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I have read several opinions provided by Mr. Tim Mannello, in The Sun-Gazette in which he uses Bible verses to challenge the sincerity of conservative Christians with whom he politically disagrees.
The truth is that biblical social justice does not fit well into either liberal or conservative categories. It straddles them and mixes these elements. And we, as Christians, dedicated to improving the world in the name of Jesus Christ, must not hijack specific verses from the Bible to support our political ideology.
In the recent past, he has suggested that conservative Christians are heretical regarding their stance on open southern borders, the treatment of migrants, and their support of Donald Trump's election. He cites several biblical verses to suggest that Jesus Christ is a liberal progressive and that the conservatives are His opposition.
His thesis, his misuse of the bible, his inability to see beyond his ideology are disappointing and frankly dishonest. As a Christian, my religious views highlight my consideration of every political, social, and economic questions that confront our society locally, nationally, and globally. That is my right. He dishonors all Christians who have come to a different point of view than him when He suggests that we are not honest followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Specifically, I will provide a few examples:
• Treatments of Migrants. As a liberal, Mr. Mannello supports an open and porous southern border. Conservatives believe that the real resolution lies in caring for those who truly need asylum and limiting that care based on the resources that are ready and available in our country.
• Open Borders. He suggests that Jesus would encourage open borders to all who experience any hardship within their country of origin. Conservatives, however, recognize that our resources are limited. This causes chaos at the borders and puts so many unfortunate migrants at risk for experiencing trauma, separation, death, and rape.
• Supporters of Donald Trump. He indicates that supporters of Donald Trump have chosen him as our candidate because we thirst for political power /winning over our Christian principles. It is exactly the opposite! Donald Trump, with all his character faults, is the only candidate that is against unfettered abortion, a very important and basic principle of our morality and faith. I only wish that our liberal Christian brothers would reconsider those basic tenets of their faith.
• Criminal Justice. While the life of Jesus Christ is filled with grace and forgiveness, He is also a God of justice. Jesus spoke of punishment for the unrepentant criminal. Again, we conservatives ask that our liberal brothers and sisters align themselves more closely with the Bible rather than liberal district attorneys who allow violent criminals to repeatedly victimize our communities and who celebrate the defunding of our police.
• The Integrity of Our Candidates. Mr. Mannello suggests that the integrity of our candidates (for example, Donald Trump) is so inadequate that voting for him makes us dishonest to our core beliefs as a Christian. But would supporting candidates like President Joe Biden or Hilary Clinton make us better Christians. Has he not been made aware of their and their families selling access to the executive branch of our government?
• National Security. Is it wrong to expect a border control system that allows its officers the time and resources to adequately evaluate every person desiring entrance to our country in the hopes of eliminating gang members, rapists, and foreign adversaries from terrorizing innocent citizens or obtaining government secrets?
• International Security. Is it heretical for conservatives to hope for strong government leadership that will disincline godless countries and dictators to violently accede portions of other countries or aggressively develop weapons of mass destruction?
• Economic Stability. Is it heretical for conservatives to want financial success and economic stability for as many of our fellow countrymen and for the world through effective economic policies that preclude spiraling inflation?
• Social Justice. Is it heretical to be against the indiscriminate provision of money to the poor instead of encouraging education, family development, employment, and disbursement of needed financial support through locally responsible groups and religious organizations?
No Mr. Mannello, I think that we are not wrong. I don't think that your ideas are wrong. We just differ in our opinions of how we see the solution to many of society's issues. I know the depths of your religious beliefs and the goodness of your heart. I do not question either. You are a good man. But so are the many conservative Christians with whom you disagree. In the future, please do not call us names, impugn our faith, or malign our efforts. We are just like you who believe that all authority comes from God. In your last editorial opinion, you asked how we know that statement. It comes from the Bible, Romans 13:1. We as conservative Christians ask for honest and open debate so that we, as a country that has been amazingly blessed by God may, once again, lead the world in social, religious and economic justice.
Dr. Timothy Pagana is a surgeon who lives in Loyalsock Township.