I do not know the Christianity of which you speak

SOMEone hasn't been reading the Bible...

“Christ Breaks the Rifle,” by Kelly Latimore, 2022

The quicker you dehumanize the enemy, the more effective you are in combat. The Russians are scum. The Democrats are groomers. The Republicans are…well, I don’t even know the words for it.

But then, if you’re looking for a conversation, other-ing goes out the window, and with it the name-calling, as well as what-you-think-you-know. I’ve both othered and been othered, and that’s the fastest way to stop a conversation, in person and online.

So, in order, and for future reference, when we speak about Christianity:

• I am a baptized believer in Jesus, but probably not the Jesus you’re worshipping. I believe in the come-from-the-bottom, feed-the-hungry, house-the-homeless Jesus, not the one toting an AR-15 or suggesting adherents of other faiths should be annihilated — or converted.

• There is literally no scriptural reference for Christians to other any one in the LGBTQ community. None. So stop it.

• Similarly, I cannot imagine the Son of God gives a rat’s ass about drag queens and their effect on society. Neither Jesus nor I have witnessed a drag queen committing mass murder. Focus, people. (And for what it’s worth, drag queens give great makeup tips, so y’all can just stand down.)

• Everything you need to know about proper practice of the religion can be found in The Beatitudes. Feel free to delve into the letters of Paul and others, but be prepared for an argument.

• The most simplest yet complex distillation of the faith is that you must love people. Love them, even if you’d prefer to prop them up as a straw man and attack them. That includes drag queens, everyone in the LGBTQ community, and — yes — Republicans. Just love ‘em.

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