Thoughts from a Post-Evangelical Girlie
The traditions of cult-like evangelical churches are not meant to “save” anyone. They are meant to teach impressionable youths and young adults that the world is full of hate so that the toxicity of their church feels like community in comparison.
Door knocking doesn’t save souls, it creates an environment where doors are slammed in your face. Telling your friends they are going to hell outrages people. Excommunicating a church member who deviates from church doctrine doesn’t bring them back, it isolates existing members by severing a bond that otherwise could have survived.
I was raised to believe that “no one loves me but the church,” but saying it now, I realize it sounds like an abusive relationship. If a husband tells his wife that she’s lucky to be with him, that no one else would put up with her, no one else but him could ever love her–that’s emotional abuse.
Fascism and tyranny are run by hate and fear, but our bonds of love and community are stronger than that.
I’m thinking of these things now, after Trump’s first 100 Days. His approval is abysmal. Many people who voted for him are regretting that decision. It takes courage to see how you were wrong. It takes courage to grow.
I want to welcome anyone who realizes they made a mistake and give them a chance to stand together with us and make things right. Let’s push each other to be our best selves–to stand against bigotry and tyranny, and to defeat hated with love.
