Last night, I posted a concern I had on facebook regarding Rick Santorum and his alleged desire to declare a national religion, with that religion being Christianity. I wasn't speaking out against him, but seeking clarity AND saying that if it was true, it scared me. I am a devout Christian. I love Jesus. I don't think I've ever been anything but clear about that. BUT, I don't support declaring America anything but America. We're already predominantly Christian, but that doesn't make it official to the point where laws can be imposed like it would be if it were declared. I know that many think that I'm being ridiculous when I say that to declare a national religion is dangerous; and that I'm being dramatic likening it to the situation in Iran and many other nations. I know that it would not start off this way...but eventually it would lead to deaths, slavery, and basically revert back to the 19th century.
I stand, unashamedly, to say that Jesus would NOT have wanted it this way. He loved people that NO ONE else loved. He spent His time with thieves, liars, and those that were viewed as unclean by the established religion of that time- Judaism. He fought against the legalism of that established religion and spoke in stories to help people understand the message He was trying to teach. He healed the sick, made the blind see. He DIED because He stood for something that was viewed as blasphemy. He never once forced anyone to love Him, to declare Him as the Lord. I firmly believe that He would maintain this in America, today. He would look with sorrowful eyes the way that His word is manipulated by political agenda. He would hurt for those in other nations that are being persecuted and murdered for their choices. He would plead with America not to allow that kind of thing to happen here.
I do not think that I am wrong in saying this. Of course I want everyone to hear and understand and accept the gospel. I strive to live my life daily to be an example for that same gospel. I live a quiet existence, and try to show people the love of Christ in the way that I live. I build relationships with people and am open and honest about my devotion to Christ. I find that it opens people up to hear what I have to say if I first listen.
My intention in asking about Santorum on my facebook was not to rock the boat, or start an argument, or see my loved ones get into a "my brain is bigger, you're wrong and stupid" kind of debate. I believe firmly that I can be the Christian that I am and still say that I believe that this nation should not have a declared national religion. I don't want to see ANYONE die for what they believe. Sharing the love of Christ with someone will be impossible if their choice to walk away from it gets them killed.
He would not have wanted it this way.
