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by John Bossange
Many practicing Christians read their Bible for some historical context to today’s current events and for spiritual guidance. Most importantly, the New Testament can offer comforting words during challenging times. For that reason, I can imagine many devout Christians joining millions of others who were appalled when the newly-elected president and his MAGA followers criticized the message about mercy given by the Episcopal Bishop Marian Budde at the traditional inaugural prayer service in our National Cathedral.
Showing mercy is an act of compassion and forgiveness, a characteristic most of us would want to receive from others during difficult times. Further, who would not want to be called kind and thoughtful, two hallmarks of a decent human being? For Christians, the Gospel of St. Matthew 5: 3-10 highlights mercy in the “Eight Beatitudes.” They are unmistakably clear: “Blessed are the poor, the meek, they who mourn, thirst for justice, the merciful, the clean of heart, the peacemakers, and those who suffer persecution.”
Christians are familiar with the blessings in the Sermon on the Mount and they know mercy is mentioned and defined throughout the Bible. Matthew 22:40 gives further guidance to live in the spirit of the Gospel. “You shall love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the laws and the prophets.” I wonder if this passage still has meaning for MAGA Christians?
This is why the comments made by President Trump calling Bishop Budde “the so-called Bishop, nasty in tone and not compelling or smart,” and “a Radical Left hard line Trump hater” were so disgraceful and unchristian. Further, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called the Bishop’s plea for mercy a “hijacked attempt to promote her radical ideology.” It gets even more unchristian with the comments made by other MAGA politicians to deport the Bishop, and that the Cathedral had been taken over by gay female activists with short hair and the face of evil.
Undoubtedly, there are MAGA postings and blogs calling for the Bishop to apologize or to be removed from her leadership position. Unfortunately, I’m sure that she has received death threats that now need to be taken more seriously with the pardons and release of the January 6th insurrectionists who will see words as a justification for violence.
A Christian would not mock another Christian’s call for mercy no matter the time, place or environment, and they would not follow a leader who has been unfaithful in three marriages, convicted of fraud and sexual assault, and instigated a riot that led to a takeover of the nation’s capitol building killing 5 law enforcement officers and injuring 174. These are not the behaviors and actions of a Christian.
Showing mercy has always been a challenge. But today where fear and hate of specific groups of people are all-too-common in America, it’s been made more difficult by the President and the MAGA party, mocking the basic, core tenet of the Christian faith: Mercy. Fear and anger, as Bryan Stevenson reminds us in his book Just Mercy, can make us vindictive, abusive, unjust and unfair, until we all suffer from the absence of mercy and condemn ourselves as much as we victimize others.
I believe Christians of good faith will be speaking out during these challenging times, just as Bishop Budde did a week ago. A true Christian will not be intimidated by the MAGA cults “hijacked radical ideology,” and their attempt to misuse and ignore the sacred passages in the Bible to gain political advantage.
Showing mercy is not a political act. It’s an act for any decent human being to bestow upon another whenever necessary. Mercy is also an act for one who understands the true meaning of being a Christian and one who sees through the hypocrisy demonstrated by MAGA Christianity.
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Categories: Commentary
The far left leanings of the Episcopal church is the reason I left and joined the Catholic church. Beginning with bishop Sponge ( sp ) many years ago the Episcopal church has been taken over by the LGBT mafia. The result being many Episcopal congregations have left the church, this is especially true in Africa.
Perhaps if the clergy dealt with spiritual issues and politicians dealt with political issues the world would be less divided
Christianity has been a grift to consolidate power for over 2,000 years, this isn’t anything new. Look at all the billionaires in the front row of church on Inauguration Day. You think Bezos and Elon believe? Actually, you probably do which is why they do it.
Respectfully Mr. Bossange, you need to calm down. Also seems you might want to drink less of the Kool Aid.
Its good when attacking someone for their response to a quote, that the exact wording of WHAT YOU ARE REFERRING to be the beginning of the OpEd… ‘that thing he said’ isn’t good enough.
What that vagary does do is allow you to put nuance, meaning absent of context into your diatribe…that yields yet more of the left’s us vs them division tactic that you leftists marxists are so good at… you pick a vague target then sling as much mud as you can on it…and say ‘gotcha’. Picking on Christians is picking on low hanging fruit dude.
You’re so obvious.
But then again…we Christians recognize you by your works I mean words…
It wasn’t Bishop Budde’s call for mercy (or unity) that was criticized but her direct accusation that Trump is lacking in mercy or is a threat to unity, that he is the one who embodies a politics of contempt.
Interesting how (some) churches especially in Vermont have to keep political feelings to themselves or risk losing tax exempt status, but in DC this so-called bishop gets a free pass.
The ironic part is that the churches in Vermont do not keep their political agendas to themselves as evidenced by the number of BLM and pride flags flying on their property.
The Quakers, mum when they shut down during “covid”, despite being advised by some (ahem) that that was in opposition to freedom of religion in the state and federal constitutions, are now complaining that ICE access is interfering with their right to worship.
Cry me a river.
Evil often assumes the garb of good to further its satanic ends. But the beauty and the curse of Christianity is that it most often seeks to minimize evil by choosing the lesser of two wrongs in pursuit of what is ultimately right.
The “neighbors” Mr Bossange speaks of are not my neighbors. The people he would protect are human traffickers, drug dealers, pimps and murderers. They make billions of dollars annually trading in human misery. They prey on their weak minded victims and use rape, torture and murder to protect their business model.
No, My neighbors are those who lost their jobs to outsourcing. They are the family and friends of those poor souls who are lost to drug addiction. They are the victims of usury in the medical and education systems when they couldn’t find a job that paid enough to cover both student loans and medical bills. They are those who lost housing because they couldn’t compete with the massive upward pressure on housing prices that governments created when they used taxpayer funds to purchase property for illegal entrants.
I will admit that there are many who will suffer as a result of the changed policies. But that is the lesser evil. The greater evil is to allow this filth to continue.
Mr Bossange should be ashamed of himself. How dare he adulterate the religion of billions in his defense of evil. He would happily see the whole of the civilized world destroyed to protect the interests of evil people.
Dear Mr. Bossange,
While the Bible does speak clearly on the subject of Mercy, the Bible also speaks clearly on the subject of Justice. The “sermon” given by Leader Budde, over-emphasized and distorted Biblical Mercy while ignoring Justice all together.
It seems clear as well that Leader Budde abused the role and responsibility of her position as a speaker in a church pulpit. She obviously pre-planned the content of her message and targeted one person she knew would be in attendance when she spoke.
If Christians are to represent, speak and act in keeping with what they say they Believe, the whole of Biblical Scriptures need to be considered and applied in the full context of the circumstances.
All of us as human beings fail, make wrong choices and mistakes. If we do we would hope to have opportunities to make corrections. That would be Mercy in action. However, all of our actions have consequences whether negative or positive; that cannot be avoided or erased. That would be Justice in action.
In Romans 13:1-5, the Bible clearly gives our government the authority to institute Law, Order and Justice. There are other examples as well.
1. – Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2. – Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3.- For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
4.- For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5.- Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Mr. Boss angle,
Judge not, lest ye be judged. What a hyper partisan judgmental and aggressive rant. Allow me to claw my way out of my deplorable basket to correct you regarding the Jan 6 riot. It was a terrible moment in our history and I do not condone the violent actions of those who breached the capitol. But no law enforcement officers were killed in the riot. Approximately 140 were injured. Facts matter.
Bless your heart.
Dan Pipes,
Correction: the “violent actions” at the Capitol were not those of the folks who did NOT breach the Capitol, but came to peacefully assemble on January 6th. However, it was all staged by the same scum who defrauded the American people of their rightful votes for Donald Trump in the 2020 election; the same lying scum who tried to impeach him during his first term; and the despicable evil actors who manufactured both COVID and the poisonous unvetted COVID “vaccine” to kill millions.
What made it such a terrible moment n our history was how our government and Department of Justice was weaponized against completely innocent, law-abiding patriots to throw them in jail on bogus charges, while calling the hundreds of George Floyd riots which burned and destroyed several of our cities mostly peaceful. It was a terrible moment when President Trump called for 10,000 National Guard troops to help preserve order at the Capitol on January 6th, but those troops were intentionally prevented from being deployed to purposely creat chaos to make Donald Trump and those who legitimately voted for him look like the bad guys. It was gaslighting and framing perpetrated by some very evil politicians, government operatives, and haters of America.
Since John brought up Matthew 20 – let’s read on to Matthew 24 5:14 shall we?
“5)For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6)And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7)For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8) All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9)Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10)And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11)And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12)And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13)But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14)And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
It is easy to cherry-pick verses to twist around to make it sound like Jesus edifies sin. Many religious types do such a thing and they will be judged accordingly. Matthew 7:21-23
“21) Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth my Father’s will which is in heaven. 22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not by thy Name prophesied, and by thy name cast out devils? and by thy name done many great works? 23) And then will I profess to them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity.”
The Word lays it out rather clearly for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. Yet, unless it suits a certain narrative, the congregation will take what is fed to them by a lost wayward shephard, let their ears be tickled, let their emotions lead them astray, and not bother to actually read and contemplate the rest. I hear the line, “we are all sinners!” Absolutely, which is why one must repent for sins committed, rebuke the sin, and sin no more. They all leave out that part.
Here is old John, right on time like his BFF Kevin Ellis with another anti Trump diatribe. I imagine at the Digger and Front Porch Forum their heads are nodding up and down like bobble head dolls reading this drivel.
What they can’t stand is Trump is showing mercy to the American taxpayer. Hey John, in case you havent noticed Trump got 76,838,984 votes. Your Commiecrat agenda is being dismantled piece by piece, day by day. Once again, I commend VDC for publishing this comedic view into a domestic enemy’s mind. It shows us just how warped the Commiecrat agenda is.
Well, it’s interesting that the churches in general are not recognizing the sacred place for sexual relations, but we are all sinners, that is what should have been clearly stated, no not one of you are sinless. Yet some profess to be vastly superior to others, if you are in the club, you get to defend your superority….well done!
This seems to get lost in most churches and certainly for the political parties and their spokes people who are sinless. You’ll easily find many supporters who will clearly say and outline that Trump is not a perfect man. Does the other side say the same about their political leader????
Cancel culture and Bossange have the easiest job on the planet, finding fault with their fellow man, could thing be easier than this? If we were all a bit self-reflective we’d quickly understand that we all can’t keep the 10 commandments on our own doing and even improve without divine intervention of the Holy Spirit.
If the Bishop spoke openly about sexuality and it’s misplaced, degraded and selfish tendencies, about porn, about sexual abuse, then some respect might be do. That church was dead, much parading about on how perfect, important and superior they were above the people visiting in the church. It is all about the building and salaries as evidenced by the fruit, much like Washington D.C. !
Jesus didn’t come to judge the world but to save. We are all flawed, terribly so.
But one of the most important features of being a Christian is the ability to discern truth from lies, to understand that 80% of the time our leader will be corrupt and Godless. That even the greatest leaders with a heart for God stray, sometimes, very seriously, as in King David????? Their sin shall be found out. They will have to pay for the consequences, they will be forgiven if asked, same for all.
Do you think Trump would say divorce and marriage should be taken lightly? Do you think he’s proud of the missteps?
This article shows how to use the bible for personal and political gain, it shows very little depth and understanding. This article perfectly outlines, through example of why people hate modern churches, politics and why they are both dead and dying.
Churches and Politics
They are filled with pride rather than humility.
They have no love in them.
Christ is King. All honor and Glory are his.
TGBTG
It was a wonderful opportunity to perhaps spread the Good News, (isn’t that the missive?) to a massive audience that church has rarely seen, the world has rarely seen.
What would her boss say?
Who is her boss?
She could have forgiven him, setting him free for joyful obedience……
She could have washed his feet.
A choice of Trump or Harris was not a hard decision for me. My voting is driven by outcomes, not emotions. The last 4 years was horrific for me, my family, my community and my country. Harris was the incumbent chosen by the establishment, not the people. I voted fir Trump. Does that make me MAGA Sir? Is everyone that voted for President Trump a so called MAGA? Why do you insist on putting people in boxes? We’re all God’s children. See how that works? No division. Actual unity. I suggest you educate yourself with the scripture verses regarding false prophets. We were warned.
One and all:
Bishop Budde’s comments were calmly and respectfully stated. They were expressions of sound moral teaching. Justice and mercy are both sound biblical teachings, and genuine virtues in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
It is always appropriate for religious leaders to offer moral guidance and to encourage that we apply moral principles in society.
Admittedly, Bishop Budde’s comments were addressed to the President.
I have preached and written on matters of moral teachings, as have many others. These are not political statements, but valid expressions and applications of what God revealed in scripture.
Pete,
Do you extend this mercy to the unborn?
Keep reading.
What did the prominent religious leaders in the first century do to Jesus Christ, under the guise of moral law? What did they preach?
Who is King of Kings?
Did the British calmly and respectfully tax and oppress the colonies?
She blew it bigly, she had a chance to spread the good news to the world, did she? Did she speak of the divinity of Jesus Christ to the World? That he came not to judge the world but save us from sin? To save us from being a complete hot mess wrapped up in pride and sin? That he came to free us from sin for joyful obedience to his ways?
That was perhaps the biggest preaching opportunity lost ever in the history of the Episcopal Church.
Scripture
Tradition
Reason
Experience
The Wesleyan Quadrilateral, a fancy term used to describe how effective Godly people come about making decisions in life.
I didn’t hear her talk about sexual sin in any context, and we are all sinners of that. When are preachers going to talk about the proper context for Gods greatest gift? That was missing from her sermon too.
Epic fail, this would only be considered successful in the highly political, sexually perverse, cancel culture of Vermont, which is remarkable similar to Rome.
Epic fail, of epic proportions.
Did she appeal to Jesus Christ or President Donald Trump for protection of Gods children?One is political, one is God. Did she call upon the Holy Spirit? Even President Trump understands divine intervention now, having experienced it just recently. Did she implore her fellow congregants to fear not, fear not? As Jesus taught us? Jesus Christ is in control, we need only relax, submit and follow him.
Btw, can you tell me which profit suggested sex outside of marriage was Gods plan?
Thank you, Mr. Bossange.
One of my friends is a devoted Catholic, good family man, and devoted Trump supporter. When I asked him to list three Christian virtues which Donald Trump exemplifies, he could not. Instead, he expressed Trump’s position on the border and inflation.
One can believe in both law and order and mercy.
Anyone who uses the words “uniter” and “Trump” in the same sentence obvioulsly is not paying attention to the news.
Dear jdevino179I,
I respectfully disagree.
Trump is a “Uniter” for those of us who want Genuine Leadership that is “FOR WE THE PEOPLE” and seeks to act and promote policies that recognize our Individual Constitutional Rights, Privileges and Freedoms.
Trump’s business experiences, his common sense, his work ethics and his resolve are unmatched in the political arena. I especially love that he is NOT a globalist and he knows the fear-mongering narrative of climate hysteria is a money wasting hoax.
ALL of us as human beings make mistakes, wrong choices and moral failures.
If we are honest, we will admit that none of us will agree with ALL that another human being does or says. We are each a unique individual. Anyone who wants to magnify Trump’s Failures should first look in the mirror and soberly make a list of all their own failures. There is NO perfect human being.
Trump Haters and those with Trump Derangement Syndrome have a mental block and state of mind that will never allow them to see anything good about
Trump. Maybe they need to reassess, adjust their Worldview and ask themselves WHY?
Dear Mr. Jdevino1791
Here is something followers of Christ recite, humble themselves to understand. Perhaps President Trump falls into all of the bellow, just like the rest of us.
Confession and Pardon
Merciful God
We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart
We have failed to be an obedient church
We have not done your will
We have broken your law,
We have rebelled against your love,
We have not loved our neighbors
And we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
That would be a better understanding.
Pete,
As Shakespeare said, even the devil can cite scripture for his purposes.
Remember that this is what the Pharisees did to Jesus as a pretext to murder the One who spoke the truth and shined the light into the darkness of religious corruption and hypocrisy. Context is everything, and moral teachings mean zilch when spouted by immoral religious hypocrites. Don’t think for a moment that God honors those who condone sin and blasphemy by twisting His words to weaponize it against those who stand for true good and justice, not the demonic Marxist versions of them.
To Dan Pipes’ question:
Of course, I do! In fact, I have been actively berated in the press by some as “an old white guy, and a Catholic too” for my public positions on human life issues.