I had to tell my parents I don't know that I can trust them anymore after voting for him, because I explained to both of them why I thought he was a threat to the country, and I told them why I thought he was a threat to them, their lifestyles, their jobs directly. They voted for him anyway. I can't fathom a god supporting someone like Trump be one I'd ever follow, and this can only hurt the church. You cannot force people to be religious.
Yeah.... In my beliefs, the church(es) have been turned away from God, to more match the messages, prejudices, and hatred of the congregation. Lose God to maintain power...
As an atheist, I come across your videos from time to time and wanted you to let you know I appreciate you and your messages of compassion and understanding. I thank you Sir. And as a Veteran I salute you.
Same here. Thing is, good people are good people even if we don't agree about everything, and I will always be happy to stop and listen to what they have to say. It's the ones pretending to be good that I cannot tolerate.
And Far worse, trying to get the congregation to go along with their opinions. And if they don't, trying to shame them and making them feel lesser in the masses.
I agree with your thinking. I stopped going to church the day my sister was dying in hospice and after calling three Anglican churches in our area and asking that a priest come to administer last rites as Diane had asked me to promise her earlier, not one responded or even called to check on the situation. All three rectors knew our family and that my sister was in the last days of life yet none responded. I lost faith and trust in people, never in God. He can't be responsible for the things his people do. I won't open myself to another disappointment like that and I'll never make another promise based on my trust in another helping me keep it.
@@shirleywhitt8740 What a shame and heartbreak, though may I say that I believe her intention to want the rites meant she already had a right soul attitude towards God. She had already dedicated her passing, in fact, to God, and God knew it. I am utterly convinced that "Death's bright angel" spoke everything necessary.
@@Fabio-ew3sh and if the church stands up and say a certain group of people are child molesters, are people who steal from others their very self, and those who say this do it to gain power... to take revenge on those they don'e like.... we should all just quietly go about our business?... you would have fit right into Germany in 1939, 1940, etc.
@@Fabio-ew3sh”quietly mind your own business” So, if my sister and her wife took a stroll down your street, hand in hand, as I see straight couples do every day in my city, would that qualify as “minding their own business”? How about if they try to jointly file taxes? Jointly take out a loan? Adopt or raise a child? That still count?
@@Fabio-ew3shYou know, normally I would agree with you. Normally an election is just an “event” and the policies of the two parties are only slightly different, so it’s not really a huge deal. NOT THIS TIME. The results of THIS election means people losing their healthcare, their jobs, their social security. It means looming recession that all economists warned us about. It means I will probably have to come out of retirement and work again. It means many will go into poverty as child tax credits will not be extended, grocery prices will get even higher and rent caps will not happen. Conglomerates are already salivating as regulations will be lifted. There will be countless heartbreaking stories over broken families getting deported / split up, women dying who can’t get healthcare, and the erosion of human rights. No…THIS election was MUCH more than just the price of eggs and how we voted DOES matter.
When the church aligns with bigotry, cruelty, and hatred it's no surprise that many good and moral people see no choice but to turn away from it. These pastors may think they support Christ's values but when all they do is proclaim Trump's values no one will ever see Christ's values. The Golden Rule and all the best parts of Christianity are becoming the dirty little secret the church doesn't talk about because it might upset the followers of the golden idol.
@@doneestoner9945 If you ask them. What Would Jesus Do? In relation to their hate filled ministry of racism and demonizing "the other"....worshiping an orange fat god...............they will stomp off, they wont answer, they cant answer, there is no answer. Its seen as an attack tactic. WWJD?.
Not all. Jesuits in our country are active in helping the poor and preaching social justice. They engage and encourage educated young people (who often belong to the upper and upper middle classes) to take part in civic action and outreach. The SVD order too. They have feeding programs for indigent children. They partnered up with some NGOs to come up with nutrient fortified moringa noodles. (I know it's not enough but they have limited resources.) (Unfortunately our poor masses tend to vote for corrupt politicians so it all feels like band-aids.)
I want to say thank you for the beautiful sermon. I left my church after 15 years because I could not tolerate the hate. I now use the beauty of the outdoors to spend time with my God.
@marenseaquist2262 For the last 20+ years, I have attended a United Methodist church in the northwest. I am agnostic at best, but I'm there because I support their values: open door, open heart. They're a loving but small congregation with none of the hatred I see from other so-called Christians. I support you seeking God in your own way, but if you're in need of a loving community, they are out there, and they could use your support. Take care.
The best church service I've ever been to was a non-denominational service in King's Canyon National Park. Outdoor service surrounded by huge redwood trees. It was awesome.
Something extraordinary happens when I walk in the woods. I would describe it as meditation of sorts. My mind is free of any outside noise or stresses of life. It doesn't take any effort. It just happens. And that's not all. When I get too much on my mind, my neck and shoulders get all tightened up and hurt. I can walk in the woods, that pain goes away, and it stays away. I noticed this happening eleven or so years ago, and I believe a walk in the woods offers a more spiritual connection to any higher power than any church I've attended, as well as better medicine than any pharmacy.
Thank you for this. I was nearly physically attacked at work for simply saying that he has done some terrible things to women. It doesn’t feel safe to listen to them idolize him the way they do, and to emulate his behavior they love it so much. It’s really scary.
@@ashleywright853 lolololol What exactly has Trump “Done” to women exactly ? Tell a bad joke about them on a bus 15 years ago ? Im curious Please dont tell me about the fraudulent case of E Jean Carroll How about him giving beauty Contestants second chances after they broke the rules ? Promoting women to build Sky scrapers ? Surrounding himself with intelligent Strong women his whole Life ? Being a great father to his daughters and a great Grandfather to his grand daughters ? Being a great husband to his Wife Melania ?
@@ashleywright853 well u right to feel that way I know how u feel but some people have to live and feel pain it just hard for us that did not vote for the con . We see it we have lived it before . I just hope they see and feel the hurt and help stop this crazy situation we all fine ourselves in.
This is why I blocked my sisters on my phone and from texts. I could no longer deal with their hatred. Hatred of me and hatred of the left. And it’s why my husband and I no longer go to church. Instead I listen to pastors online. Pastors like you, Reverend Ed. Pastors that love God and love others. You have meant so much to those of us whose family are all MAGA. Thank you!
Kathy, i felt your pain. I have only one sister. I do not have a heart to block her. Because when she needs me I should be of help. Because Jesus wanted to care for the needy. Specially they are your sisters. For now we are upset for their gullible. But life goes on, God is in charged. If you believe in Rev Ed.
@@thanhbencriscutto9547 To each their own. My only sister has been toxic my entire life. She was toxic to me and both of our parents. As maga (thankful both parents have passed) she became more toxic than ever. I have no idea if she is even alive. There were only the two of us. She told me point blank decades ago, she never forgave me for being born. There are plenty of days I wish I hadn't been either, as I was unplanned.
@@user-bz9of6tn6l thank you - I will do that! Isn’t it sad to be in these situations? I do have one sister I haven’t blocked (yet), that isn’t as bad as the other two. My parents have passed and one sister has passed. We are getting older and I have numerous health issues. Only God knows how long we will be here. I tried for 6 years to get along. I was just getting more and more depressed. I finally decided it just wasn’t worth it!
My wife and I were having lunch with her brother today. Nice chit chat about this and that, kids, etc. Then my wife asked him who he voted for. He said, Trump, (as we thought he might but weren't sure) and went on about Ukraine and war, etc., how he liked RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. I didn't interrupt or argue. I just got up without saying a word and left the restaurant, went to our car and texted my wife where I was. I was kind of worried that she might be upset with me for my rude departure but when she finally came back to the car she wasn't mad at all. Her brother has an advanced degree but believes in flying saucers, aliens and beings from other dimensions that can influence us. He takes a calm pride in holding onto beliefs like that against all rational argument. So much for him coming to our house for Thanksgiving. Not going to happen. I don't have the social skills to be nice to MAGA anymore.
having the same problem with my ultra Maga brother (also obnoxious evangelical homophobe). I just canceled Christmas at my house bc I can't bear to spend time with him.
I I'm so with you. I still feel bad for how I'm feeling about these people. Also, how I have alow my mood changed. I still love people who love talking to whoever I come up on. When I hear these, Mega people talk about the love and support of the new administration. And there plans on changing the course of this country going back for sure. I feel as if I left the real me standing, looking at a totally different person. I'm trying not to lose myself in all this. It's what the devil wants us to do.
@@gratefully.1955 I've been feeling guilty for canceling christmas gathering at my house. But I have read a lot about taking care of your own mental health, and I think this is best for me, to disengage for a while. If nothing else, I don't feel festive. It's like someone died and I'm supposed to go party.
@@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 r/actually (being That Guy as an artist) it's a red-orange that, to my eye, is tilted far more red. Looking at it as a mix of red and orange, about 4 parts red, 1 part orange. Another great analogy ruined by actual facts.
@@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 at least under orange man we had a good economy, no foreign wars, no praising of sexual sin, no praising of abortion etc.
@@peestrem31 Under 'orange man' we had a continuation of the strong rising economy that had been in place since early in Obama's first term, and which was beginning to decline a few months BEFORE covid due to Trump's policies, as economists had predicted. No praising of sexual sin? Have you truly never heard Trump speak? Just do a quick search for what he has called his 'locker room talk'. Then consider that fact that he paid $300,000 to a porn star that he slept with while cheating on his then pregnant wife. No foreign wars? Do you really think that was because of Trump? I am assuming that no bears ate your children while Trump was president. He had just as much to do with that as he did with deterring wars. But if you are going to give him credit for the war deaths that did not happen while he was president, surly you are willing to hold him responsible for the millions of Americans that died unnecessarily due to his covid mismanagement, right? I mean, under Obama we didn't have refrigerated trucks outside of hospitals acting as overflow for the morgues that were filled to capacity. So based on that you would consider Obama better president than Trump, right? Or are you just spouting the talking points that have been fed to you by the right wing propaganda machine?
This election was not about politics. It was about core beliefs. It was about choosing the kingdoms of this world or the Kingdom of Heaven. It was so stark and clear. No one can say they “didn’t know.” Those who voted for Trump, would have voted for Hitler, ignoring the smoke rising as the bodies of the innocent burned. These are grave sins and the consequences are heavy if they fail to repent. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever you sow, that will you also reap.” (Galatians 6:7).
Absolutely! What has me incensed is the fact this blasphemous reprobate presumed to modify the Holy Bible and have his name affixed to them; and not a peep from Men and women of faith in Rebuke! We know the prohibition and fair warning in Revelation 22:18,19. And for idiots who stood behind pulpits coercing ignorant people to vote for that wicked vile thing is unconscionable. My prayer is; Isaiah 10:1-4 Amen
I thought him making fun of the reporter would have been it. Then when he sat and watched as his minions destroyed our capital and did nothing. Not my people. Im done. They voted to hurt my friends and family. Can't do it.
i thought trump was finished when he admonished McCain not for his politics but for his military service and the republicans were silent.....shame america shame
I just explained this to my 15-year-old niece. She looked confused and asked. " he said that out loud way back then, and he won twice?" She gets it at a young age.
I have never been more ashamed of American than I was on Nov 6. For us, Jan 6 was the end of being a repub. (My hubby was a life long repub; myself, since Reagan.) We believed the "conservative" lies, but when Trump came on the scene, we started pulling away. There's NOTHING conservative about Trump. He's full out racist and criminal. We didn't put him in office, but we didn't leave Republicans until 2020 so we're as much to blame for this mess as MAGA. However, we finally started doing our own research and stopped listening to the "Rush Limbaughs" of the world. It's all lies, smoke and mirrors, and shell games. When I finally took the time to actually LEARN something, I was horrified that I'd pulled that red lever for so many decades. This has been a 40 year manipulation to slowly move us towards Project 2025. God opened my eyes the more I researched, then I begged God's forgiveness for my indifference. Unfortunately, I fear God will allow this to continue just to teach us how precious our democracy was. It may not end until Americans learn their lesson that hate and bigotry are not what God wants from us. I pray that organized religion leads the path back to Jesus's teachings, but until they stop preaching White Nationalists BS, I will not return to my chosen doctrine of Baptist. We will look around for a new church when my husband retires. Oh, he's a preacher BTW, and does not preach that white Nationalists BS, and when it's present in our Bible study literature, he addresses it with Jesus's teachings, or passes right over the BS.
theonlyperson hurt at the capitol was an innocent mother standing by the door trump i hopes pardons every one that the justice dept jailed and charges the man that shot this woman with murder
I left the Catholic Church when Trump first came on the scene towing Pence along. If being a Christian is what these people say it is, I don’t want it.
The reactionaries on the Supreme Court are all products of Catholic education. The Federalist Society is stuffed with similar creatures. Holy Mother Rome is a twisted cult, with members who are nostalgic for General Franco.
@crazycatmama2098 I respect your action to leave the Catholic Church. By the way, those who support Trump were not the ones who inspired your faith. Keep your faith in God who is the source of your life.
The reactionaries on the Supreme Court are all products of Catholic education. The Federalist Society is stuffed with similar creatures. Holy Mother Rome is a twisted cult, with members who are nostalgic for General Franco.
Please do refer to Pope Francis who did not support either party. The Pope was equally loud against abortion and migrant care, climate change etc. The local bishop or priest may be vehemently pro Trump but this is NOT the official stand of the Catholic Church.
I'm so glad I found your channel. Yes, I have lost faith in any church that has aligned themselves with Trump. I will not be attending any church because they have been corrupted. However, it has not shaken my personal relationship with God. I am a Christian and know MAGA/Trump is against everything that Christ taught. I stand firm in my beliefs. Christ teaches love, acceptance, grace, humility, forgiveness, and to help others in need.
@SkyBlu868 Saddly there's people inside that institution Condition gods love or miss interpret Jesus teachings Because they want to impose their values and views on you, by forcing and scaring you with hell and fear of god If God loves then he doesn't condemn, If we chose to fallow God, is not because of fear of punishment, because because we love and believe in him, thus we want to fallow his request you're th one condemning yourself to damnation ion Hel is the the bastion for peooel who Wilma contineintobe evil and have no ounce of humanity, because we re human, we made mistakes and we learn form those mistakes to be better
you cant be a christiian and say such a thing christians are for maga and when the smoke clears we still will stand god is on our side and god s stronger than the devil
Not gonna lie, grew up Lutheran and heavily in the church, but have been an atheist for over 20 years. When the golden Trump was presented, I had a visceral reaction and couldn't understand how "christians" were ever okay with him again. He literally was throwing it in their face in the most iconic way....and nothing.
Isn't it amazing that the golden Trump statue didn't raise red flags for the Christians???!!! I mean, how can they not see the direct connection?!! It's just like RFKs worm in his brain... hello?
I 100% agree with everything you said. My LBGTQ brother cried after this election. I used to feel bad because my family cut me out for being an accepting person towards everyone. I don't expect an invitation, but even if I got one I've already made plans with my chosen family. MAGA told us who they are, and I listened. I can choose who I want around me, and it's not them.
If I were a gay dude I'd be pissed, it's not the LGB so much as the T, and the Q is pretty much made up, that's driving even moderates away. It's a real problem. It can easily be dealt with as reasonable accommodation under ADA for mental illness, but that's not where it's been presented. That creates problems, such as the pushback against virtue signaling legislation such as the NC bathroom bill, and here we are.
Trump will never, ever destroy my faith!!! Every single time that Trump insults the poor, marginalized, women and veterans, I'm convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is shortening Trump's life on earth!!!
Trust in actual God should be the point. I've gone through a wrangle with a fellow who has written glowingly about how the founders of America founded America "on God." I kept telling him that, ummm... the devil is in the details; what do you mean by God? We went around in circles, with him contradicting himself as he went. Finally I took C. S. Lewis' advice about people who waste our time. I actually WON'T deny an influence from actual God and actual Christ in America. But I also WON'T deny that there's been an antichrist influence too! And both of them have been going around and still go around calling themselves God -- but only one has the actual rights. Actual God will teach us both who's a friend and who's not. And that's more light than when we didn't discern that. I say that God doesn't give trials without a good reason.
I've been an Atheist for over 30 years, and I'm not changing. I believe in being a good, empathetic person because I want to be. I'm also a veteran. I happily served for all Americans rights, including Christians, to be who they are. One of my best friends is a devout Catholic, and walks the walk. I have no interest in changing him. He is a good person. It grieves me that so many Christians do not want to offer me the same respect that I offer them. Are so gleefully willing to stand in judgement, and thus, I have no compunction about returning the favor. A vote for Trump was a vote for what he stands for. You don't have to feel guilty about walking away from anyone who would treat you like that. Not friends, not family, not anyone.
This is such an excellent articulation of why people are breaking ties with MAGA friends, family and faith. It may look like sour grapes, but it's a response to a deep betrayal. This man and members of his movement have said "I want to hurt you, I want to take away your voice and personhood, I want to erase you", and people in our lives have said to them, "I stand with you, I grant you the power to destroy those that thought I loved them". We are not breaking faith with them, they have broken faith with us.
People who try to frame this as political demonstrate the problem. These are real people being hurt; it's not politics for them. I can't be friends with people who voted for many of my good friends to be more likely to die for various reasons, and refuse to even listen to why they shouldn't have to die. Are people like that really friends with anybody? I don't think so.
I stopped sending my little kids to Sunday School or any church function (which was lifesaving for me as a child) when my FIVE YEAR OLD came home from Good News Club in 2010 with a little paper black heart saying “look mommy, all babies are born with black hearts! After they accept Jesus, they don’t have black hearts anymore!” I asked him what that meant and he said that everyone is evil until they accept Jesus into their hearts. They essentially told my innocent baby that all babies are born evil! So…I didn’t freak out outwardly, but I was SEETHING. I explained that no, those teachers were wrong and that all children are born innocent and blameless and full of light and already belong to Jesus, if you believe in Jesus. And I never sent my kids back into that madness. This was coming way before Donald Trump. Donald Trump is the result of an existing illness that has metastasized. Now it seems terminal. Every church in my town besides the United Methodist, (as far as I know. I explored a few) is involved with judgement and exclusion, and I just didn’t feel comfortable with our past experience trusting anyone with my kids.
My childhood was filled with anxiety because of this very message that my Pastor and my Mother repeated to me over-and-over again. Thank you for "saving" your child from this type of mental abuse.
I don't blame you!!! I'm not trying to talk you into any church that you don't feel comfortable with. But the Episcopal Church is a place of non-judgment and inclusion. My local Episcopal Church helped me to escape a mentally and emotionally abusive situation with my father. I couldn't ask for better friends who accept me the way I am!!! Again, I applaud your decision to take your kids out of your ex-church!!!
I believe the presence of the promised spirit of Christ begins to minister to willing, if erring souls even when they are young, and that explicit acceptance of Christ doesn't mean instant practicing perfection; that the picture is more complex and has more nuances. It's not appropriate to go all black and white about the situation.
I was born into the UMC & in my 20's I explored other religions. I came home to my church as I love that we preach 'open hearts, open mind's accepting all who want to show Christ's love! I wouldn't trade it for any other church! God is Love! 😊
I was a Ronald Reagan republican, and I remember the day I had enough and realized that they will filled with hate not hope. When trump was elected the first time and religious leaders ran to his side I gave up on the church. When I am asked now why I no longer go to church, I just tell them that when I was a kid I was taught that Jesus loves me, now I hear he loves me but he hates the XXX over there and the XXX over here. I just don't get it, don't they know that trump is the great liar? He is the serpent. They sold out there faith for a few simple lies.
Look up the history of the gnostics it reflects this authoritarian vs egalitarian open curious conflict that occurs in evolution and history throughout time. It floored me to see the same pattern pop up with in the church and to see who won. It was not the gnostics
Long ago I was a pastor at megachurch but left because I felt we needed to be acting out the sermon on the mount instead of raising obscene amounts of money for new sound systems and light shows and superficial trinkets. I moved to a small church that was lead by a mentor of mine. I thought they really captured the heart of loving our neighbors through acts of service. I encouraged my family (parents, siblings, nieces/nephews) and my wife's family to move with us and they did. I volunteered there for 6 years (2010 to 2016) leading worship, coordinating community service activities and I would occasionally preach with a focus on being the hands and feet of Jesus by housing the homeless, welcoming the foreigner, feeding the hungry, advocating for the oppressed. But over those same 6 years I noticed that my mentor was growing more and more vocal about politics. He began demonizing democrats, he preached conspiracies about Benghazi and the media. I was outspoken about my opposition to this rhetoric but when Trump began his 2016 campaign the vitriol being spewed from the pulpit became unbearable. After my first son was born my wife and I prayed about what to do, should we stay and raise our child in the church that's preaching hate but continue to preach love? Or should we abandon our church family and our biological family as they champion hate? After agonizing over this decision for weeks, one Sunday our pastor vaguely preached about politics and said a few things that practically kicked us out the door. His overall message was that the world is in opposition to Christ and Christ's kingdom. He talked about the evils of the world and that god can use imperfect people to make things perfect, but the devil corrupts perfection to make the world evil. Then my pastor/mentor/friend while speaking to the entire congregation looked directly at me and my wife and he said "the bible speaks about false teachers who twist and corrupt the word of God to teach false teachings. He said "anyone who twists Jesus words about loving your neighbor into meaning loving gays, then they are sent here by the devil. Anyone who twists Jesus' words about welcoming foreigners into letting our country overflow with illegals, then they are sent here by the devil. Anyone who twists Jesus' words about advocating for the oppressed into indoctrinating our kids with DEI, then they are sent here by the devil." And as a chorus of "AMEN"s rang out, my wife and I stood up and walked out. I haven't stepped in a church since that moment. I don't think I ever will again. I have occasionally checked in on the church by watching their sermons on facebook. I've found that their embrace of Trump's gospel of hate has only gotten louder & prouder. In first their service after the election the new worship pastor walked up microphone and said "Welcome to [the church], let's give up a shout of praise because God is leading America again!" and the congregation erupted into cheers and applause, and I wept.
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:10 NIV)
This is why the church is turning off the youth. I attend church each week. Never heard a political message. Your family did the right thing by leaving. God bless you.
Separation of church and state was originally intended to protect the church from the corrupting influence of politics, not the other way around. We now see the wisdom of it.
@@dennismcdermot647 it was also the product of some founding fathers who had beliefs different from the majority of other Americans. Jefferson was a deist and Adams was a Unitarian, a faith where Jesus was not seen as God.
@@Lord_Victis At least not in the way by which we might say "They checked the name of my denomination; they get my vote." Faith in God by the voter can, however, prove to be the way of discerning necessary things.
Practically, it was a way to filter out antichrists. If a following claiming to be Christian had an antichrist in it, we wouldn't want them to have the levers to gain power; they'd be selfish stewards. However there was a sad loophole -- the crude vote of the people. A more pure faith is one reason the constitution has positive sentiments in it.
@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 nope, I'd rather vote based on facts and not my faith or lack there of. Voting by faith is how we get anti human rights laws because they say "god says it's wrong".
@@PaulieTan Please, don't drag Catholics into this. Catholics largely stood against Trump and his behaviour. Learn the difference between Catholics and evangelicals, please. Don't paint Catholics negatively. Learn about the words you use before using them.
my ex wife got upset with me when I referred to the "evangelical" churches as "Curtain" or "smoke and mirror" churches. "Curtain" as in "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain . . ." That's not why she's an ex, but it was probably a signal that we weren't going to last.
@@Calcium-mn9eq Noted however majority of my catholic friends n the church I go did endorse voted for trump n celebrated his victory..so I was speaking on my surrounding experience on who Iwas with n the church I go to which is a Catholic Church. yes I must say not all catholics I hope Thank You.
I can and will be kind to everyone, I just won’t be friends with them. I’m not breaking bread with them. The supporters make me sad, MAGA makes me sick.
That’s how I feel. And won’t bail them out when their choice comes for them and their ‘ fill in the blank’ veterans benefits, head start, income adjusted repayments for student loans, ACA on and on.
I honestly don't know any MAGAs here in Denver. Well, I probably do know a few, but not a single one has openly spewed MAGA hatred or claimed to be a Trump fan. I regularly attend neighborhood gatherings with some lovely Christians who might be closet Trump followers, but the few I have asked were completely against the horror.
I believe that a true Christian would never vote for this con man. Out of your heart your mouth speaks. What did we hear in his rallies? People really didn’t paid attention 😢 Thank you so much for your support . May the Lord Jesus bless you.
Does anyone remember when Trump read the "Snake Story" Do you think he was kidding? He was the Snake. You (MAGA) knew he was a snake before you took him in, to the presidency.
Thanks for calling me and my entire family snakes! And you actually wonder why the mass of the American public voted against Kamala? It's because they are tired of people yelling at them
Count me in the "done" with 'friends' that turned MAGA. This isn't just about political difference, this is about morality, character, and integrity. I can't fellowship with those people.
Hello Rev Ed It's your atheist friend in Arizona. I just needed to hear your voice and all the sanity that you bring to this world. Thank you my friend.
@elvisnnaemeka6722 What "god" do YOU serve? Did Jesus force His will on ANYONE? What do YOU know about the Word of God? Christ-followers were given the commission to go throughout all the world, and teach the Good News (Gospel). Our God HIMSELF, gives us the opportunity to choose HIM! Who do we think WE are, as humans, to demand someone do as WE say? As Christ-followers, we are to teach the Truth in love, and let HIS Word do the changing. YOU do not exhibit Christ-follower characteristics.
@BriC7 God is not the Father Christmas figure you just described. Jesus Christ himself whipped the hell out of those perverting the temple. He didn't tolerate everything. You really have to repent and give your life to Christ. I don't see how any Christian could support Harris knowing her positions.
Yep. But when it happens, they cry and say it's about politics. They are so blind, perhaps willfully so, that they can't or won't understand the position of anyone who feels threatened. The worst is when they wave it away and say "that's not going to happen" or "you're overreacting". I no longer trust a lot of people. Edit: corrected a misspelling.
@stevewilliams4648 I've always felt that people who point out the "sins" of others believe that they are without sin, themselves, or want to divert attention from their own sin. In either case, they aren't anyone I want in my life.
Honestly the part that gets me is the OATHS, when the Supreme Court had to quibble about WHO got to disqualify Trump and disregarded that no president should ever lie under their oath of office except in service to the office, that one thing should have been disqualifying in any court of LAW. Trump lies to those he should be working with or for, this is why we should be done with him.
@@joanedwards7829Seriously? Just go on TH-cam and watch some MAGAs gloating. Read some of the comments said back to those of us who don't believe in what the MAGA movement has done to the Republican party, and you'll find hateful comments. I'm a former Repub and once I started researching Trump and his true nature, I ran far far away. It took only days for me to see the lies I'd been fed were all a slow manipulation to prepare us for this switch to MAGA. I ripped the calluses off my heart, and started looking into the Democratic approach to life. I think I recognized that I had never truly been a republican. I had just been super lazy and didn't bother to research any of the candidates that were running! I suggest you research the details of these people that you put in office yourself. The fact that we have elected a felon who is assigning the top jobs in the United States to criminals is shocking! I fear it will only get worse. I pray I'm wrong.
I find myself more and more convinced that we are in the end times but not the far right kind the simple message of love and compassion is falling away from mankind
I just got blue sky, but I’ve been off of Twitter since about a month after Elon bought it. My maga family problems started way before Trump. I’ve was the girl that wanted to grow up and be a civil rights lawyer, instead, I raised 6 children, and all of mine work in fields that help others and are advocating for the rights of those that are in need. I didn’t ever except the idea of people being lesser than because they looked different or believed differently than me as well. I’m still absolutely a Christian, and believe in Christ’s teachings. This is why I don’t belong to any organized religion. You are the only person I’ve found. So thank you for that. I listen to you most days 💖🙏🏻
@@CozzyKorner unfortunately people who support donOLD are faux Christians. They don't understand what it actually represents. Hold to your faith you understand what it is truely about, love, caring, compassion
Can you tell me how to see other people's comments on Blue Sky? I can see posts there but I don't know how to view what people are saying to those posts. Thanks
Please ask them why they voted Fort rump and come back here and tell those all. Because nobody seems to know why they voted for that racist adultering liar. He's going to scrap Obama care.
Forgiveness is for people who acknowledge they hurt you and repent of their harmful behavior. Forgiving people who are proud of their behavior is self destructive.
I stopped going to church 50 years ago, stopped believing 40 years ago, completely lost any belief in any "supernatural" beings 30 years ago. It's so much better living in the real world with real people.
I am a firm agnostic atheist and I enjoy your videos. We can have different views and still respect each other and get along. You are a rare breed and greatly appreciated. Keep doing what you do, Rev Ed.
Thank you for this message. It is on point. Folks voted against their own interests due to hatred. I am perfectly fine being at peace without them being in my life. The reality is those who are not delusional will unfortunately experience the madness that is to come, but at least we are aware. Those unaware are in for a rude awakening. Praying for the healing of this nation. 🙏🏾
I am not Christian and have never been a Christian. I always treated Christians with benign neglect until the birth of MAGA. And now in the closing stage of American Empire, I have come to despise organized Christianity. I was suspicious during the Jerry Falwell era but felt there were enough of the “good” Christians around to keep the nutcases in check. As a child I attended the Church of the Brethren with my parents. Like the Mennonites, they took the New Testament seriously and were the most loving, peaceful group I have ever experienced. And there is no way I can square any MAGA supporting churches as being followers of Christ. Talk about cognitive dissonance!
The Christians that align themselves with MAGA seem to be pivoting from a faith based in compassion and forgiveness towards one which exalts The Adversary. And that, ladies and gentlemen of the congregation, should be eye opening for readers of John's final revelation.
My faith is stronger now than it has ever been. Voices like yourself are a lifeline in these dark times. So thank you for reaching out and being there. ❤
I am heart sick. I truly believed that more people had enough goodness in their hearts to vote against this man who, by all appearances, has so much evil in his heart. I'm so very frightened over what is coming. I know my soul is safe but my flesh fears for myself and everyone in the margins. The very people who I know that supported him will, like my family, be some of the first to be affected. I am not only mourning my country I am mourning family and friends that I can never trust nor be around again. And unfortunately I know I'm not alone. So many people all over and right in my CWW family. My prayers are that our heavenly Father give us all strength, courage and comfort in the coming days. That He guides us and helps us endure and return love for hate.
Morning is fine while keeping your love of our Divine Lord foremost. All that has been written must come to pass. Another term often used is the fullness of humanities inequity. Trump for sure is not representative of equality for all!... So the days become shorter.....
Unfortunately, more conservative churches have no interest in helping those they believe shouldn’t exist UNLESS that person gives up that status and conforms.
@@Frank-sm9yl that's because Democrats don't politicize their Christianity for clout. They don't have "Democrat Churches" they have *CHRISTIAN* Churches that some democrats attention. If your church has its own publicly displayed political opinion, you're doing something very, very wrong.
@@Frank-sm9yl- Oh, wow. Jesus will be proud of you, but only if it’s no all smoke and mirrors. If any of your church voted for Trump, they voted for the anti-christ, so your food banks are just a cloak.
This election wasn't about the "political" views of an individual - it was about finding out about your "significant others" moral values. A lot of people seem to be saying "I never really knew you" & "I don't think I like the kind of person you are." To a lot of MAGA folk, that's an "inconvenient truth" they don't want to accept.
I am a watching atheist. You're correct. This is why preaching politics from the pulpit is illegal. This is proof of an organization getting tax breaks provided adherence to a law of staying neutral... not staying neutral. This is exactly why I feel organized religion needs to be treated as a business. You can be as political as you want and pay taxes like anyone else who wants a voice in the political arena. That won't relieve your problem, which is the majority of the faithful backing a bigot and racist. That will need a separate solution. To fix the "hate and judgment ordained by god" that many feel when in the presence of the faithful. Just my 2 cents. I enjoy your content. As an atheist, I feel I should know and understand the religious viewpoint, and you definitely help in my understanding. I thank you for that, sir.
Catholic churches (not american Christianity like evangelicals) do a lot of charity and many are struggling with staying afloat from a lack of donations from lowered church attendance, if you removed the charity status then it would be even harder for them to do nearly as much charity as they do now (the catholic church is the largest charity in the world, and individual churches do their own volunteer work for the local community and beyond), also good teachings can make sure churches teach biblical values and reduce the amount of harmful politics that can make its way into american churches, so no I don't agree with removing tax breaks among other reasons
@andrear4954 the ones who preach politics from the pulpit and tell their parishioners who to vote for are basically giving a middle finger to the constitution and the founding fathers. Who were religious, but knew better than to allow any one religion to be "the one" in America. Preaching Politics on Sunday in a church is against the constitution and is a direct violation of the separation of church and state. If you're going to violate the document that gives you tax exemption, then you don't deserve said tax exemption.
@@jeremymacklem2510 The issue of charity status and separation of church and state are different things and politics in church is not illegal. I will try to explain below but there is so much more to explain that I would recommend searching up the context of these two issues to get a full understanding before drawing your own conclusions. Where I live the supreme court said “having a political purpose wasn’t a bar to being a charity” ,where the foundations of our charity law date back to the English Statue of Charitable Uses Act 1601. I do not live in the UK in case you were wondering. Thomas Jefferson had previously authored the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and reads: “that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.” The US included many principles from 1215 Magna Carta of church and state. Religious freedom was written into the First Amendment with: “that Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise”. The intention was to guarantee ‘religious liberty’, the modern usage of 'separation of church and state' is often an attempt to remove the influence of religion in politics and society which is incorrect. If the above (and the full context of both issues) is incorrect, I am willing to change opinions, however I did not receive a notification of your reply (I only saw it when I watched this video again) so if yt glitches out again then apologies for not responding in future. Have a lovely day 😊
@@andrear4954 preaching politics from the pulpit is not illegal anymore, right. thinking that is one of the very first executive orders put out by the prior tRump admin. The devil is in the details.
Very well said Reverend Trevors! Thank you so much for talking about this so eloquently and honestly. These are difficult conversations that need to be had.
Thank you for this. I am a straight, white, older woman and, while I believe in the teachings of Jesus, I find I can no longer call myself a "Christian" as that designation and too much of what it represents has become repellant to me.
You can still be proud to be a Christian. But you must stand against those who would corrupt the word of Christ in order to gain power. MAGA has been Satan's greatest success.
@@immasista6537 Follower of Jesus. The word now longer means what it did for a long time. But then neither does conservative (they do not want to conserve, they want to blow it all up) or Republican (again, they are no longer the party of Eisenhower, McCain or Romney... not that I agreed with those folk, but at least I could understand their points).
One pastor who i respect so much..made the comment: I hope Trump will bring Rule and Law" I was so shocked to think that a convicted felon, rapist that incite so much hate and divisions could bring LAw And Order..Iam still in shocked with those comments
I've been in hundreds if not thousands of people's homes over the last 40 years and many of them have been like family and friends to me, and in every case, it's always those on the left who give whatever politician is on the right, the power to break up their families. It's always the ones on the left out and cut off their family members on the right. It's always the ones on the left who gets so blindly triggered with rage and anger they can't even think or have a reasonable conversation
Do you know what Trump and his helpers have been preaching? Why would you want to be close with someone who wants your loved ones to suffer and be much more likely to die? Yes, normally politicians who preach stuff like this get knocked out much earlier in the race, and aren't allowed to run. Or at least they know better than to preach hatred loudly.
Thank you for speaking out. I’ve about given up on Christian’s and my church. I can’t understand why these self proclaimed “Christians” can espouse the hate for their fellow humans that they do. It goes against everything that Jesus stood for. You’ve been a light to me this last week. Thank you for speaking your truth.
If only Harris had been elected then we would continue the policies of the military/industrial complex and get that war they have been itching for. Darn, hate it when the U.S. misses an opportunity for more death and destruction across the globe. Chances have dropped that we get to send our children and grandchildren to other countries to die for banks and corporations. But you and others posting probably knew all this by looking into it, right?
I mentioned the Church’s witness to my mom during the child separation time period, around 2018. Her response was, “Who cares? Those people are all GLOBALISTS anyway.” That’s the exact moment I lost my faith for good.
@@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 As another atheist, I could give a (expl.) about who is atheist or Christian or Jewish or Muslim or Jain, etc. All I care about is whether someone is anti-Fascist, and not in the “antifa” sense of the word. Fascism and theocracy are making a very hard press for indefinite control of this government. Both ideologies are expressly opposed to the United States’ founding documents. Those bringing such ideologies to D.C. are enemies of the American people as far as I’m concerned, because they have stated it through their intent and actions. They will be in control of the world, to some extent, and millions beyond our shores will suffer and die for it, to say nothing of those within our borders that will be subject to the same out of subjective whim. Fascism is bloody, and (not mincing words) citizens - perhaps very many - are going to die at the altar of this “administration’s” arrogance. There are many reasons why, but If my personal expectations from their words prove very wrong, it will only be by pure luck.
I'm Episcopalian. I have stopped going to church because of Maga people in the parish. I'm using Advent as a time for reflection. I'm having lots of doubt about my faith now. I still read and follow the teachings of Jesus. But I am just horrified by how someone who has listened to the Sermon on the Mount could choose to support such evil policies that are contrary to what Jesus taught.
I agree, 100%. I never have understood how all of these churches and religious leaders could back somebody who is so full of hate, and so self-serving and cruel to others. It makes no sense. I see how it will be their undoing. I will pray that we will all live through this. Sadly, I know many will die in our country as they already have at the hands of this President and his policies. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic.
Amen 🙏🏻 However, I refuse to let them hijack my relationship with Christ. I will continue to walk in His ways, loving people harder than I ever have before and letting the light of the Lord shine through me.
You have been graced with wisdom, my friend! I, too, will follow Jesus! And even though my church never endorsed the Orange fellow, I feel sad that our parishioners weren’t warned. Silence speaks volumes!
I’m one of those who is concerned about loosing Social Security. I am 70 an that is my only source of income. But, I know there are laws and these programs will not so easily be undone. I am keeping in touch with my sister, who I am sure voted Republican because she is ill. We do not talk about politics. I am not currently a church goer but still am a believer. Gid is everywhere and in everyone. So, I will avoid people who follow him and his hate and I will try to treat all as I would like to be treated, and support those who will be at risk.
I left my church because it went from inclusive to exclusive and bigoted. It once welcomed a Buddhist prayer group and discussion on our First Nation neighbors, to excluding them. They even lied about it. Not going back.
I took my Buddhist vows in very early 2020, after being what you'd call, I guess 'culturally' Christian growing up and man, it feels like I got there just under a wire that would have decapitated me if I waited any longer. We do stuff with churches of other denomintions when we can but it really feels like those events have dried up.
@MoonLitChild I follow Celtic Christianity. I believe in the Creator and the red letter words of Jesus. There is also druid wisdom included. Following the seasons and celebrating nature. No blasting a poor fig tree because it wasn't in season yet tisk, tisk, tisk.
"That heavily bronzed individual" - an accurate and polite way to describe him. I became an agnostic over 25 years ago, but I still believe in The Golden Rule and try to live my life that way. So many people who go to church never think about the Rule and go against it in every situation. Why should I listen to them when they listen to, cheer on, and follow the way of the heavily bronzed individual? Unfortunately, my Christmas card list, I fear, will be very short this year and for some time to come. Thank you, Reverend Ed for talking to all of us and letting us know that each person's reaction to this situation is different and we should expect that. Peace and health to you!
My name is Rob I say that so no one confuses my statement. The Church I was attending is a little country Church it has lost members until on a typical Sunday 25 people would attend. I am 68 my wife is 66 we are some of the younger people attending. We have been going for about a year. I had been thinking of leaving but just been lazy. Then the election loomed and from the pulpit we were hearing Trump will pass National abortion laws, overturn laws promoting gay marriage etc...these things that are destroying Christianity. What few younger couples that were attending left and now so have I. I asked the pastor did you think Clinton should have been thrown from office of course he did and yet he promoted Trump what a Hippocrit .
I spent five years living in Barcelona. In two generations, Spain has gone from one of the most religious countries in Europe to one of the least. The most common refrain I heard from young and middle-aged Spaniards for why they abandoned the Church? Its collaboration with Francisco Franco. Its alliance with dictatorship poisoned the Church’s reputation for two generations of Spaniards. I do not think it will ever recover. To most Spaniards, the Church is not a beacon of moral guidance or a means to spiritual fulfillment. It is just one more pillar in a corrupt, authoritarian machine that served only itself, cared only for its own interests, and crushed dissent with extraordinary violence. America’s churches, I fear, will learn this same lesson. When the Church begins to act to protect its own power, influence, and interests above even enacting the word of Jesus of Nazareth, the Church doesn’t worship Jesus of Nazareth any longer. It worships itself. Its followers will, soon or late, recognize that.
Thank you for that context. Also, a great number of America's churches have gone the way off cruelty since day 1 - not so much against White Christian Americans, but immediately in terms of their cruelty to Indigenous people, women, and black folks (with the exception of Black Churches during the Civil Rights movement and beyond). I think the last Christian "Boarding School" in the US closed down just in the 1970s.
The same in Ireland but there it was the priests sexually interfering with and beating the orphaned children. My father and 2 of his brothers suffered this abuse. The church is now a shadow of its former self.( Watch Farther Ted for a good laugh).
6:00 YES!!! This exactly! I no longer know these people. I will never step foot in a church again. This after 60 years of church, Bible school, and working in a ministry for 30 years. I’m done.
@@marvinscholten8643 everyone has their different breaking points and different social needs. Let’s be supportive, don’t kick a person when they are down. That is what Trumpers do.
I am not Christain, I am Pagan. But, for those of you who feel like you wish to make a point. I'd like to reference Declaration 127- Which is a stance of many Pagans and other groups which takes a stance against Racism, Hatred, Bigotry and other things- "We hearby declare that we do not condone Hatred and bigotry in our religon and do not associate with those who do. If you stand with Hatred, Racism and Bigotry you are free to stand, but you will stand alone" We have made these declarations before, and will continue to do so. So know, if you Christians who stand against hatred and bigotry are afraid of being alone, and fear for yourselves know that you have comrades in Paganism and Heathenry who also stand with you
Also this happened to me and my church. They celebrated his win but what really drove me away is they used a verse in the Bible to mock Harris then posted memes to mock us who supported Harris. It rocked me to the core. But I prayed about it and God in his mercy answered my prayers. I am able to forgive but I can’t go back there 😢
I stand with Jesus! No one else. In a country I follow my heart to do the right thing for humanity. Your rights are being taken. While big corporations are being the enemy within.
Very true and the paths that many follow are those paths of compassion and love that Jesus has laid out for us. Or, can follow Trump amazed at this sudden prosperity. Do not become further decieved.
I’m Catholic. Today I was the lector at 7:30 mass. The words were just hollow. February 1 is the deadline I’ve set to make my decision whether to stay or leave. The situation breaks my heart, but I feel the Catholic Church is so hypocritical as are many in the congregation. It’s like I’m in a relationship with someone I know isn’t good for me, but I keep hoping for change.
@@bunnyemartins7756I am so sorry for this dilemma you are navigating. Ultimately you must do what is best for you. Walking away from a building does not end your witness or fellowship with Christ. There are so many wonderful charities that you can find meaning and show Christs love. I wish you nothing but peace as you follow your heart.
It doesn't matter what denomination the sign outside the church has on it. What matters is what is being preached there. If you can't find another Catholic church near you that has a good pastor, try the Protestant ones. Jesus is neither Catholic nor Protestant.
I can't entrust the care of my young daughter's soul to any institution that in large percentages equivocates about, much less deifies, an objectively evil individual. My wife and I are lifelong, committed Christians. Today, after careful consideration over the past year, we joined our local Unitarian Universalist church. Of the many local churches we've attended, the UUs best put into practice what I was taught to be core Christian values -- social justice, helping the downtrodden, and the recognition of the inherent worth of all people.
The spirit that Christ sent from heaven is not dodged by those of good will, even though they don't get all the theology. The reason I do get the theology (at least as much of it as I can grasp) is because it has proven to add dimension to my understanding. But I do feel a trifle paradoxical when I say that I believe that who Christ is and what Christ has done is the reason UU can exist and find a good purpose. C. S. Lewis had a similar idea. Christ hinted that he would find "Samaritans" of this world and bless them to be neighborly when ostensible religious authorities wouldn't be.
I've been Agnostic 30+ years for my own personal reasons but I will never argue anyone's faith or try to snuff the light out in their lives the church brings to them. As long as someone isn't using their religious beliefs as an excuse to hurt people, I have no quarrel with any if it. Its refreshing to see Christians who are staying true to the teachings of Jesus taking a stand. I know you are struggling to come to grips with what's happening as we are and I offer solidarity and support ❤
You're partially right. Yes, they're mad because of what Trump did and said. But they're most upset that friends and/or family heard and/or read it all and still supported and voted for someone they find disgusting and vile.
You are so right. I’m sorry to say but in my opinion the word “Christian” has a very negative connotation in America now. As a woman, I feel they actively worked to restrict my and my daughters reproductive rights and access to emergency medical care. Women have already died in Texas because the doctors were too afraid to give them the emergency care they required. One of them left a child behind. Both of them wanted to be mothers. I feel many Christians here are into punishing anyone who doesn’t believe like them and they don’t think of the consequences.
I know... even if the technical exception was there, no doctor wants to undergo the Spanish Inquisition. Maybe this could change a little if there were suitable alliances between doctors' offices and legal services. This ought to be looked into while pursuing larger political solutions.
My main fear of hanging out with 'maga' friends is that it could have a bad influence on my own walk with Christ. There are scriptures that talk about hanging out with bad influences: 1 Corinthians 15:33: "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals'" Either there is fertile soil to plant a seed of faith in that person you have a relationship with; or the soil is so hardened no seed can be planted. So knowing when to 'walk away' from a relationship to preserve our own faith in Christ is what I struggle with. I worked in an office that was 99% african american where they used the 'N' word a lot when talking to each other. I lodged a complaint with my supervisor because I didn't want to get used to hearing the word and 'accidentally 'use it myself. Since I'm 'white', it would not be an acceptable word for me to ever have in my vocabulary; but IF you hear it constantly. I was told 'they' could use it whenever they wanted. Needless to say...I retired! It's kind of like that for me in my personal relationships too; I don't wish to 'get used' to being complacent. And yeah, I can't forget that my oldest son hates latinos so much that he would place my retirement in danger either. What was he even thinking? AND my latino Immigrant neighbor always watches out for me; and is such a blessing to have as I'm getting older! (He does more for me than either one of my sons. And it's not that he does anything for me, it just being a really loving CHRISTIAN family that makes me appreciate them so much.)
@@nadaproblem3023 As it should! HOWEVER, having read the entire bible through in various translations; I am aware that sometimes the translations conflict with each other. So, I've gone back to the KJV. BUT also, whenever you read the Bible, you really should pray for God's holy spirit to help you discern what you are reading too. And having read the bible many times, I can smell something that is a 'little fishy' when I hear a sermon that is not faithful in scripture references.
@@tenerifecats6652 If you're keen enough to read several versions, try learning some Hebrew and Greek. You don't have to learn the whole language to be able to get an idea of the problems the translators are dealing with, and a greater understanding of what the Bible means. It's elucidating to look up all of the uses of certain words, and compare. Do read the original introduction written by the translators - I hated the KJV when I was younger, but a few years ago I bought a 1611 2nd printing edition of the KJV, and they included the translators' note, and it gave me so much more respect for what they were trying to do. THEY knew they were working from a translation of just a few original manuscripts, and that they weren't infallible. They only seem ridiculous when you get the Chick Tract/John Bunyan version, claiming they were magically perfect somehow. There were actual typos, and there were words that they couldn't possibly translate, so they had to guess based on a wacky collection of traditions, many of them pagan (though they might not have known that at the time). But we have internet now, and Biblehub! We have access to so much more than the original KJV translators could see, their brains would have exploded if they saw it all.
Thank you SO much for saying this. I don’t feel safe around the family who raised me because I am a woman who will have high risk pregnancies and am married to an Asian immigrant. Their choices have forced me to question if I will be safe here in the south and start planning to move north. Literally so disappointed in my parents who raised me and instilled discernment into me. Especially when it comes to the Haitians who are literally Christian and here legally under TPS.
HI! I'm Haitian. I live in Virginia. I appreciate you. Stay strong. Take it one day at a time like I do. I'm a naturalized citizen thanks to my time in the Navy, but the election results have been so traumatic and so painful for me that I've applied for work overseas as a government employee. I need a break from America. I left Haiti at age 12 to escape the type of leadership Agent Orange wants to set in motion. I want to protect my peace and my joy. This is not the American dream we dreamt about.
@@Yasminescookingshow Bless you and thank you for your service!! It must be even more unnerving given you also served and there have been so many horrible things said towards our veterans. I hope you find a safe and comfortable place overseas to heal until the time that Americans stand up for what is right and true.
Depends on where you move to up North. In even the bluest of states, once you get away from the city and get into more rural areas, MAGA is everywhere. You’ll see Trump flags in almost every front yard. And now that he won, his followers are even more vocal. It’s a cult, and it’s in every corner of the country.
I needed time to process this. Grew up in the church environment all my life. We traveled around singing gospel music in churches almost every weekend. We put up with mocking in my community- God squaders! ☹️ My dad never liked crude talk. So imagine when my whole family supported a man who does not line up with the word of God. I’m heartbroken. I feel like this is a test. We have been prepping and preparing all our lives and we had a book to study. We failed the test. God said to love one another not just people that look like you or believe what you believe. I feel like I have to hide my belief system now I don’t want people thinking - yeah your one of hose kinds of “Christian”
Thank you! I left my small conservative congregation and moved to a reconciling church in town following the election. One of the hardest things I have ever done. I am heartsick.
@@rb28772hey, I am sure you mean well, but people do need community. Jesus had disciples, and religious community is pretty integral to Christianity. Its hard to have hope of finding pockets of good community right now, but I think God can provide that to you if you open your heart to it. I know thats painful and scary if you've been hurt and disappointed before.
not sure how many people in the LGBTQ+ community watch this, but I can say for myself and a lot of friends, we spent a lot of time saying "don't tell me you love me and vote for those who will hurt me" while cutting off contact with people we thought cared about us. It's nice to hear that people are listening.
What we've learned in these recent years is one disturbing fact: there are more Pharisees in the church than Christians. The few outliers who actively seek to follow in Jesus's footsteps tend to get criticized by the rest for not falling in line with the person behind the pulpit like an obedient puppy.
It's not what we've learned about trump, but what we've learned about our family and friends
That is what breaks my heart.
So true!
Yes it breaks my heart to finally know the so called friends n neighbors I have what their values are.
I had to tell my parents I don't know that I can trust them anymore after voting for him, because I explained to both of them why I thought he was a threat to the country, and I told them why I thought he was a threat to them, their lifestyles, their jobs directly. They voted for him anyway. I can't fathom a god supporting someone like Trump be one I'd ever follow, and this can only hurt the church. You cannot force people to be religious.
Correction: *ex* - family and friends.
I didn't lose my faith in God. I lost my faith in humanity.
"the flesh will faill you." ~ God
Yeah.... In my beliefs, the church(es) have been turned away from God, to more match the messages, prejudices, and hatred of the congregation. Lose God to maintain power...
Man is made in the image of God though...
Can't lose faith in the one without the other.
My feelings as well.
I gave up my belief in the former long ago and my faith in the latter recently...
As an atheist, I come across your videos from time to time and wanted you to let you know I appreciate you and your messages of compassion and understanding. I thank you Sir. And as a Veteran I salute you.
Interesting as Im a Deist and couldn't agree more. The Golden rule sill works
Same here. Thing is, good people are good people even if we don't agree about everything, and I will always be happy to stop and listen to what they have to say. It's the ones pretending to be good that I cannot tolerate.
Richard Dawkins once said something like he appreciated being treated in a Christ-like manner, but not in a Christian one.
Same
1st video to watch here & I agree wholeheartedly. This was a great message.
The church of any religion has NO BUSINESS giving money to a political candidate or party.
And Far worse, trying to get the congregation to go along with their opinions. And if they don't, trying to shame them and making them feel lesser in the masses.
We have every right to spend as we choose!
I've taken a break from going to church, not my faith. I will not sit in a pew surrounded by hypocrites. I'm in deep red rural Ohio
Yes same here!!!!
Same!
I agree with your thinking. I stopped going to church the day my sister was dying in hospice and after calling three Anglican churches in our area and asking that a priest come to administer last rites as Diane had asked me to promise her earlier, not one responded or even called to check on the situation. All three rectors knew our family and that my sister was in the last days of life yet none responded. I lost faith and trust in people, never in God. He can't be responsible for the things his people do. I won't open myself to another disappointment like that and I'll never make another promise based on my trust in another helping me keep it.
@@shirleywhitt8740 What a shame and heartbreak, though may I say that I believe her intention to want the rites meant she already had a right soul attitude towards God. She had already dedicated her passing, in fact, to God, and God knew it. I am utterly convinced that "Death's bright angel" spoke everything necessary.
Same here!!!
The most crushing thing for me after the election that left me in tears for two days was that Donald Trump really didn’t win the election, hate did.
You are spot on. Thanks.
Yes, I feel the same as you.
Hate, racism and misogyny
@@aprilcalhoun8984 THERAPY helps. Get some
This really hits home. 😢 You're right.
It isn’t who they supported/voted for, it’s WHAT they voted for, and they can’t say they didn’t know, he said it alot
@@Fabio-ew3sh Yet this is not all the constitution says.
@@Fabio-ew3sh and if the church stands up and say a certain group of people are child molesters, are people who steal from others their very self, and those who say this do it to gain power... to take revenge on those they don'e like.... we should all just quietly go about our business?... you would have fit right into Germany in 1939, 1940, etc.
@@Fabio-ew3sh”quietly mind your own business”
So, if my sister and her wife took a stroll down your street, hand in hand, as I see straight couples do every day in my city, would that qualify as “minding their own business”? How about if they try to jointly file taxes? Jointly take out a loan? Adopt or raise a child? That still count?
@@Fabio-ew3shYou know, normally I would agree with you. Normally an election is just an “event” and the policies of the two parties are only slightly different, so it’s not really a huge deal. NOT THIS TIME. The results of THIS election means people losing their healthcare, their jobs, their social security. It means looming recession that all economists warned us about. It means I will probably have to come out of retirement and work again. It means many will go into poverty as child tax credits will not be extended, grocery prices will get even higher and rent caps will not happen. Conglomerates are already salivating as regulations will be lifted. There will be countless heartbreaking stories over broken families getting deported / split up, women dying who can’t get healthcare, and the erosion of human rights. No…THIS election was MUCH more than just the price of eggs and how we voted DOES matter.
@@Fabio-ew3sh It's not so much worrying about who they voted for, it's about what that vote tells me about you and who I choose to associate with.
Commandment # 2 of the 10 commandments “Thou shall not make false idols”. Every MAGA Christian church is sinful.
Commandments!
@ thanks. Just fixed it.
Ok but the left worships celebreties? Anything said here could be said about the left.
When the church aligns with bigotry, cruelty, and hatred it's no surprise that many good and moral people see no choice but to turn away from it. These pastors may think they support Christ's values but when all they do is proclaim Trump's values no one will ever see Christ's values. The Golden Rule and all the best parts of Christianity are becoming the dirty little secret the church doesn't talk about because it might upset the followers of the golden idol.
They don't realize that Jesus said to welcome the stranger, yet they hate immigrants. Makes me sick.
They have chose an AntiChrist!
@doneestoner9945 I think it has more to do with the fact that they no longer care.
@@doneestoner9945 I've been quoting that scripture. They don't care what Jesus said. Woe, unto them.
@@doneestoner9945 If you ask them. What Would Jesus Do?
In relation to their hate filled ministry of racism and demonizing "the other"....worshiping an orange fat god...............they will stomp off, they wont answer, they cant answer, there is no answer. Its seen as an attack tactic. WWJD?.
You nailed it! The church has abandoned the poor, the needy, and all those whom Jesus helped.
I see the homeless and the lonely and realize that the churches lost their way.
Not all. Jesuits in our country are active in helping the poor and preaching social justice. They engage and encourage educated young people (who often belong to the upper and upper middle classes) to take part in civic action and outreach. The SVD order too. They have feeding programs for indigent children. They partnered up with some NGOs to come up with nutrient fortified moringa noodles. (I know it's not enough but they have limited resources.)
(Unfortunately our poor masses tend to vote for corrupt politicians so it all feels like band-aids.)
Amen
@@northernbohemianrealist I have to be picky and use discernment in going to a church.
@@angelajansons9037 the church has abandoned the unborn
I want to say thank you for the beautiful sermon. I left my church after 15 years because I could not tolerate the hate. I now use the beauty of the outdoors to spend time with my God.
I also use the beauty of the outdoors and the natural world to honor and pray to the one true lord Jesus!!! I’am st peace with my decision…..
@marenseaquist2262 For the last 20+ years, I have attended a United Methodist church in the northwest. I am agnostic at best, but I'm there because I support their values: open door, open heart. They're a loving but small congregation with none of the hatred I see from other so-called Christians. I support you seeking God in your own way, but if you're in need of a loving community, they are out there, and they could use your support. Take care.
Amen!
The best church service I've ever been to was a non-denominational service in King's Canyon National Park. Outdoor service surrounded by huge redwood trees. It was awesome.
Something extraordinary happens when I walk in the woods. I would describe it as meditation of sorts. My mind is free of any outside noise or stresses of life. It doesn't take any effort. It just happens. And that's not all. When I get too much on my mind, my neck and shoulders get all tightened up and hurt. I can walk in the woods, that pain goes away, and it stays away. I noticed this happening eleven or so years ago, and I believe a walk in the woods offers a more spiritual connection to any higher power than any church I've attended, as well as better medicine than any pharmacy.
Thank you for this. I was nearly physically attacked at work for simply saying that he has done some terrible things to women. It doesn’t feel safe to listen to them idolize him the way they do, and to emulate his behavior they love it so much. It’s really scary.
That's terrifying.
@ashleywright853 Yes. He is an negative energy that infects his followers.
@@ashleywright853 lolololol
What exactly has Trump
“Done” to women exactly ?
Tell a bad joke about them on a bus 15 years ago ?
Im curious
Please dont tell me about the fraudulent case of E Jean Carroll
How about him giving beauty Contestants second chances after they broke the rules ?
Promoting women to build Sky scrapers ?
Surrounding himself with intelligent Strong women his whole Life ?
Being a great father to his daughters and a great Grandfather to his grand daughters ?
Being a great husband to his Wife Melania ?
@@MyfavBBBMastiff thats a bald faced lie that you need to believe
@@ashleywright853 well u right to feel that way I know how u feel but some people have to live and feel pain it just hard for us that did not vote for the con . We see it we have lived it before . I just hope they see and feel the hurt and help stop this crazy situation we all fine ourselves in.
This is why I blocked my sisters on my phone and from texts. I could no longer deal with their hatred. Hatred of me and hatred of the left. And it’s why my husband and I no longer go to church. Instead I listen to pastors online. Pastors like you, Reverend Ed. Pastors that love God and love others. You have meant so much to those of us whose family are all MAGA. Thank you!
Kathy, i felt your pain. I have only one sister. I do not have a heart to block her. Because when she needs me I should be of help. Because Jesus wanted to care for the needy. Specially they are your sisters. For now we are upset for their gullible. But life goes on, God is in charged. If you believe in Rev Ed.
If you aren't already, I suggest taking a look at Fr. David. He seems similar to Ed Trevors here based on some of his videos I've seen.
@@thanhbencriscutto9547
To each their own. My only sister has been toxic my entire life. She was toxic to me and both of our parents. As maga (thankful both parents have passed) she became more toxic than ever. I have no idea if she is even alive. There were only the two of us. She told me point blank decades ago, she never forgave me for being born. There are plenty of days I wish I hadn't been either, as I was unplanned.
@@user-bz9of6tn6l thank you - I will do that! Isn’t it sad to be in these situations? I do have one sister I haven’t blocked (yet), that isn’t as bad as the other two. My parents have passed and one sister has passed. We are getting older and I have numerous health issues. Only God knows how long we will be here. I tried for 6 years to get along. I was just getting more and more depressed. I finally decided it just wasn’t worth it!
@@thanhbencriscutto9547 remember, maga doesnt follow the new testament.. It's all an eye for an eye with them.. Not loving accepting or caring.
My wife and I were having lunch with her brother today. Nice chit chat about this and that, kids, etc. Then my wife asked him who he voted for. He said, Trump, (as we thought he might but weren't sure) and went on about Ukraine and war, etc., how he liked RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. I didn't interrupt or argue. I just got up without saying a word and left the restaurant, went to our car and texted my wife where I was. I was kind of worried that she might be upset with me for my rude departure but when she finally came back to the car she wasn't mad at all. Her brother has an advanced degree but believes in flying saucers, aliens and beings from other dimensions that can influence us. He takes a calm pride in holding onto beliefs like that against all rational argument. So much for him coming to our house for Thanksgiving. Not going to happen. I don't have the social skills to be nice to MAGA anymore.
having the same problem with my ultra Maga brother (also obnoxious evangelical homophobe). I just canceled Christmas at my house bc I can't bear to spend time with him.
I I'm so with you. I still feel bad for how I'm feeling about these people.
Also, how I have alow my mood changed. I still love people who love talking to whoever I come up on.
When I hear these, Mega people talk about the love and support of the new administration. And there plans on changing the course of this country going back for sure. I feel as if I left the real me standing, looking at a totally different person. I'm trying not to lose myself in all this. It's what the devil wants us to do.
Not only have they "seen the light", they feel a strong urge to "preach" about it. Hmm, that does ring familiar, not?
@@gratefully.1955 I've been feeling guilty for canceling christmas gathering at my house. But I have read a lot about taking care of your own mental health, and I think this is best for me, to disengage for a while. If nothing else, I don't feel festive. It's like someone died and I'm supposed to go party.
I also believe in aliens, and beings from other dimensions, but MAGA is a step too far. 😂
And the people bowed and prayed, to the neon god they made…
And pure neon glows... orange.
@@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 r/actually (being That Guy as an artist) it's a red-orange that, to my eye, is tilted far more red. Looking at it as a mix of red and orange, about 4 parts red, 1 part orange.
Another great analogy ruined by actual facts.
exactly
@@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 at least under orange man we had a good economy, no foreign wars, no praising of sexual sin, no praising of abortion etc.
@@peestrem31 Under 'orange man' we had a continuation of the strong rising economy that had been in place since early in Obama's first term, and which was beginning to decline a few months BEFORE covid due to Trump's policies, as economists had predicted. No praising of sexual sin? Have you truly never heard Trump speak? Just do a quick search for what he has called his 'locker room talk'. Then consider that fact that he paid $300,000 to a porn star that he slept with while cheating on his then pregnant wife. No foreign wars? Do you really think that was because of Trump? I am assuming that no bears ate your children while Trump was president. He had just as much to do with that as he did with deterring wars. But if you are going to give him credit for the war deaths that did not happen while he was president, surly you are willing to hold him responsible for the millions of Americans that died unnecessarily due to his covid mismanagement, right? I mean, under Obama we didn't have refrigerated trucks outside of hospitals acting as overflow for the morgues that were filled to capacity. So based on that you would consider Obama better president than Trump, right? Or are you just spouting the talking points that have been fed to you by the right wing propaganda machine?
Excellent summary. As a black man with black daughters I couldn't agree more. The church was damaged by voting for MAGA.
They are those that have fallen, they have believed a lie , 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Badly. Very badly.
What does anything have to do with your skin color?
Everything.
@@judithparris1818
Please explain
This election was not about politics. It was about core beliefs. It was about choosing the kingdoms of this world or the Kingdom of Heaven. It was so stark and clear. No one can say they “didn’t know.” Those who voted for Trump, would have voted for Hitler, ignoring the smoke rising as the bodies of the innocent burned. These are grave sins and the consequences are heavy if they fail to repent. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever you sow, that will you also reap.” (Galatians 6:7).
I’ve seen interviews with MAGAts and several of them have said that they would side with Putin if he invaded the US. What you said is so true.
虛則實之，實則虛之。
What appears fake may be real, what appears real may be fake.
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Well put @StartAtTheEnd
Absolutely! What has me incensed is the fact this blasphemous reprobate presumed to modify the Holy Bible and have his name affixed to them; and not a peep from Men and women of faith in Rebuke! We know the prohibition and fair warning in Revelation 22:18,19. And for idiots who stood behind pulpits coercing ignorant people to vote for that wicked vile thing is unconscionable. My prayer is; Isaiah 10:1-4
Amen
@@StartAtTheEndTruth.
I thought him making fun of the reporter would have been it. Then when he sat and watched as his minions destroyed our capital and did nothing. Not my people. Im done. They voted to hurt my friends and family. Can't do it.
i thought trump was finished when he admonished McCain not for his politics but for his military service and the republicans were silent.....shame america shame
Oh muh precious Temple of Democracy™️ 🥴
I just explained this to my 15-year-old niece. She looked confused and asked. " he said that out loud way back then, and he won twice?" She gets it at a young age.
I have never been more ashamed of American than I was on Nov 6. For us, Jan 6 was the end of being a repub. (My hubby was a life long repub; myself, since Reagan.) We believed the "conservative" lies, but when Trump came on the scene, we started pulling away. There's NOTHING conservative about Trump. He's full out racist and criminal.
We didn't put him in office, but we didn't leave Republicans until 2020 so we're as much to blame for this mess as MAGA. However, we finally started doing our own research and stopped listening to the "Rush Limbaughs" of the world. It's all lies, smoke and mirrors, and shell games. When I finally took the time to actually LEARN something, I was horrified that I'd pulled that red lever for so many decades. This has been a 40 year manipulation to slowly move us towards Project 2025.
God opened my eyes the more I researched, then I begged God's forgiveness for my indifference. Unfortunately, I fear God will allow this to continue just to teach us how precious our democracy was. It may not end until Americans learn their lesson that hate and bigotry are not what God wants from us. I pray that organized religion leads the path back to Jesus's teachings, but until they stop preaching White Nationalists BS, I will not return to my chosen doctrine of Baptist. We will look around for a new church when my husband retires. Oh, he's a preacher BTW, and does not preach that white Nationalists BS, and when it's present in our Bible study literature, he addresses it with Jesus's teachings, or passes right over the BS.
theonlyperson hurt at the capitol was an innocent mother standing by the door trump i hopes pardons every one that the justice dept jailed and charges the man that shot this woman with murder
I left the Catholic Church when Trump first came on the scene towing Pence along. If being a Christian is what these people say it is, I don’t want it.
right, because being a christian has historically made people so noble and kindhearted towards others…
The reactionaries on the Supreme Court are all products of Catholic education. The Federalist Society is stuffed with similar creatures. Holy Mother Rome is a twisted cult, with members who are nostalgic for General Franco.
@crazycatmama2098 I respect your action to leave the Catholic Church. By the way, those who support Trump were not the ones who inspired your faith. Keep your faith in God who is the source of your life.
The reactionaries on the Supreme Court are all products of Catholic education. The Federalist Society is stuffed with similar creatures. Holy Mother Rome is a twisted cult, with members who are nostalgic for General Franco.
Please do refer to Pope Francis who did not support either party. The Pope was equally loud against abortion and migrant care, climate change etc. The local bishop or priest may be vehemently pro Trump but this is NOT the official stand of the Catholic Church.
I'm so glad I found your channel. Yes, I have lost faith in any church that has aligned themselves with Trump. I will not be attending any church because they have been corrupted. However, it has not shaken my personal relationship with God. I am a Christian and know MAGA/Trump is against everything that Christ taught. I stand firm in my beliefs. Christ teaches love, acceptance, grace, humility, forgiveness, and to help others in need.
@SkyBlu868
Saddly there's people inside that institution
Condition gods love or miss interpret Jesus teachings
Because they want to impose their values and views on you, by forcing and scaring you with hell and fear of god
If God loves then he doesn't condemn,
If we chose to fallow God, is not because of fear of punishment, because because we love and believe in him, thus we want to fallow his request you're th one condemning yourself to damnation ion
Hel is the the bastion for peooel who Wilma contineintobe evil and have no ounce of humanity, because we re human, we made mistakes and we learn form those mistakes to be better
you cant be a christiian and say such a thing christians are for maga and when the smoke clears we still will stand god is on our side and god s stronger than the devil
Baptist PK (preacher's kid) here. 72 yrs old. This litany of people of goodwill is SO affirming in this dark time. TY all!
The cost? The price of a golden calf and its moral consequences.
Golden calf? Golden toilet.
@@doomsdayrabbit4398 have had a hard time voting up past the current 666 number.
Not gonna lie, grew up Lutheran and heavily in the church, but have been an atheist for over 20 years. When the golden Trump was presented, I had a visceral reaction and couldn't understand how "christians" were ever okay with him again. He literally was throwing it in their face in the most iconic way....and nothing.
Isn't it amazing that the golden Trump statue didn't raise red flags for the Christians???!!! I mean, how can they not see the direct connection?!!
It's just like RFKs worm in his brain... hello?
Exactly!!
I 100% agree with everything you said. My LBGTQ brother cried after this election. I used to feel bad because my family cut me out for being an accepting person towards everyone. I don't expect an invitation, but even if I got one I've already made plans with my chosen family. MAGA told us who they are, and I listened. I can choose who I want around me, and it's not them.
I know LGBTQ people who voted for Trump. Don't panic, he was President before and it was OK.
If I were a gay dude I'd be pissed, it's not the LGB so much as the T, and the Q is pretty much made up, that's driving even moderates away. It's a real problem. It can easily be dealt with as reasonable accommodation under ADA for mental illness, but that's not where it's been presented. That creates problems, such as the pushback against virtue signaling legislation such as the NC bathroom bill, and here we are.
@@noillusions8734 💯🫂
Tell your brother to man up, oh wait......
All the best to you and your loved ones
I don't think trust can ever be restored. Trump destroyed everything
Trump will never, ever destroy my faith!!! Every single time that Trump insults the poor, marginalized, women and veterans, I'm convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is shortening Trump's life on earth!!!
@@HenriettaHudson-we4wv
💯
Yes!!!!!
Trust in actual God should be the point. I've gone through a wrangle with a fellow who has written glowingly about how the founders of America founded America "on God." I kept telling him that, ummm... the devil is in the details; what do you mean by God? We went around in circles, with him contradicting himself as he went. Finally I took C. S. Lewis' advice about people who waste our time.
I actually WON'T deny an influence from actual God and actual Christ in America. But I also WON'T deny that there's been an antichrist influence too! And both of them have been going around and still go around calling themselves God -- but only one has the actual rights.
Actual God will teach us both who's a friend and who's not. And that's more light than when we didn't discern that. I say that God doesn't give trials without a good reason.
@@HenriettaHudson-we4wv Unfortunately, Lucifer protects his own.
I've been an Atheist for over 30 years, and I'm not changing. I believe in being a good, empathetic person because I want to be. I'm also a veteran. I happily served for all Americans rights, including Christians, to be who they are. One of my best friends is a devout Catholic, and walks the walk. I have no interest in changing him. He is a good person. It grieves me that so many Christians do not want to offer me the same respect that I offer them. Are so gleefully willing to stand in judgement, and thus, I have no compunction about returning the favor.
A vote for Trump was a vote for what he stands for. You don't have to feel guilty about walking away from anyone who would treat you like that. Not friends, not family, not anyone.
3:40 Heard elsewhere: "I don't disagree with your politics. I disagree with your morals."
This is such an excellent articulation of why people are breaking ties with MAGA friends, family and faith. It may look like sour grapes, but it's a response to a deep betrayal. This man and members of his movement have said "I want to hurt you, I want to take away your voice and personhood, I want to erase you", and people in our lives have said to them, "I stand with you, I grant you the power to destroy those that thought I loved them". We are not breaking faith with them, they have broken faith with us.
But.. but, I didn’t think the leopard would eat MY face!
BUTT EGGS!!!
@@TOUGHMUTHA7FI'm sorry. What exactly does that mean?
People who try to frame this as political demonstrate the problem. These are real people being hurt; it's not politics for them. I can't be friends with people who voted for many of my good friends to be more likely to die for various reasons, and refuse to even listen to why they shouldn't have to die. Are people like that really friends with anybody? I don't think so.
I stopped sending my little kids to Sunday School or any church function (which was lifesaving for me as a child) when my FIVE YEAR OLD came home from Good News Club in 2010 with a little paper black heart saying “look mommy, all babies are born with black hearts! After they accept Jesus, they don’t have black hearts anymore!” I asked him what that meant and he said that everyone is evil until they accept Jesus into their hearts. They essentially told my innocent baby that all babies are born evil! So…I didn’t freak out outwardly, but I was SEETHING. I explained that no, those teachers were wrong and that all children are born innocent and blameless and full of light and already belong to Jesus, if you believe in Jesus.
And I never sent my kids back into that madness. This was coming way before Donald Trump. Donald Trump is the result of an existing illness that has metastasized. Now it seems terminal.
Every church in my town besides the United Methodist, (as far as I know. I explored a few) is involved with judgement and exclusion, and I just didn’t feel comfortable with our past experience trusting anyone with my kids.
My childhood was filled with anxiety because of this very message that my Pastor and my Mother repeated to me over-and-over again. Thank you for "saving" your child from this type of mental abuse.
I don't blame you!!! I'm not trying to talk you into any church that you don't feel comfortable with. But the Episcopal Church is a place of non-judgment and inclusion. My local Episcopal Church helped me to escape a mentally and emotionally abusive situation with my father. I couldn't ask for better friends who accept me the way I am!!! Again, I applaud your decision to take your kids out of your ex-church!!!
I believe the presence of the promised spirit of Christ begins to minister to willing, if erring souls even when they are young, and that explicit acceptance of Christ doesn't mean instant practicing perfection; that the picture is more complex and has more nuances. It's not appropriate to go all black and white about the situation.
I realize that I do not, and cannot, know everything. But I’m still able to be shocked by other people’s experience with church.😮
I was born into the UMC & in my 20's I explored other religions. I came home to my church as I love that we preach 'open hearts, open mind's accepting all who want to show Christ's love! I wouldn't trade it for any other church! God is Love! 😊
I was a Ronald Reagan republican, and I remember the day I had enough and realized that they will filled with hate not hope. When trump was elected the first time and religious leaders ran to his side I gave up on the church. When I am asked now why I no longer go to church, I just tell them that when I was a kid I was taught that Jesus loves me, now I hear he loves me but he hates the XXX over there and the XXX over here. I just don't get it, don't they know that trump is the great liar? He is the serpent. They sold out there faith for a few simple lies.
Look up the history of the gnostics it reflects this authoritarian vs egalitarian open curious conflict that occurs in evolution and history throughout time. It floored me to see the same pattern pop up with in the church and to see who won. It was not the gnostics
In my opinion if a church goes political.Campaigns for candidates.They should be taxed.Period
100% Than you'll see how fast they stop talking or supporting politicians. Church is all about $.
Yes.... YES.... YAASSSS!!!! HALL_LAY_LOO_JERR!!! lol
Long ago I was a pastor at megachurch but left because I felt we needed to be acting out the sermon on the mount instead of raising obscene amounts of money for new sound systems and light shows and superficial trinkets. I moved to a small church that was lead by a mentor of mine. I thought they really captured the heart of loving our neighbors through acts of service. I encouraged my family (parents, siblings, nieces/nephews) and my wife's family to move with us and they did. I volunteered there for 6 years (2010 to 2016) leading worship, coordinating community service activities and I would occasionally preach with a focus on being the hands and feet of Jesus by housing the homeless, welcoming the foreigner, feeding the hungry, advocating for the oppressed. But over those same 6 years I noticed that my mentor was growing more and more vocal about politics. He began demonizing democrats, he preached conspiracies about Benghazi and the media. I was outspoken about my opposition to this rhetoric but when Trump began his 2016 campaign the vitriol being spewed from the pulpit became unbearable. After my first son was born my wife and I prayed about what to do, should we stay and raise our child in the church that's preaching hate but continue to preach love? Or should we abandon our church family and our biological family as they champion hate? After agonizing over this decision for weeks, one Sunday our pastor vaguely preached about politics and said a few things that practically kicked us out the door.
His overall message was that the world is in opposition to Christ and Christ's kingdom. He talked about the evils of the world and that god can use imperfect people to make things perfect, but the devil corrupts perfection to make the world evil. Then my pastor/mentor/friend while speaking to the entire congregation looked directly at me and my wife and he said "the bible speaks about false teachers who twist and corrupt the word of God to teach false teachings. He said "anyone who twists Jesus words about loving your neighbor into meaning loving gays, then they are sent here by the devil. Anyone who twists Jesus' words about welcoming foreigners into letting our country overflow with illegals, then they are sent here by the devil. Anyone who twists Jesus' words about advocating for the oppressed into indoctrinating our kids with DEI, then they are sent here by the devil." And as a chorus of "AMEN"s rang out, my wife and I stood up and walked out. I haven't stepped in a church since that moment. I don't think I ever will again.
I have occasionally checked in on the church by watching their sermons on facebook. I've found that their embrace of Trump's gospel of hate has only gotten louder & prouder. In first their service after the election the new worship pastor walked up microphone and said "Welcome to [the church], let's give up a shout of praise because God is leading America again!" and the congregation erupted into cheers and applause, and I wept.
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:10 NIV)
😢
This is why the church is turning off the youth. I attend church each week. Never heard a political message. Your family did the right thing by leaving. God bless you.
Utterly insane. Were there nobody else who left?
I weep with you my friend.
Separation of church and state was originally intended to protect the church from the corrupting influence of politics, not the other way around. We now see the wisdom of it.
@@dennismcdermot647 it was also the product of some founding fathers who had beliefs different from the majority of other Americans. Jefferson was a deist and Adams was a Unitarian, a faith where Jesus was not seen as God.
@@dennismcdermot647 the way I see it is that they didn't want your faith to influence your vote
@@Lord_Victis At least not in the way by which we might say "They checked the name of my denomination; they get my vote." Faith in God by the voter can, however, prove to be the way of discerning necessary things.
Practically, it was a way to filter out antichrists. If a following claiming to be Christian had an antichrist in it, we wouldn't want them to have the levers to gain power; they'd be selfish stewards. However there was a sad loophole -- the crude vote of the people. A more pure faith is one reason the constitution has positive sentiments in it.
@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 nope, I'd rather vote based on facts and not my faith or lack there of.
Voting by faith is how we get anti human rights laws because they say "god says it's wrong".
He could not be more anti-christian.
The church has failed such a huge test at such a critical time.
I have left my Church and will not go to any of these "evangelical" churches.
I do not blame you nor some of these religious organizations of so called christians so called catholics they are so righteous!
@@PaulieTan Please, don't drag Catholics into this. Catholics largely stood against Trump and his behaviour.
Learn the difference between Catholics and evangelicals, please. Don't paint Catholics negatively.
Learn about the words you use before using them.
my ex wife got upset with me when I referred to the "evangelical" churches as "Curtain" or "smoke and mirror" churches. "Curtain" as in "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain . . ." That's not why she's an ex, but it was probably a signal that we weren't going to last.
@@Calcium-mn9eq Noted however majority of my catholic friends n the church I go did endorse voted for trump n celebrated his victory..so I was speaking on my surrounding experience on who Iwas with n the church I go to which is a Catholic Church. yes I must say not all catholics I hope Thank You.
Good for you.
I can and will be kind to everyone, I just won’t be friends with them. I’m not breaking bread with them. The supporters make me sad, MAGA makes me sick.
I feel the same way that you do. I have so much sadness and grief. Those MAGA supporters believe his lies.
That’s how I feel. And won’t bail them out when their choice comes for them and their ‘ fill in the blank’ veterans benefits, head start, income adjusted repayments for student loans, ACA on and on.
I honestly don't know any MAGAs here in Denver. Well, I probably do know a few, but not a single one has openly spewed MAGA hatred or claimed to be a Trump fan. I regularly attend neighborhood gatherings with some lovely Christians who might be closet Trump followers, but the few I have asked were completely against the horror.
@@kerrynight3271 you are lucky
I believe that a true Christian would never vote for this con man. Out of your heart your mouth speaks. What did we hear in his rallies? People really didn’t paid attention 😢
Thank you so much for your support . May the Lord Jesus bless you.
Who gets to decide who the real Christians are or aren't?
Yes, they did pay attention but didn't care, or they simply agreed with it.
Does anyone remember when Trump read the "Snake Story" Do you think he was kidding? He was the Snake. You (MAGA) knew he was a snake before you took him in, to the presidency.
You took it away from me. The first time I heard him read it that was my first thought!
Yeah. I sure remember it. I knew that he was talking about himself.
Every accusation of his is a confession. It’s a trademark of a narcissist.
I heard him tell that snake story a few times. He's the snake!
Thanks for calling me and my entire family snakes! And you actually wonder why the mass of the American public voted against Kamala? It's because they are tired of people yelling at them
Count me in the "done" with 'friends' that turned MAGA. This isn't just about political difference, this is about morality, character, and integrity. I can't fellowship with those people.
100%
For me it’s a matter of respect; can’t respect gullible sheep who drank hateful koolaid & bought stupid red caps.
BUTT EGGS!!!$$$$$$$$$$$$
Hello Rev Ed It's your atheist friend in Arizona. I just needed to hear your voice and all the sanity that you bring to this world. Thank you my friend.
Fellow Arizonan here. Just wanted to say you're not alone.💙
@frany4417 Casa Grande!
Hello my atheist friend, thank you for being here
yourmessage must be great if an ateheist agreeswith you the devil is still at work
@@knightman4284 I was a christian for 25 years, I read the bible and it converted me to Atheism.
I'm an atheist and I'm more of a christian than these people who rant on about god and Trump in the same breath. It's hideous
"There is not HATE quite like Christian Love. Thank You Reverend Ed for your example of love and acceptance.
@joeshmooo5327 TRUTH! I'd like to use the quote, if I may 🧡
Ed ain't a Christian if he can support unlimited abortion. Tolerance of everything is not a Christian virtue
@@elvisnnaemeka6722 Thank you for reinforcing the above statement
@elvisnnaemeka6722 What "god" do YOU serve? Did Jesus force His will on ANYONE? What do YOU know about the Word of God? Christ-followers were given the commission to go throughout all the world, and teach the Good News (Gospel). Our God HIMSELF, gives us the opportunity to choose HIM! Who do we think WE are, as humans, to demand someone do as WE say? As Christ-followers, we are to teach the Truth in love, and let HIS Word do the changing. YOU do not exhibit Christ-follower characteristics.
@BriC7 God is not the Father Christmas figure you just described. Jesus Christ himself whipped the hell out of those perverting the temple. He didn't tolerate everything. You really have to repent and give your life to Christ. I don't see how any Christian could support Harris knowing her positions.
Turning away from his supporters is about values and common decency. These are CORE values.
Yep. But when it happens, they cry and say it's about politics. They are so blind, perhaps willfully so, that they can't or won't understand the position of anyone who feels threatened. The worst is when they wave it away and say "that's not going to happen" or "you're overreacting". I no longer trust a lot of people.
Edit: corrected a misspelling.
@stevewilliams4648 I've always felt that people who point out the "sins" of others believe that they are without sin, themselves, or want to divert attention from their own sin. In either case, they aren't anyone I want in my life.
Who is this person you speak of? Trump? This pastor? Some other commenter? I'm the confused one, just wondering
Honestly the part that gets me is the OATHS, when the Supreme Court had to quibble about WHO got to disqualify Trump and disregarded that no president should ever lie under their oath of office except in service to the office, that one thing should have been disqualifying in any court of LAW.
Trump lies to those he should be working with or for, this is why we should be done with him.
Trans aren't losing anything. Don't push it on the kids. Period. Not in school. No in sports.
We are sick to death of the hate and anger in the MAGA movement. Keep toxic people far away in order to maintain your own mental health.
What toxicity and what anger? From MAGA? You need to check yourselved.
@@joanedwards7829Seriously? Just go on TH-cam and watch some MAGAs gloating. Read some of the comments said back to those of us who don't believe in what the MAGA movement has done to the Republican party, and you'll find hateful comments. I'm a former Repub and once I started researching Trump and his true nature, I ran far far away. It took only days for me to see the lies I'd been fed were all a slow manipulation to prepare us for this switch to MAGA. I ripped the calluses off my heart, and started looking into the Democratic approach to life. I think I recognized that I had never truly been a republican. I had just been super lazy and didn't bother to research any of the candidates that were running! I suggest you research the details of these people that you put in office yourself. The fact that we have elected a felon who is assigning the top jobs in the United States to criminals is shocking! I fear it will only get worse. I pray I'm wrong.
@@joanedwards7829 Work on your grammar and spelling before you start trolling.
I find myself more and more convinced that we are in the end times but not the far right kind the simple message of love and compassion is falling away from mankind
I just got blue sky, but I’ve been off of Twitter since about a month after Elon bought it. My maga family problems started way before Trump. I’ve was the girl that wanted to grow up and be a civil rights lawyer, instead, I raised 6 children, and all of mine work in fields that help others and are advocating for the rights of those that are in need. I didn’t ever except the idea of people being lesser than because they looked different or believed differently than me as well. I’m still absolutely a Christian, and believe in Christ’s teachings. This is why I don’t belong to any organized religion. You are the only person I’ve found. So thank you for that. I listen to you most days 💖🙏🏻
@@CozzyKorner unfortunately people who support donOLD are faux Christians. They don't understand what it actually represents. Hold to your faith you understand what it is truely about, love, caring, compassion
Can you tell me how to see other people's comments on Blue Sky? I can see posts there but I don't know how to view what people are saying to those posts. Thanks
Are you born again?
My in-laws are MAGA. I'm having a hard time forgiving them for voting for a man who's going to come after me and my friends.
Please ask them why they voted Fort rump and come back here and tell those all.
Because nobody seems to know why they voted for that racist adultering liar.
He's going to scrap Obama care.
You don’t need to.
Forgiveness is for people who acknowledge they hurt you and repent of their harmful behavior. Forgiving people who are proud of their behavior is self destructive.
Same here. What's worse is that they voted for policy and not the person.
@@Yoglawm Indeed. They fail to understand that the two cannot be separated.
Stopped going to church 50 fifty years ago for the hate preached inside their walls. I see it's gotten worse.😢
60+ for me. I was just a kid who would not abide the intolerance and the hypocrisy.
I stopped going to church 50 years ago, stopped believing 40 years ago, completely lost any belief in any "supernatural" beings 30 years ago. It's so much better living in the real world with real people.
Seriously. People act like only now the church has gotten worse. I was 8 when I decided I never wanted to go to church again. I'm almost 40 now.
@@paulsmallriver6066 Same here, exactly the same.
@@SteveHutton-g8x I'm an atheist and ex-religous person. I can't agree more with this!
I am a firm agnostic atheist and I enjoy your videos. We can have different views and still respect each other and get along. You are a rare breed and greatly appreciated. Keep doing what you do, Rev Ed.
Thank you, Rev. Trevors for being a light in this MAGA darkness.
😈 😃 😀 😄 😁 🤣 😂
Thank you for this message. It is on point. Folks voted against their own interests due to hatred. I am perfectly fine being at peace without them being in my life. The reality is those who are not delusional will unfortunately experience the madness that is to come, but at least we are aware. Those unaware are in for a rude awakening. Praying for the healing of this nation. 🙏🏾
I am not Christian and have never been a Christian. I always treated Christians with benign neglect until the birth of MAGA. And now in the closing stage of American Empire, I have come to despise organized Christianity. I was suspicious during the Jerry Falwell era but felt there were enough of the “good” Christians around to keep the nutcases in check. As a child I attended the Church of the Brethren with my parents. Like the Mennonites, they took the New Testament seriously and were the most loving, peaceful group I have ever experienced. And there is no way I can square any MAGA supporting churches as being followers of Christ. Talk about cognitive dissonance!
MAGA is anti-christian.
The Christians that align themselves with MAGA seem to be pivoting from a faith based in compassion and forgiveness towards one which exalts
The Adversary.
And that, ladies and gentlemen of the congregation, should be eye opening for readers of John's final revelation.
My faith is stronger now than it has ever been. Voices like yourself are a lifeline in these dark times. So thank you for reaching out and being there. ❤
Same. Their hate only strengthens my love.
I am heart sick. I truly believed that more people had enough goodness in their hearts to vote against this man who, by all appearances, has so much evil in his heart. I'm so very frightened over what is coming. I know my soul is safe but my flesh fears for myself and everyone in the margins. The very people who I know that supported him will, like my family, be some of the first to be affected. I am not only mourning my country I am mourning family and friends that I can never trust nor be around again. And unfortunately I know I'm not alone. So many people all over and right in my CWW family. My prayers are that our heavenly Father give us all strength, courage and comfort in the coming days. That He guides us and helps us endure and return love for hate.
We're going to our real home soon. Do not fear!
You can thank the owners of Fox News for the planned destruction of Democracy around the world.
@@joycebrackbill-henderly8311 Jesus said: You do not know the day or the hour in which I come!!!
Morning is fine while keeping your love of our Divine Lord foremost. All that has been written must come to pass. Another term often used is the fullness of humanities inequity. Trump for sure is not representative of equality for all!... So the days become shorter.....
@@ikeus685 iniquity... unfairness to God, basically
Unfortunately, more conservative churches have no interest in helping those they believe shouldn’t exist UNLESS that person gives up that status and conforms.
I've volunteered at a conservative church run food pantry for years. There are no Democrat church pantries around here.
@@Frank-sm9yl that's because Democrats don't politicize their Christianity for clout. They don't have "Democrat Churches" they have *CHRISTIAN* Churches that some democrats attention. If your church has its own publicly displayed political opinion, you're doing something very, very wrong.
@@Frank-sm9yl Because they're secular. Democrats build food pantries not church pantries.
MAGA ‘Christians’ clearly didn’t read Jesus’s memo.
@@Frank-sm9yl- Oh, wow. Jesus will be proud of you, but only if it’s no all smoke and mirrors. If any of your church voted for Trump, they voted for the anti-christ, so your food banks are just a cloak.
This election wasn't about the "political" views of an individual - it was about finding out about your "significant others" moral values. A lot of people seem to be saying "I never really knew you" & "I don't think I like the kind of person you are." To a lot of MAGA folk, that's an "inconvenient truth" they don't want to accept.
I am a watching atheist. You're correct. This is why preaching politics from the pulpit is illegal. This is proof of an organization getting tax breaks provided adherence to a law of staying neutral... not staying neutral. This is exactly why I feel organized religion needs to be treated as a business. You can be as political as you want and pay taxes like anyone else who wants a voice in the political arena. That won't relieve your problem, which is the majority of the faithful backing a bigot and racist. That will need a separate solution. To fix the "hate and judgment ordained by god" that many feel when in the presence of the faithful. Just my 2 cents. I enjoy your content. As an atheist, I feel I should know and understand the religious viewpoint, and you definitely help in my understanding. I thank you for that, sir.
Catholic churches (not american Christianity like evangelicals) do a lot of charity and many are struggling with staying afloat from a lack of donations from lowered church attendance, if you removed the charity status then it would be even harder for them to do nearly as much charity as they do now (the catholic church is the largest charity in the world, and individual churches do their own volunteer work for the local community and beyond), also good teachings can make sure churches teach biblical values and reduce the amount of harmful politics that can make its way into american churches, so no I don't agree with removing tax breaks among other reasons
@andrear4954 the ones who preach politics from the pulpit and tell their parishioners who to vote for are basically giving a middle finger to the constitution and the founding fathers. Who were religious, but knew better than to allow any one religion to be "the one" in America. Preaching Politics on Sunday in a church is against the constitution and is a direct violation of the separation of church and state. If you're going to violate the document that gives you tax exemption, then you don't deserve said tax exemption.
I don't disagree with your point, but preaching politics from the pulpit is not illegal.
@@jeremymacklem2510 The issue of charity status and separation of church and state are different things and politics in church is not illegal. I will try to explain below but there is so much more to explain that I would recommend searching up the context of these two issues to get a full understanding before drawing your own conclusions. Where I live the supreme court said “having a political purpose wasn’t a bar to being a charity” ,where the foundations of our charity law date back to the English Statue of Charitable Uses Act 1601. I do not live in the UK in case you were wondering.
Thomas Jefferson had previously authored the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and reads: “that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.” The US included many principles from 1215 Magna Carta of church and state.
Religious freedom was written into the First Amendment with: “that Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise”. The intention was to guarantee ‘religious liberty’, the modern usage of 'separation of church and state' is often an attempt to remove the influence of religion in politics and society which is incorrect.
If the above (and the full context of both issues) is incorrect, I am willing to change opinions, however I did not receive a notification of your reply (I only saw it when I watched this video again) so if yt glitches out again then apologies for not responding in future. Have a lovely day 😊
@@andrear4954 preaching politics from the pulpit is not illegal anymore, right. thinking that is one of the very first executive orders put out by the prior tRump admin. The devil is in the details.
By preaching Trumpism in the pews the church has demonstrated contempt for law
Not Jesus?
@@daltonadams4672 nope, because they stopped caring about Jesus when they started propping trump up in church
The First Commandment says: I am the Lord your God. Thou shalt not have any other gods before me!!
And Contempt for Christ's Love.
I will be surprised if Trump does not proclaim himself GOD before long
I’m so thankful for my pastor who never preaches politics from the pulpit. Love this channel and Rev. Ed .
I certainly hope it continues.
That's a shame. We need to discuss politics. Openly and calmly. Not like this apoplectic Moral Majority and Culture Wars nonsense.
@@geekcollageBig MAGA conference held in a local big box “happy clappy” yelly/judgy “church.” No thanks! 🤮
Very well said Reverend Trevors! Thank you so much for talking about this so eloquently and honestly. These are difficult conversations that need to be had.
Thank You Rev Trevor, you are the voice Christians need to listen to.
Thank you for this. I am a straight, white, older woman and, while I believe in the teachings of Jesus, I find I can no longer call myself a "Christian" as that designation and too much of what it represents has become repellant to me.
You can still be proud to be a Christian. But you must stand against those who would corrupt the word of Christ in order to gain power. MAGA has been Satan's greatest success.
Same with me
I just call myself a TRUE Christian 😊👍🏻
yeah, unfortunately most are very hateful
@@immasista6537 Follower of Jesus.
The word now longer means what it did for a long time.
But then neither does conservative (they do not want to conserve, they want to blow it all up) or Republican (again, they are no longer the party of Eisenhower, McCain or Romney... not that I agreed with those folk, but at least I could understand their points).
One pastor who i respect so much..made the comment: I hope Trump will bring Rule and Law" I was so shocked to think that a convicted felon, rapist that incite so much hate and divisions could bring LAw And Order..Iam still in shocked with those comments
Why should we allow Trump to break up our families, marrages or friendships? We've never given any other politician that power.
I've been in hundreds if not thousands of people's homes over the last 40 years and many of them have been like family and friends to me, and in every case, it's always those on the left who give whatever politician is on the right, the power to break up their families. It's always the ones on the left out and cut off their family members on the right. It's always the ones on the left who gets so blindly triggered with rage and anger they can't even think or have a reasonable conversation
@@LisaHumble go back and listen to the video again. It's not about trump.
Do you know what Trump and his helpers have been preaching? Why would you want to be close with someone who wants your loved ones to suffer and be much more likely to die? Yes, normally politicians who preach stuff like this get knocked out much earlier in the race, and aren't allowed to run. Or at least they know better than to preach hatred loudly.
Thank you for speaking out. I’ve about given up on Christian’s and my church. I can’t understand why these self proclaimed “Christians” can espouse the hate for their fellow humans that they do. It goes against everything that Jesus stood for. You’ve been a light to me this last week. Thank you for speaking your truth.
Matthew 22: 36-40
If only Harris had been elected then we would continue the policies of the military/industrial complex and get that war they have been itching for. Darn, hate it when the U.S. misses an opportunity for more death and destruction across the globe. Chances have dropped that we get to send our children and grandchildren to other countries to die for banks and corporations. But you and others posting probably knew all this by looking into it, right?
I left my church because of that. I'm devastated and I'm afraid to go to another church right now.
You don't need a church to worship God.
I had given up on God..... till I found Rev. Ed.
@@kimbrake4028 Me, too!
@@Lord_VictisThe Church is an Assembly of people who worship Christ. Sticks and Bricks is not a church.
@vickymartin9361 no, the church is where you meet Christ and God, no other humans needed.
The church has harmed its witness is exactly what I said in 2016
I mentioned the Church’s witness to my mom during the child separation time period, around 2018. Her response was, “Who cares? Those people are all GLOBALISTS anyway.” That’s the exact moment I lost my faith for good.
@@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 As another atheist, I could give a (expl.) about who is atheist or Christian or Jewish or Muslim or Jain, etc. All I care about is whether someone is anti-Fascist, and not in the “antifa” sense of the word.
Fascism and theocracy are making a very hard press for indefinite control of this government. Both ideologies are expressly opposed to the United States’ founding documents. Those bringing such ideologies to D.C. are enemies of the American people as far as I’m concerned, because they have stated it through their intent and actions. They will be in control of the world, to some extent, and millions beyond our shores will suffer and die for it, to say nothing of those within our borders that will be subject to the same out of subjective whim.
Fascism is bloody, and (not mincing words) citizens - perhaps very many - are going to die at the altar of this “administration’s” arrogance. There are many reasons why, but If my personal expectations from their words prove very wrong, it will only be by pure luck.
Amen.
I'm Episcopalian. I have stopped going to church because of Maga people in the parish. I'm using Advent as a time for reflection. I'm having lots of doubt about my faith now. I still read and follow the teachings of Jesus. But I am just horrified by how someone who has listened to the Sermon on the Mount could choose to support such evil policies that are contrary to what Jesus taught.
I agree, 100%. I never have understood how all of these churches and religious leaders could back somebody who is so full of hate, and so self-serving and cruel to others. It makes no sense. I see how it will be their undoing. I will pray that we will all live through this. Sadly, I know many will die in our country as they already have at the hands of this President and his policies. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic.
Amen 🙏🏻 However, I refuse to let them hijack my relationship with Christ. I will continue to walk in His ways, loving people harder than I ever have before and letting the light of the Lord shine through me.
You have been graced with wisdom, my friend! I, too, will follow Jesus! And even though my church never endorsed the Orange fellow, I feel sad that our parishioners weren’t warned. Silence speaks volumes!
Your posts are comforting. I left the church years ago but can still appreciate the religious who walk the talk.
I’m one of those who is concerned about loosing Social Security. I am 70 an that is my only source of income. But, I know there are laws and these programs will not so easily be undone. I am keeping in touch with my sister, who I am sure voted Republican because she is ill. We do not talk about politics. I am not currently a church goer but still am a believer. Gid is everywhere and in everyone. So, I will avoid people who follow him and his hate and I will try to treat all as I would like to be treated, and support those who will be at risk.
I left my church because it went from inclusive to exclusive and bigoted.
It once welcomed a Buddhist prayer group and discussion on our First Nation neighbors, to excluding them. They even lied about it.
Not going back.
I can't blame you. Some see the church as a source of power. To stay true to the word of Christ you must remove yourself from those seeking power.
I took my Buddhist vows in very early 2020, after being what you'd call, I guess 'culturally' Christian growing up and man, it feels like I got there just under a wire that would have decapitated me if I waited any longer. We do stuff with churches of other denomintions when we can but it really feels like those events have dried up.
@MoonLitChild I follow Celtic Christianity. I believe in the Creator and the red letter words of Jesus. There is also druid wisdom included. Following the seasons and celebrating nature. No blasting a poor fig tree because it wasn't in season yet tisk, tisk, tisk.
"That heavily bronzed individual" - an accurate and polite way to describe him. I became an agnostic over 25 years ago, but I still believe in The Golden Rule and try to live my life that way. So many people who go to church never think about the Rule and go against it in every situation. Why should I listen to them when they listen to, cheer on, and follow the way of the heavily bronzed individual? Unfortunately, my Christmas card list, I fear, will be very short this year and for some time to come. Thank you, Reverend Ed for talking to all of us and letting us know that each person's reaction to this situation is different and we should expect that. Peace and health to you!
My name is Rob I say that so no one confuses my statement. The Church I was attending is a little country Church it has lost members until on a typical Sunday 25 people would attend. I am 68 my wife is 66 we are some of the younger people attending. We have been going for about a year. I had been thinking of leaving but just been lazy. Then the election loomed and from the pulpit we were hearing Trump will pass National abortion laws, overturn laws promoting gay marriage etc...these things that are destroying Christianity. What few younger couples that were attending left and now so have I.
I asked the pastor did you think Clinton should have been thrown from office of course he did and yet he promoted Trump what a Hippocrit .
The sad part is that they gave this man their family, their way of living and most of all their believe system.. He’s the ultimate false prophet.
Good morning brother.. thank you for your thoughtful & respectful comments 🙏
I spent five years living in Barcelona. In two generations, Spain has gone from one of the most religious countries in Europe to one of the least. The most common refrain I heard from young and middle-aged Spaniards for why they abandoned the Church? Its collaboration with Francisco Franco. Its alliance with dictatorship poisoned the Church’s reputation for two generations of Spaniards. I do not think it will ever recover. To most Spaniards, the Church is not a beacon of moral guidance or a means to spiritual fulfillment. It is just one more pillar in a corrupt, authoritarian machine that served only itself, cared only for its own interests, and crushed dissent with extraordinary violence.
America’s churches, I fear, will learn this same lesson. When the Church begins to act to protect its own power, influence, and interests above even enacting the word of Jesus of Nazareth, the Church doesn’t worship Jesus of Nazareth any longer. It worships itself. Its followers will, soon or late, recognize that.
Thank you for that context.
Also, a great number of America's churches have gone the way off cruelty since day 1 - not so much against White Christian Americans, but immediately in terms of their cruelty to Indigenous people, women, and black folks (with the exception of Black Churches during the Civil Rights movement and beyond). I think the last Christian "Boarding School" in the US closed down just in the 1970s.
The same in Ireland but there it was the priests sexually interfering with and beating the orphaned children. My father and 2 of his brothers suffered this abuse. The church is now a shadow of its former self.( Watch Farther Ted for a good laugh).
6:00 YES!!! This exactly! I no longer know these people. I will never step foot in a church again. This after 60 years of church, Bible school, and working in a ministry for 30 years. I’m done.
Congratulations and I hope you find fulfillment and meaning in something else
Why are you saying these things now? But you didn't say anything like this 4 years ago?
@@marvinscholten8643 everyone has their different breaking points and different social needs. Let’s be supportive, don’t kick a person when they are down. That is what Trumpers do.
I voted against your rights, now can we just be friends?
@@goodmanvolley It's sad and sickening at the same time.
Always your welcome. But do your research before you vote for your own interest. Its about all of us.
What rights are you talking about?
exactly
@@goodmanvolley hi, what rights have you lost? I’m genuinely curious.
I am not Christain, I am Pagan. But, for those of you who feel like you wish to make a point. I'd like to reference Declaration 127- Which is a stance of many Pagans and other groups which takes a stance against Racism, Hatred, Bigotry and other things-
"We hearby declare that we do not condone Hatred and bigotry in our religon and do not associate with those who do. If you stand with Hatred, Racism and Bigotry you are free to stand, but you will stand alone"
We have made these declarations before, and will continue to do so. So know, if you Christians who stand against hatred and bigotry are afraid of being alone, and fear for yourselves know that you have comrades in Paganism and Heathenry who also stand with you
Well said.🤗
Also this happened to me and my church. They celebrated his win but what really drove me away is they used a verse in the Bible to mock Harris then posted memes to mock us who supported Harris. It rocked me to the core. But I prayed about it and God in his mercy answered my prayers. I am able to forgive but I can’t go back there 😢
I don't blame you!!!
I'd say: be willing to forgive, and then actually personally forgive once they see what kind of spirit they embraced and return to God regretting it.
Same here that religious organization celebrated Trump's victory
Wow! That is horrible! 😢
@ forgiving let me release the burden off me. I still pray for the church leaders
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” - Edmund Burke, 1795
That is actually a Bible precept way before Edmund Burke regurgitated it.
I stand with Jesus! No one else. In a country I follow my heart to do the right thing for humanity. Your rights are being taken. While big corporations are being the enemy within.
Very true and the paths that many follow are those paths of compassion and love that Jesus has laid out for us.
Or, can follow Trump amazed at this sudden prosperity. Do not become further decieved.
I hope that translates to doing things to help those that will become persecuted
I am so glad I “found” you. You are a calm, sane voice in the cacophony of of anger in this world. Thanks and God Bless!
I’m Catholic. Today I was the lector at 7:30 mass. The words were just hollow. February 1 is the deadline I’ve set to make my decision whether to stay or leave. The situation breaks my heart, but I feel the Catholic Church is so hypocritical as are many in the congregation. It’s like I’m in a relationship with someone I know isn’t good for me, but I keep hoping for change.
Perhaps Satan wants you to leave the church that Jesus founded 2000 years ago?
@@JoAnnFuirwhat?
@@JoAnnFuirprime example of trying to shame a person battling with his beliefs instead of reaching out with empathy and compassion.
@@bunnyemartins7756I am so sorry for this dilemma you are navigating. Ultimately you must do what is best for you. Walking away from a building does not end your witness or fellowship with Christ. There are so many wonderful charities that you can find meaning and show Christs love. I wish you nothing but peace as you follow your heart.
It doesn't matter what denomination the sign outside the church has on it. What matters is what is being preached there. If you can't find another Catholic church near you that has a good pastor, try the Protestant ones. Jesus is neither Catholic nor Protestant.
I can't entrust the care of my young daughter's soul to any institution that in large percentages equivocates about, much less deifies, an objectively evil individual. My wife and I are lifelong, committed Christians. Today, after careful consideration over the past year, we joined our local Unitarian Universalist church. Of the many local churches we've attended, the UUs best put into practice what I was taught to be core Christian values -- social justice, helping the downtrodden, and the recognition of the inherent worth of all people.
Thank you!!!
The spirit that Christ sent from heaven is not dodged by those of good will, even though they don't get all the theology. The reason I do get the theology (at least as much of it as I can grasp) is because it has proven to add dimension to my understanding. But I do feel a trifle paradoxical when I say that I believe that who Christ is and what Christ has done is the reason UU can exist and find a good purpose. C. S. Lewis had a similar idea. Christ hinted that he would find "Samaritans" of this world and bless them to be neighborly when ostensible religious authorities wouldn't be.
I've been Agnostic 30+ years for my own personal reasons but I will never argue anyone's faith or try to snuff the light out in their lives the church brings to them. As long as someone isn't using their religious beliefs as an excuse to hurt people, I have no quarrel with any if it. Its refreshing to see Christians who are staying true to the teachings of Jesus taking a stand. I know you are struggling to come to grips with what's happening as we are and I offer solidarity and support ❤
Thank you
We are kind of in a 1933 moment in America when nobody recognizes true evil come knocking on the church door
You're partially right. Yes, they're mad because of what Trump did and said. But they're most upset that friends and/or family heard and/or read it all and still supported and voted for someone they find disgusting and vile.
You are so right. I’m sorry to say but in my opinion the word “Christian” has a very negative connotation in America now. As a woman, I feel they actively worked to restrict my and my daughters reproductive rights and access to emergency medical care. Women have already died in Texas because the doctors were too afraid to give them the emergency care they required. One of them left a child behind. Both of them wanted to be mothers. I feel many Christians here are into punishing anyone who doesn’t believe like them and they don’t think of the consequences.
I know... even if the technical exception was there, no doctor wants to undergo the Spanish Inquisition. Maybe this could change a little if there were suitable alliances between doctors' offices and legal services. This ought to be looked into while pursuing larger political solutions.
@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 Most lawyers and politicians are practicing medicine without a license!
AMEN 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 Hugs to everyone in this very difficult position.
And you and I are in the middle of it.
Thank you.
God bless you, sir …we need more love, empathy, acceptance and understanding in our lives .. truth, character, and principles count.
The church that legitimizes and supports MAGA is one that must go its own way.
My main fear of hanging out with 'maga' friends is that it could have a bad influence on my own walk with Christ. There are scriptures that talk about hanging out with bad influences: 1 Corinthians 15:33: "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals'" Either there is fertile soil to plant a seed of faith in that person you have a relationship with; or the soil is so hardened no seed can be planted. So knowing when to 'walk away' from a relationship to preserve our own faith in Christ is what I struggle with. I worked in an office that was 99% african american where they used the 'N' word a lot when talking to each other. I lodged a complaint with my supervisor because I didn't want to get used to hearing the word and 'accidentally 'use it myself. Since I'm 'white', it would not be an acceptable word for me to ever have in my vocabulary; but IF you hear it constantly. I was told 'they' could use it whenever they wanted. Needless to say...I retired! It's kind of like that for me in my personal relationships too; I don't wish to 'get used' to being complacent. And yeah, I can't forget that my oldest son hates latinos so much that he would place my retirement in danger either. What was he even thinking? AND my latino Immigrant neighbor always watches out for me; and is such a blessing to have as I'm getting older! (He does more for me than either one of my sons. And it's not that he does anything for me, it just being a really loving CHRISTIAN family that makes me appreciate them so much.)
Agree
That's a very healthy and wise perspective.
But you let the Bible influence you...
@@nadaproblem3023 As it should! HOWEVER, having read the entire bible through in various translations; I am aware that sometimes the translations conflict with each other. So, I've gone back to the KJV. BUT also, whenever you read the Bible, you really should pray for God's holy spirit to help you discern what you are reading too. And having read the bible many times, I can smell something that is a 'little fishy' when I hear a sermon that is not faithful in scripture references.
@@tenerifecats6652 If you're keen enough to read several versions, try learning some Hebrew and Greek. You don't have to learn the whole language to be able to get an idea of the problems the translators are dealing with, and a greater understanding of what the Bible means. It's elucidating to look up all of the uses of certain words, and compare. Do read the original introduction written by the translators - I hated the KJV when I was younger, but a few years ago I bought a 1611 2nd printing edition of the KJV, and they included the translators' note, and it gave me so much more respect for what they were trying to do. THEY knew they were working from a translation of just a few original manuscripts, and that they weren't infallible. They only seem ridiculous when you get the Chick Tract/John Bunyan version, claiming they were magically perfect somehow. There were actual typos, and there were words that they couldn't possibly translate, so they had to guess based on a wacky collection of traditions, many of them pagan (though they might not have known that at the time). But we have internet now, and Biblehub! We have access to so much more than the original KJV translators could see, their brains would have exploded if they saw it all.
Thank you SO much for saying this. I don’t feel safe around the family who raised me because I am a woman who will have high risk pregnancies and am married to an Asian immigrant. Their choices have forced me to question if I will be safe here in the south and start planning to move north.
Literally so disappointed in my parents who raised me and instilled discernment into me. Especially when it comes to the Haitians who are literally Christian and here legally under TPS.
HI! I'm Haitian. I live in Virginia. I appreciate you. Stay strong. Take it one day at a time like I do. I'm a naturalized citizen thanks to my time in the Navy, but the election results have been so traumatic and so painful for me that I've applied for work overseas as a government employee. I need a break from America. I left Haiti at age 12 to escape the type of leadership Agent Orange wants to set in motion. I want to protect my peace and my joy. This is not the American dream we dreamt about.
Move North, we'd love to have someone like you:)
@@Yasminescookingshow Bless you and thank you for your service!! It must be even more unnerving given you also served and there have been so many horrible things said towards our veterans.
I hope you find a safe and comfortable place overseas to heal until the time that Americans stand up for what is right and true.
Depends on where you move to up North. In even the bluest of states, once you get away from the city and get into more rural areas, MAGA is everywhere. You’ll see Trump flags in almost every front yard. And now that he won, his followers are even more vocal. It’s a cult, and it’s in every corner of the country.
This whole thing has driven me completely away from religion and anyone involved with religion . I'm not the only one .
I needed time to process this. Grew up in the church environment all my life. We traveled around singing gospel music in churches almost every weekend. We put up with mocking in my community- God squaders! ☹️ My dad never liked crude talk. So imagine when my whole family supported a man who does not line up with the word of God. I’m heartbroken. I feel like this is a test. We have been prepping and preparing all our lives and we had a book to study. We failed the test. God said to love one another not just people that look like you or believe what you believe. I feel like I have to hide my belief system now I don’t want people thinking - yeah your one of hose kinds of “Christian”
Thank you! I left my small conservative congregation and moved to a reconciling church in town following the election. One of the hardest things I have ever done. I am heartsick.
Do not allow others to corrupt you. Your relationship is with God, not with others.
@@rb28772 Thank you!!!
@@rb28772hey, I am sure you mean well, but people do need community. Jesus had disciples, and religious community is pretty integral to Christianity. Its hard to have hope of finding pockets of good community right now, but I think God can provide that to you if you open your heart to it. I know thats painful and scary if you've been hurt and disappointed before.
I think you are very brave you leave. I hope you find some support in your new community.
not sure how many people in the LGBTQ+ community watch this, but I can say for myself and a lot of friends, we spent a lot of time saying "don't tell me you love me and vote for those who will hurt me" while cutting off contact with people we thought cared about us. It's nice to hear that people are listening.
What we've learned in these recent years is one disturbing fact: there are more Pharisees in the church than Christians. The few outliers who actively seek to follow in Jesus's footsteps tend to get criticized by the rest for not falling in line with the person behind the pulpit like an obedient puppy.