You can’t be _________ and be a Chrisitian

I don’t know why we are trying to keep God so narrow.

In light of multiple articles being shared claiming that “you cannot be __________ and be Christian” I feel the need to rant.

The first reaction is hurt. I try every day to walk in the way. And for you to assume that an entire group of people is somehow less than you is appalling - I feel this way often about my enemies but then I take a step back and wonder why I am feeling superior. 

And the answer is that I need to love you. Even when you think I am not truly a Christian, when you persecute me because I know the sun will rise and fall on both of us. The rain will fall on each of us- evil and good.

Now…all of us want to believe we are the good. By nature we are so self righteous that it is easier to condemn a group and tell them that their way is wrong. 

I especially struggle with this when I see people turned away from God’s family table. “YOU AREN’T BEING A CHRISTIAN”. I scream in my head but I’m then no better than you.

Because that is me not allowing you at my table.

And unfortunately/fortunately for both of us….there is room for both of at the table.

So. Now I want to tell you about my God. Your God doesn’t want women and men to be equal….but my God….my God wants each of us to live up to our full potential. 

For me, God wants my husband and I to work as partners. For us to invest in our children equally and share our troubles and responsibilities.

My God wants me to use my gifts to elevate the lowly. My God wants my voice to be just as loud as my husbands. 

My God wants me to  listen to people (especially women) who are not white like me, who are not straight like me, who are not cisgender like. After I listen I am called to walk alongside them as they battle injustices.  

My God showed me I was equal when Mary entered the tomb and discovered “He is Risen”. My God allows me to recognize that our scripture was written by flawed individuals and that bias exists. 

I am called to use my gifts to elevate the least of these. And recognize that I am but dust on this fragile earth my island home.

My God has forgiven us before we ask. And my God loves me just as they love their children who call them by other names (and those who will never speak their name).

So I’m asking you to look at where you are trying to keep God narrow- I know I am.  And it isn’t easy. But it’s the work we are supposed to do.

(Now....just know....next time I’m going to bring out the receipts when you share that hateful nonsense )