A few months ago, I wrote an article titled “A P*ssed Off Southern Pastor Tells It Like It Is.” In that article, I expressed frustration over the fact that my conservative Christian friends could freely post anything they wanted in favor of far right policies without fear of judgement or retribution in our community, but I had to hold my tongue on the same issues because my opinions fall on the left.
The article went viral, and it became obvious that I was not the only one who felt that type of frustration. Apparently, those of us who fall on the Christian Left have been without a voice for too long.
Today, a friend on Facebook messaged me to say that the church which had hired him to play for a large festival noticed that he had shared my article on his own timeline, and since they did not approve of my message, they no longer needed his services.
I am so sorry that a friend suffered wrongful termination because of something I wrote. But even more than that, I am disappointed that my original article was so correct.
This is our fault. We can remain silent no more. If the problems of this society are ever to be reconciled to peace and compassion, then the people who represent those ideals simply must begin to speak up.
I am a proud member of the Christian Left. And I will not be silent anymore.
35 I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 36 I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’
37 “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear?39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’