During my travels, I have learned about the world’s religions and have met and have befriended people of many faiths. I struggle with the parts of their faiths which deal with creation stories and pantheons of gods, but I do accept a common thread: acts of mercy. In one way or another all religions encourage their followers to go beyond self-interest and to foster a compassionate community and address suffering.
As a teenager, I learned about Christianity when I attended weekly confirmation lessons. I think I have a pretty good understanding about the tenets of Christianity. There are many aspects of the Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ which I use to guide me in my life.
But I’m left scratching my head about the acts and beliefs of some Christians. So many mixed messages; so many different interpretations to that which is written. Without going into detail … and I did learn in my confirmation studies about passing judgement … I just don’t get the appeal that Donald Trump has to some Christians. His personal behaviour and rhetoric contradict biblical teachings on humility, kindness and moral character. So why would a Christian exalt him? I just can’t figure that one out.
But when I heard the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speak from the pulpit today about mercy, I got a clearer picture of what Christianity is all about. I like the part of world’s religions which speak about compassion, empathy and mercy. As I’ve travelled the world, I’ve seen that not all of humankind are born with privilege. There are those whose DNA just doesn’t quite match the norm. And those who are stripped of personal freedoms by brutal regimes. They are the downtrodden, the disenfranchised, the demoralised. They need … mercy. And we need world leaders who acknowledge that.
Bishop Budde has made it all a bit clearer for me today. I hope others see the clarity and necessity of her plea.