If We Were a Christian Nation...

Copyright © 2012 by Chris R. Glaser. All rights reserved. Permission granted for use in non-profit gatherings with attribution of author and blog site.

Apologies to those from other countries who read this blog (although you might like what follows!), but I have been pondering what the U.S. would be like if we actually practiced what Jesus taught. I believe that if we followed Jesus as some Americans claim we do or should:

* Those of other faiths and agnostics and atheists would be welcome.

* There would not be a one percent and ninety-nine percent economic divide.

* Politicians, religious leaders, bosses, and schoolmates would not bully others.

* Everyone would have access to marriage.

* Equal opportunities would exist for education and employment.

* Universal healthcare coverage would not be contested.

* We would not be at war.

* Congress would work.

* Preventing and treating AIDS, poverty, hunger, disease, and ignorance would dominate our foreign policy.

* Sex education, accessibility to contraception, self-esteem programs, and increased adoptions would lessen unwanted pregnancies and their terminations.

* Scapegoating would be eliminated.

* Immigration would not be an issue.

* Having a black or woman or Mormon president would not be a surprise.

* The poor would not be forgotten and homelessness would be avoided.

* There would be no exploitation, abuse, rape, torture, rendition, or execution.

* Addictions and syndromes could be honestly discussed and treated.

* Global warming would be avoided and green technologies funded.

* The environment and habitats would not be fouled.

* Science and technology would be welcome and humane.

* Animals would not be mistreated.

* Violence and crime would be unheard of.

* The media would have more good things to report.

* The Church would be no less diverse but much less divided.

* Discernment would replace discrimination.

* Love would replace hate.

* Understanding would replace prejudice.

* Dialogue would replace debate.

* Conversations would replace confrontations.

* We would work together to find solutions.

* As Gandhi urged, we would become the solutions we seek.

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A glitch with Google worldwide delayed posting of last week’s “Piety on Parade” and subscribers’ reception of it (also handled by Google, though Chris’s e-mail is listed as the sender). Sorry! It has also happened again this week.

Chris will be speaking on “Struggling for Blessings” at 11 a.m. this Sunday during the weekly celebration of the First Existentialist Church of Atlanta.