You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it. (Matt 7:13-14)
Do you believe in heaven and hell? What is this “narrow gate” the Bible is talking about? Is heaven small, or just the gate?
This book is for everyone. If you’re not a Christian, I hope you’ll still follow along. I’m not going to try to convert you. Who knows? You may actually be Christian and not be aware of it – more on that later.
If you’re not a liberal, however, I surely am going to try to convert you. This book contends that conservatives desecrate the Holy Scriptures by stressing the wrong issues, ignoring the right ones, and following a path that strays far away from the loving kindness that is at the core of our faith.
If you’re angry about the title, that’s a natural reaction. Let’s break it down into its component parts.
I chose the word “Conservative” not for its original meaning, which is to resist change, but rather as it is used to describe the “Right” end of the political wing span. I didn’t use the term “Right Wing” because I thought that might lead many of you to think you're off the hook. And I didn’t use the term “Republican” – because Democrats can be conservative, too.
The definition for “Desecrate” or “Profane” is “To treat (something sacred) with irreverence or contempt. To debase by an unworthy use.” When conservatives use The Bible to advance an unloving agenda, I see that as an unworthy use.
I believe that deeds flow from faith, and that the political outcomes you support are a window to your faith. If (1) you knowingly support certain policies, and (2) I show you those policies are harmful, and (3) you know that harm is immoral, and that (4) your morality is a reflection of your faith, and (5) your faith is your salvation, then I think it’s safe to say that your soul is in peril. Whether your soul is actually damned by God is not my call – all I'm saying is that I think you're at risk.
You may think this line of reasoning is all a load of trash, but what if you’re wrong? Do you really want to gamble with something as important as what happens to you after you die? If you're a conservative Christian who believes in the Bible, you know the consequences are dire. In this passage, God is said to have the power to cast people into hell:
Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill the body; they cannot do any more to you. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill people and then throw them into hell. (Luke 12:4-5)
We're being asked to see beyond what we can see. A lifetime may seem long, but compared to all generations past and future, it is but the blink of an eye. After that, if hell is real, here's what the Bible says you can expect:
In the place of the dead there is excitement over your arrival. World leaders and mighty kings long dead are there to see you. With one voice they all cry out, ‘Now you are as weak as we are! Your might and power are gone; they were buried with you. All the pleasant music in your palace has ceased. Now maggots are your sheet and worms your blanket.’ (Isa 14:9-11)
In addition to Christians and well-meaning non-Christians, I'm fully aware that some of you are neither. The fear of hell may have no effect you. You may even say you're a Christian when you're not, and use the good will of others to take an unfair advantage in this world. All I can say is, now you're REALLY gambling, because if there is a hell, you're almost certainly bound for it! I expect even conservative Christians would agree with me on this. You wouldn't be the first to place your own selfish interests above God and creation:
How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ (Isa 14:12-14)
Better play it safe and read on.