Following Jesus versus Christian Nationalism/Empire

The difference between following Jesus and his way versus the Christian Nationalist/Empire way is pretty stark. Here’s a starter list for your consideration. Please feel free to add more.

It’s the difference between loving your enemy and killing or conquering your enemy.

It’s the difference between feeding your enemy and taking food away from anyone you perceive as an enemy or potential enemy.

It’s the difference between washing others’ feet and making others serve you.

It’s the difference between humility and public spectacle.

It’s the difference between seeing the image of God in one another and making a god in your own image.

It’s the difference between invitation to a better way of life and imposing your way on everyone else.

It’s the difference between healing and projection.

It’s the difference between good news for the poor and hoarding for the wealthy.

It’s the difference between stewardship of the earth and raping the earth.

It’s the difference between caring for the poor and blaming the poor.

It’s the difference between standing for the marginalized in a society and scapegoating the marginalized for your own empowerment.

It’s the difference between setting people free and putting them into bondage.

It’s the difference between valuing women and making women less than or only valuable for their uterus.

It’s the difference between discipleship and compliance.

It’s the difference between living the way of peace and living the way of war.

It’s the difference between empathy and cruelty.

It’s the difference between seeing the humanity of LGBTQ+ people and trying to change them.

It’s the difference between wholeness and scarcity.

It’s the difference between living the intent of Scripture and using Scripture as a weapon.

These are the differences between Jesus and whichever version of Ceasar temporarily sits on some kind of man-made throne.