Quit Mixing Christianity With Secular Law

In response to a post on social media from my sister (she’s such a catalyst), I’ve just finished posting a photo of myself online. In it, I am holding a small sign saying,” The Bible says: “All are created in the image of God,” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Quit mixing Christianity with secular law! “Render unto Caesar...”

This was very difficult for me for a couple of reasons. One, I’m very critical of my appearance in photos. I freely admit to vanity, a minor flaw compared to other flaws I have. And two (much more importantly), I’m very uncomfortable with proselytizing.

I haven’t studied theology (and even theologians are not always in agreement on biblical meanings). I haven’t read the Bible extensively. I admit to many questions and doubts about religion and Christianity. Religion seems to be man-made rules, while faith is a gift.

I do know what I believe my faith should be. It’s boiled down to: love others. Treat them as you wish to be treated. Ask forgiveness when you fail. We are all sinners. There is no ranking of sin, and none are so great that God cannot forgive the sinner. Sin is sin.

God gave us freedom of choice. You cannot force another to believe as you do. Passing laws that are designed to punish those who choose to live differently than you think they should live will not change their choices or who they are. (I’m not talking about laws against crimes that harm another.) Consenting adults should be able to express their love for each other without fear of retribution.

To those who concentrate their anger, fear, unease, hatred, etc., on LGBT individuals, I ask, “Why are you fixated on this particular sin?” Didn’t Jesus say, “... evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, folly - all these evils come from inside and defile you?” Do you really think someone else’s sin is worse than yours? Why aren’t you just as adamant in condemning all these other sins? All of us have broken at least one of the Ten Commandments. Again, we are all sinners.

I believe also that all sins can be forgiven. Is not God all powerful? If you ask, he can give forgiveness. And give repeatedly. I stumble and fall often, yet I am always forgiven.

Live your life in the way you believe it should be lived. Let others have that same freedom to choose how they live. Pray for others if you wish, but don’t try to legislate your brand of religion. It doesn’t work.