“EVEN DEMOCRATS.” That was the phrase I found offensive; although I would have been equally offended if the author had written, “EVEN REPUBLICANS.”

 

The billboard along Interstate 75 seemed innocuous at first. The message posted beside a classic depiction of the bearded Jesus read, “Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” At that point I was not yet offended. I wasn’t offended until I read the italicized postscript that followed – “EVEN DEMOCRATS.”

Obviously, the person who purchased the billboard space held a bias against citizens who aligned themselves with the Democratic Party. To that person, Democrats not only lacked appropriate political leanings; they also lacked the moral compass needed to be likely followers of Jesus Christ. The phrase, “EVEN DEMOCRATS” conveyed a sentiment that seemed all inclusive, suggesting that all Democrats were infidels and would only follow Christ when compelled to do so.

Honestly, I do know some Democrats who are infidels, but I know many who are loving, caring, dedicated followers of Jesus Christ. The same goes for Republicans. I know some who are exemplary Christians, but I know others who could care less about Christ or his teachings. To suggest one’s political affiliation and one’s devotion to Christ are synonymous is errant at best and blasphemous at worst.  

As I thought more about the cryptic message on the billboard I wondered about the author’s motive. Seemingly, the author hoped readers would acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives, but if that was the goal, the author certainly had a strange way of accomplishing it. Name calling and character assassination rarely enlist disciples. In my experience, unbelievers are most often converted to Christianity not by angry words of hate but by caring expressions of love. 

I suspect the author’s motive was less honorable than one might first assume. Instead of using scripture to express his faith, the author chose to use scripture as a club, as a weapon to annihilate those not sharing his political view. Would Jesus have approved? I think not.

If I had extra funds, perhaps I’d purchase space on the billboard next to the one in question. My billboard would also share a message from scripture, words uttered by Christ himself in Matthew 7. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Yes, that’s what I’d say. Then I’d set him straight.

On second thought, if I published a message like that I, too, would be using scripture as a club, and I certainly don’t want to do that. Jesus never called me to set straight the errant sinner. I’m called to love others as Christ loves me.  

Instead of using the Bible to castigate others, I’d be better off using scripture to examine my own life; remembering the words of St. Paul who said, “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” EVEN ME.