst for libertarianism and the refusal to fund programs to help the lesser amongst us are all driven off an attachment to the money they have)
• Refusing to help the poor, struggling classes in America is fundamentally selfish and a total violation of Jesus teachings. This is most pronounced with their rejection of programs like welfare and other social programs designed to help the meek and less fortunate. The resistance to let go of any of their own money not only demonstrates an unwillingness to help others but it is absolutely motivated by an attachment to their own net worth/assets. Where do I begin?
  • The parable of the good Samaritan (helping total strangers and people you don’t necessarily like) (Luke 10:25-37):
  • Feeding the Hungry and Welcoming Strangers (Matthew 25:31-46
  • Caring for the Least of These (Matthew 18:5, Luke 9:48)
  • Sell Your Possessions and Give to the Poor (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22)
  • The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44):
  • You Cannot Serve Both God and Money (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13)

Conservatives deserve acknowledgment for their efforts to advocate for the protection of unborn lives. However, this commitment often contrasts sharply with their stance on assisting financially struggling families and children in need, undermining their proclaimed values of valuing all lives equally.

Despite professing to uphold the sanctity of life, many conservative Christians paradoxically support the death penalty, a practice inconsistent with Jesus’ teachings of forgiveness, turning the other cheek, mercy and loving one’s neighbor. The ethical dilemma arises as capital punishment aligns with human desires for revenge and retribution, contradicting the principles of compassion and mercy central to Christian doctrine.

The conservative movement’s adulation of Donald Trump represents a profound departure from biblical teachings against idolatry and the exclusive worship of God our Father. This idolization is overtly demonstrated through tattoos, online imagery depicting him as divine, and publications positing him as a messianic figure—an unhealthy veneration that transcends political loyalty into a realm resembling religious worship.

Some modern Christian Republicans openly reject Jesus’ teachings as impractical in contemporary society, a stance explicitly stated rather than implied. This raises fundamental questions about their fidelity to Christian principles while simultaneously professing allegiance to Jesus’ teachings.

When engaging with conservative Christians who oppose funding for social welfare programs, it is pertinent to challenge them on their discordant positions. Asserting personal adherence to Christian values, which emphasize support for the less fortunate and marginalized, can prompt reflection on the compatibility of their political beliefs with their professed faith.

In summary, the divergence between conservative Christian rhetoric and the teachings of Jesus underscores a significant ethical and ideological disconnect. Addressing this dissonance requires critical examination and introspection within the community to reconcile professed faith with political actions and beliefs.

Matthew 25:35-40

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.