I grew up in what some today might mockingly call a "cult" — the Lutheran Church. There, we were indoctrinated with radical ideas like "Jesus loves the little children ... red, yellow, black, and white." 

We were taught to love our neighbors, especially those different from us ...

... to show compassion and stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.

... to practice humility and service to others.

... to treat all people with dignity and respect. 

When did these fundamental Christian teachings become controversial?

When did loving thy neighbor become conditional on their political affiliation?
When did defending the vulnerable become optional? I imagine arriving at heaven's gates, where I am stopped and asked, "Before entering, we're going to need your specific opinions about your crazy neighbor Bob. Ya know, the one with the Harris-Walz signs in his yard? Also, I need to know your stance on DEI?"

The absurdity of this scenario highlights a crucial point: Nowhere in Christ's teachings does he commission us as a deputy, here on earth solely to judge the lives of others. Yet somehow, judgment has become the defining characteristic of many who claim to follow him. 

The Christianity I learned wasn't about building walls but breaking them down. It wasn't about hoarding wealth but sharing with those in need. It wasn't about condemning others but about examining our own hearts. Jesus spent his time with society's outcasts, challenged religious authorities who prioritized rules over compassion, and taught that love of neighbor was second only to love of God. 

Today's political Christianity often seems unrecognizable from these teachings. Instead of "blessed are the peacemakers," we hear calls for division. Instead of "whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me," we see the vulnerable blamed for their circumstances. Instead of "love your enemies," we see hatred justified in Christ's name. 

This isn't just about religion — it's about our community's soul. When did we decide that judging others was more important than serving them? That caring for strangers was wasteful? That showing compassion was weakness?  

The values I learned in Sunday School weren't radical — they were human. They were about creating a community where everyone has dignity, where we lift up those who stumble, where we welcome the stranger, where we seek to understand before we judge. These aren't "liberal" or "conservative" values — they're moral imperatives that transcend political divisions. 

Perhaps it's time to ask ourselves: If we claim to follow Christ's teachings, are we living them? Are we showing the same compassion, humility, and love that we were taught? Or have we twisted these teachings to justify our own prejudices and political preferences? 

I'm tired of seeing faith used as a weapon rather than a bridge. Tired of seeing judgment prioritized over mercy. Tired of watching the clear teachings of Jesus about love, compassion, and service being ignored in favor of political power plays. 

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The Christianity I grew up with taught me to question myself before judging others, to show courage in defending the vulnerable, to practice radical love even when — especially when — it's difficult. If that makes me part of a "cult," then perhaps we need more cult members and fewer critics. 

Our community, our nation, and our world face enormous challenges. We won't solve them through judgment and division. We'll solve them by returning to these basic principles: love your neighbor, show compassion, defend the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, seek understanding before judgment. 

These aren't just Sunday School lessons — they're a blueprint for building a better world. Maybe it's time we started following them again.

— Lynda King is a resident of Tallmadge Township.