Strength. I’m thinking of the strength of Jesus today versus the strength of American Church Empire.

I see American Church Empire say that Jesus is primarily as fire insurance for hell. Until it comes to bombing other countries, then Jesus becomes Mars, the god of war.

I see American Church Empire denounce and ignore clear and overwhelming politics of social justice and liberation in the Bible, but they embrace a puny and war monger god created in their own image.

I see American Church Empire align only with power, as usual…throughout history “Christian” Rome and the Middle Ages “Christian” Crusade wars against Islam.

Speaking of Islam, I see American Church Empire look at Islamist extremists as if they represent the whole of Islam. Then they blindly refuse to call out Christian extremists, and instead they become them.

I see American Church Empire claim war is peace.

I see American Church Empire delight in bombs in the name of Jesus.

I see American Church Empire proclaim Jesus will come again when we screw up this world so badly that God will finally do something about it. Entrapped in a domination system so brazen they seek to dominate God with bombs.

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As a life-long Christian, I am trying not to lose my faith. Last month for Spiritual Journey Thursday, they wrote about strength. I didn’t participate, but I did start this piece. Today I choose to share it with anyone who may be interested. What do you see going on with the American Church right now? Has it always been like this? Do you care about what is going on with the Church? Do you have any hope?

I see pastors like Mariann Budde, Benjamin R. Cremer, Judy Howard Peterson, Brian Zahnd, Rev. William Barber, II, Cece Jones Davis, and Brad Jersak speak out about how the American church is mixed up. There are so many Christians speaking up. Who have I neglected to mention? I want to follow them. These saints try to show the true Way of Jesus — Love, Light of the World, Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Word of God. The bleeding-sacred-heart-of-Jesus kind of faith. These and Marcus Borg (who isn’t living any longer) have been helping me gain perspective and continue to have hope and faith.