So thank me

I keep noticing certain conflicting characteristics among certain so-called Christians.

 

On the one hand, there’s the talk about love: God’s love, love for God, love for Jesus, love from Jesus, and (in theory) love for others. And on the other hand, there is the relentless hatred of, contempt for, belittling of and aggressive agenda to undermine people who dare to hold a different set of beliefs.

 

Yes, these two things seem (to me) to be at odds.

 

And this isn’t just a case of loud-mouthed, pandering politicians and pundits. No, this kind of hypocritical ugliness is far more widespread.

 

Sure I, like every other American, have seen examples on TV. But I have also witnessed many examples firsthand. Gays referred to as sick sinners. Gay marriage equated to bestiality. Anyone with any other faith besides Christianity is labeled as practicing a “whackadoo” religion. And liberals, progressives and socialists? Those scum are all Satan’s agents.

 

Christian love, indeed.

 

Sure, I try to point out the blind arrogance of this thinking. But, well, blind arrogance is blind.

 

Luckily, for all of us, this group of hypocrites by no means represents the entire population of Christians. I know many – very many – who genuinely embody the idea of love for others. And I really hope they can instill this quality in everyone carrying the Christian flag (while weeding out the posers).

 

Until then, for those who are unable to get past the part in the Bible that says “judge not,” consider this: if they have anything to say to me, it should be “thank you.”

 

Because let’s get real. At the end of the day, when those smug, self righteous types go to bed at night, heathens like me make them feel great. Yes, my progressive, non-Christian — “evil” — life, juxtaposed with theirs, makes them feel downright saintly. Contrasted against me, these people feel all the closer and chummier with their buddy Jesus.

 

For all the condemning they do of my spirituality and political views, they know that my pagan ways make their own halos shine all the brighter. Bottom line: they can’t be “right” if no one else is “wrong.” And they so desperately need to be right. So I, and others like me, are simply playing the part of “wrong” to fulfill their deranged view of the universe.

 

So thank me. And then, kindly shut the hell up.