Religion can be a force for good, but it can also be used for evil

This is the faith that has sustained Christians around the world for more than 2,000 years. Christ is and will forever be our Savior.

But those who most profess this statement are those who actually believe it least. They are mainly evangelicals who have decided to solve the nation’s problems by using the sword instead of Christ solving all problems in His time.

An analysis of the January 6 uprising found that most of the rioters had distorted Christian beliefs. The Jericho March preceded this event. Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, KKK and QAnon are all based on Christianity.

These Christian leaders parade and brood around the pulpit with thousands in the pews, attacking and demeaning liberals as demons and blaming them for all of our nation’s problems. The more vicious the rhetoric, the more money flows in. This is a multi-billion dollar industry built on hate.

There is no question of feeding the poor, healing the sick or helping the stranger. There is no care for the homeless or prisoners. It’s all about white male supremacy, anti-immigration (racism) and sexuality. They long for an authoritarian figure in which democracy and the Constitution will no longer guide our nation. This is Christian nationalism.

And now they see Donald Trump as ordained by God to make this happen. Study Project 2025 to envision Trump’s plan if he wins the election. Also understand that he insists there will be a bloodbath if he doesn’t win.

Religion can be a force for good, but it can also be used for evil. God, help us to see the difference.

Lillian Bachmeier, Mandan