We must strongly reject extremist groups

The events leading up to President Joe Biden’s inauguration were utterly horrifying. Frankly, many of the things that have taken place over the past four years have been horrifying.

The confluence of Confederate flags next to flags bearing Christian symbols and shofars sounding as the mob was breaking into the U.S. Capitol continues to frighten me. Seeing what I can only describe as religious extremism undergirding this act of terror is a chilling example of the pernicious divides in our society.

I keep praying that we will soon move past people trying to use Jesus to further repress the marginalized, to mercilessly persecute those seeking righteousness and to continue to favor themselves over others. These examples are not people who practice Christianity but instead use it as a weapon wielded out of fear of losing privilege and power. For me, following Christ is about seeing every human being as a beloved child of God and supporting them as such.

There is a vast difference between honoring each person as a beloved child of God and constructing a gallows or threatening to kidnap duly elected representatives as a response to faith. I continue to have hope that we will begin to see a time of healing. We must find healing, and I believe it must start with strong objections to groups who do not preach that every person is honored and valued.

Paul Sweet

Troy Pastor, Christ Church United

Methodist