“The metamorphosis of Jesus Christ from a humble servant of the abject poor to a symbol that stands for gun rights, prosperity theology, anti-science, limited government that neglects the poor and fierce patriotism is truly the strangest transformation in human history.” — Rainn Wilson

I’m a follower of Jesus — but I find that today, many so-called “Christian values” are in direct opposition to Christ’s teachings. Jesus is kind, loving, loyal and merciful. He came to serve and to love. Jesus healed the sick (without demanding payment), befriended the downtrodden, loved the poor, the disabled and the aged. He warned about greed and what happens to those who worship money and power.

Many who take Christ’s name call for the Ten Commandments to be publicly posted — but not the Beatitudes or the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus talks about mercy, forgiveness, equality. They go to church, quote the Bible, denounce abortion and homosexuality. They believe God prospers those He has chosen, so they don’t help the poor. I view that prosperity doctrine as worship of mammon. Jesus said, “You can’t serve both God and money.” If something benefits the rich and powerful while making life more difficult for the poor and vulnerable, it contradicts his teachings.

These people embrace intolerance, paranoia, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, authoritarianism. They believe entire ethnic groups are made up of criminals, terrorists and drug dealers — but excuse pardons for convicted drug runners. They rejoice when strangers have food taken away and when people are abducted without due process or just cause. They applaud the bombing of boats with no knowledge of who was killed. They despise people for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors — not hate or fear them.

If our Christianity causes kids to go hungry, the sick to go without healthcare, the stranger to be unwelcome and the needy to be treated like parasites, all while billionaires get richer, we have profoundly misunderstood the most basic elements of Christ’s teachings.

I’m praying for our country. How could we choose hate over love? Fear over hope? Division over inclusion? One of the glories of the United States is its wonderful diversity. We’re a nation of immigrants. Yet we have put a man in power who disrespects minorities, despises people with disabilities, views women as objects to be abused.

We are all created in God’s image — including the homeless, the refugees, disabled, immigrants, Blacks, trans people … You can’t worship God while treating people that God created as garbage.

Jesus said, “Love your neighbor.” He taught compassion. He fed the hungry, touched the untouchable, washed feet, healed the sick. He taught us to love our enemies. He broke bread with sinners and blessed the humble. He welcomed children. He said “blessed are those who make peace.”

Those who follow Him should do likewise. They should be kind, just, fair, compassionate, practicing inclusion, caring for those less fortunate, offering opportunity. They should care for the planet, supporting clean air and water, and safe and healthy food. True Christ-followers care for those less fortunate with love and compassion.

God, thank you for giving me the things I need to honor you with my life. Help me to live in harmony with others and with the natural world you have created. Give me opportunities to show your love to those I meet each day. Empower me with the heart and mind of Christ, so that whatever I do is rooted in God’s love.

Pope Francis said it this way: “You cannot be a Christian without living like a Christian. You cannot be a Christian without practicing the Beatitudes. You cannot be a Christian without doing what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25. It’s hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help, someone who is hungry or thirsty, toss out someone who is in need of help. If I say I am a Christian, but do these things, I’m a hypocrite.”

Feed the hungry. Welcome the stranger. Love your neighbor. This is what Jesus calls us to do.

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Yvona Fast lives in Lake Clear.