If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk

1. Embrace a bigger, more inclusive God to love better

If God is God, there's no other option: they are each made of God stuff, no matter how bitter, cruel, or petty they might be or how unlikable you find them or how difficult to like they indeed might be.

Expand your concept of God. Many people inherit a limited, often male-centric view of God that can lead to exclusionary beliefs and practices. By embracing a more expansive understanding of the Divine, we open ourselves to greater compassion and love for all humanity.

Challenge gender assumptions. Recognizing God as beyond gender allows us to see the full spectrum of humanity as equally sacred. This perspective can help dismantle prejudices and promote equality.

See the divine in everyone. When we truly believe that every person reflects the image of God, it becomes harder to justify discrimination or hatred. This inclusive view encourages us to treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of differences.

2. Challenge inherited religious narratives that promote fear and exclusion

Perfect love is supposed to cast out all fear, but fear doesn't leave easily. We're going to have to have the courage to stay and fight for people.

Examine your beliefs critically. Many religious traditions pass down narratives that can instill fear, promote exclusion, or justify discrimination. It's essential to question these inherited beliefs and assess whether they truly align with a loving, compassionate God.

Confront the concept of hell. The idea of eternal damnation often contradicts the notion of a loving God and can be used as a tool for manipulation. Consider how this belief might be hindering your ability to love others unconditionally.

Embrace uncertainty. Recognize that spiritual growth often involves grappling with doubt and mystery. Being comfortable with not having all the answers can lead to a more humble and inclusive faith.

3. Recognize the hypocrisy in selective pro-life stances

I wish more professed pro-life Christians had the same passion for migrant children, school shooting victims, sick toddlers, young Black men, Muslim families, LGBTQ teens, the environment, and women's equality that they claim to have for embryos.

Broaden your definition of "pro-life". True pro-life ethics extend beyond the issue of abortion to encompass all aspects of human dignity and well-being. This includes advocating for:

• Access to healthcare
• Gun violence prevention
• Environmental protection
• Racial justice
• LGBTQ+ rights
• Immigration reform

Examine inconsistencies. Challenge yourself and others to apply pro-life principles consistently across all areas of policy and personal behavior. Recognize when fear, prejudice, or political allegiances might be influencing your stance on various life issues.

4. Confront the dangers of nationalistic Christianity

Somewhere during the past two thousand years we've flipped the script of our collective spiritual story, and in many ways we are now an inverted people—an upside-down community to the world and likely at times to Jesus.

Separate faith from nationalism. Recognize how conflating Christianity with national identity can lead to exclusionary practices and a distorted view of Jesus' teachings. This fusion often results in:

• Xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment
• Racial prejudice
• Religious intolerance
• Militarism and aggression

Reclaim Jesus' radical message. Focus on the core teachings of Jesus, which often challenged the status quo and power structures of his time. Emphasize:

• Love for enemies
• Care for the marginalized
• Non-violence
• Critique of wealth and power

Embrace a global perspective. Cultivate a faith that transcends national borders and recognizes the inherent worth of all people, regardless of their country of origin or citizenship status.

5. Cultivate holy anger to fight injustice

Ferocity for humanity is what birthed the civil rights movement, the women's movement, the fight for LGBTQ equality, the Black Lives Matter movement, propelling people into sacrificial acts of love on behalf of other people.

Harness righteous indignation. Recognize that anger can be a powerful motivator for positive change when channeled properly. Use your outrage at injustice to fuel constructive action.

Balance anger with love. Ensure that your anger is rooted in a deep love for humanity and a desire for justice, rather than hatred or a need for revenge. This "holy ferocity" should ultimately lead to healing and reconciliation.

Take strategic action. Transform your anger into concrete steps to address systemic issues:

• Educate yourself and others
• Engage in peaceful protest
• Advocate for policy changes
• Support marginalized communities

6. Practice radical hospitality and embrace diversity

For a few hours, Hector, Angelina, and I got to be Jesus to one another. We got to be neighbors, and we were able to show each other the kindness of being individually seen and individually heard and personally cared for—and we changed one another's stories.

Create inclusive spaces. Actively work to make your communities, whether religious or secular, welcoming to people of all backgrounds. This might involve:

• Challenging exclusive language or practices
• Amplifying diverse voices
• Addressing accessibility issues
• Fostering intercultural dialogue

Seek out different perspectives. Intentionally build relationships with people who have different beliefs, experiences, and backgrounds. This exposure can broaden your understanding and challenge your assumptions.

Practice empathy and active listening. When engaging with others, especially those different from you, focus on truly hearing their stories and experiences without judgment. This can build bridges and foster mutual understanding.

7. Be the Gospel you want to see in the world

You are the world's leading expert on your experience of God. You are the only one who can tell that story in the way you can tell it—and that is why your reading this book is important, as is what you'll do in response.

Live your beliefs authentically. Rather than focusing solely on preaching or converting others, embody the love, compassion, and justice you want to see in the world. Your actions speak louder than words.

Share your unique story. Recognize that your personal experiences with faith, doubt, and growth are valuable. Be willing to share your journey authentically, including your struggles and uncertainties.

Create redemptive community. Work to build or participate in communities that embody the values of love, inclusion, and justice. This might look different from traditional religious structures but can provide meaningful spiritual connection and support.

Continual self-reflection. Regularly examine your beliefs, actions, and impact on others. Ask yourself:

• Am I loving my neighbor as myself?
• Where do my actions contradict my professed beliefs?
• How can I grow in compassion and understanding?

Last updated: November 22, 2024