Dear Editor:
As I was reflecting on the temptations of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 4:1-10, I began to look at the third temptation with different eyes. At once, the thought came to me how there are so many professing Christians who have been swept up into the MAGA orbit.
Matthew 4: 8-10 reads: “Again, the devil took (Jesus) to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to him, ‘All these things will I give you if you fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
In the United States, Christian nationalists push the propaganda that America was founded as a Christian nation and should be populated by only Christians. To this end, any means to achieve this goal is legitimate and God approved.
They claim to worship and follow King Jesus — not the Suffering Servant, but the Conquering King. To aid Jesus in conquering, this group has struck out to subdue all those who do not subscribe to their dogma. I am not going to discuss the detestable aspect of racism that is inherently part of this movement.
“They claim to worship and follow King Jesus — not the Suffering Servant, but the Conquering King.”
Christian nationalists reject the New Testament Jesus. That Jesus is too weak to accomplish what their perceived Christian task is. Indeed, Jesus is too “woke.”
Even though the Jesus of 2,000 years ago was very much aware (“woke”) of the false teachings and dangers surrounding him and had a message of good news that could be identified in today’s terms as diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Jesus of the New Testament rejected Satan’s offer of dominion over all the earth. He knew his dominion would reside in the hearts of those who followed his commandments — including the command to love one another.
Such a Christ-honoring love does not include the preaching of hate, murder and disrespect. Such a love shows a willingness to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, visit those in prison and give clothing to those needing it.
Christian nationalists have envisioned a Christ who brought a literal sword to slay their enemies, and they have appropriated God’s revenge to themselves. Their purpose is to be God’s wrath on those whom they judge to be anti-God or infidels. Christian nationalists have subscribed to a Jesus who accepted Satan’s offer.
The New Testament indicates God will allow those who practice or continuously practice evil to have their hearts hardened such that they will not seek repentance for their evil deeds and thus bear the judgment without the benefit of Christ’s sacrifice. Hebrews gives several warnings in this regard. Those whom Jesus judged to be the goats in Matthew 25 thought they were righteous and worthy of a favorable judgment when they were not.
If there is any group you mistreat, hate, kill or disrespect either in thought or deed, you are not following Jesus. When you wear the symbols of the Christian faith combined with a nation’s flag, you are following a Jesus who said “yes” to Satan’s temptation.
Remember, by our love they will know we are Christians. By our daily walk and testimony, we share Christ with those around us. Christ is not a club with which we beat others. He is a gift freely offered. To believe in Jesus is to have full trust in him alone. No political leader will take his place.
Earl Chappell, Norfolk, Va.