That is the rub. The few have enticed too many real Christians into a radical evangelical false witness. A faction has further morphed into the Christian nationalist movement that is indistinguishable from the Neo-Nazis that represent an imminent threat to everything you and I and our parents held dear.

Recently, a lifelong friend (and at one time, a fellow church member) sent me a reel wherein a pastor was arguing that “the Left” was out to destroy religion; specifically, the Christian religion. My friend and I periodically exchange social media supporting our diametrically opposed positions on politics and sometimes religion. This one spanned both. The idea that there is a liberal mission to destroy religion is pervasive in conservative social media and right-wing media. While pondering how to respond, I happened upon a podcast that summed up my feelings about the hijacking of religion in recent years. I sent it to him. Subsequently, I thought that the topic might be of broader interest to the community. I suspect his perception is common. I am sharing to stimulate thoughtful reaction from both sides. The podcast to which I refer is at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LYNSyHPL8/?mibextid=wwXIfr (we have added the YouTube version at the end of Menius’ letter.)

I said to him:

Friend, you sent me a video claiming that “the left” wants to destroy Christianity. Progressives will never do anything to limit any person’s first amendment rights, including the right to practice religion. “The left” is not a bunch of atheists out to crush believers. On the contrary, there are progressives of deep faith. My observation is that progressives as a group espouse Christ’s message more than conservative zealots who wear their version of religion as a badge of entitlement. As a group, they tend to live out the empathy, tolerance, inclusion and caring for the lesser of society integral to Christ’s teachings.

No, the issue is not the existence of religion, especially Christianity, as your video argues. Rather, for decades (especially in the last decade) a group of people have sought to weaponize religion to manipulate and divide people and tear down our society so they can seize and consolidate political power and enrich themselves. That is the rub. Those few have enticed too many real Christians into a radical evangelical false witness. A faction has further morphed into the Christian nationalist movement that is indistinguishable from the Neo-Nazis that represent an imminent threat to everything you and I and our parents held dear.

More broadly, regardless of the brand of religion, (or other aggregation of views inconsistent with the tenets of this constitutional republic, however benign or toxic they may seem), I do not want them dictating the terms of my life. I no more want them controlling me than a regular Iranian wants the ayatollah running his or a regular Afghan who is suffering under the tyranny of the Taliban.

Bluntly, the people suckered into believing that the ongoing coup is a noble thing, or worse, the will of God, may feel well intentioned. I simply must differ.All this brings me to the purpose of writing. I am forwarding an interview with John Pavlovich. John is a former pastor expelled from the church for advocating for and expecting the church to be “too Jesus” for its taste. He articulates the issues and positions above clearer than I can dream of doing. I follow him on Facebook and recommend him to you. This interviewer is a strident nonbeliever and regretfully uses a bit of unnecessary language. I hope that will not put you off watching it through.

As I have said before, the issues that divide us and the whole country are not simple. No serious and critical issues facing our country are. I am always anxious for the opportunity to talk with those with whom I disagree (that is why I continue to respond). Please watch this with an open mind, reflect on it, and if so moved to do so, give me your reaction.

Peace.

YouTube link to the podcast.