Christianity

A couple of days ago I had the temerity to criticize a Facebook post that contained the usual right wing bullshit. Anti immigrant, Anti children of immigrants. The writer in his stupidity perceived the feeding of immigrant children with depriving American children of said food but ignoring the reasons why there were such things as American children in dire need of assistance and food. Must have just happened overnight I guess. I responded somewhat tongue in cheek by saying that it was nice to see that Christianity did not get in the way of racism and bigotry. For this I was called hateful and asked why I turned everything into an attack on Christianity. It was tongue in cheek because while aimed at the rabid christian right, it was written by a Jew. 

So I have given the matter a good deal of thought and have arrived at a conclusion. Firstly I do not turn everything into an attack on Christianity. I estimate fewer than 1 post in a 100 relates in any way to this subject. The remainder are largely attacks on Republicans who have opened their great mouths and said a mouthful of stupid, In the matter of religion, my position is simple, I was raised in the Church of England by two parents who were themselves raised in the Ulster equivalent, the Church of Ireland. Their Parents were Presbyterian. My senior school was associated with the Parish Church of St. Marylebone in London In addition to daily lessons we took religious instruction there every Tuesday. We also attended many other Services at the church and our Vicar also taught at our school on occasion. My Mother never lost her faith which was all encompassing. I married a Roman Catholic Girl and we remained together for 32 years. During this time I learned much about the Roman Catholic Church in England and as someone with 100% Ulster Protestant blood this was an awakening. Therefore I submit that I am better grounded and educated in the Christian Church than many of the Facebook persons it has been my misfortune to run across in the 8 years I have lived in the United States. 

The Church of England and indeed that of Rome teaches charity, the need to look out for and indeed look after those less fortunate than ourselves. Compassion for those less fortunate, Understanding that while illegal in the laws of man it is possible to understand the needs of many to escape to a new country in order to feed, clothe and more often, secure the safety of their families. On one memorable occasion at the beginning of the last century, my maternal grandfather discovered a Nightwatchman standing guard over some roadworks in Belfast on Christmas Day. The man had little food, A Coke Brazier to keep him warm and an elephant shelter to protect him from the elements. Without hesitating, he arranged for lights to be lit to protect the roadworks and brought the man into his home for Christmas Dinner with the family. I have always held that to be a supreme act of charity when the easier thing would have been to turn away. 

On very few occasions in the UK was my faith challenged in any way but 8 years in the USA has rendered me almost an atheist for if this is your idea of Christianity, I want no part. It seems to consist of an inextinguishable desire for money and more money, rarely for the good of the needy, usually for the good of the imitation church that the pastor claims to represent. All year long and every Christmas the Church of St. Martin in the Fields in Central London caters for the homeless. Their Christmas appeal raises hundreds of thousands of Pounds, all of which goes to support this side of their work. This is but one church out of thousands. The Vicar is not claiming that God spoke to him and told him to buy a new Jet or a large House or Cars galore. These men and women do not require money in order to pray for your soul. They do not ask for cash in order to pray for a cure for your particular malady or disease. I do not like the American way of Christianity. If Jesus were indeed to return it would be to America that he would head and he would start by dealing with the money lenders in the various temples that claim to represent him. 

Now I have no doubt that this country contains as many souls dedicated to making life better for those in need. It is just that their brand of Christianity is not the one making all the noise with 24 hour TV Channels allowing them to fleece the ignorant and the vulnerable. 

So please keep your worthless opinions of me to yourself for all you have shown is how little you know and how little Christian charity exists in your own minds.