In reference to the letter from Tony Pierce, itself a reference to another letter from Anne Schweers, Rev. Pierce finds it hard to believe that we Progressives cannot comprehend “that there are those who believe in a literal Bible, one where God has set the standards for we humans; that from a perspective of love we share our concerns concerning sinful behavior of all kinds.”

Well, that just isn’t true. We Progressives know full well that there are people who disagree with our interpretation of Christianity, and that is their right. What we truly cannot comprehend, however, are people who say they believe in the Bible but appear to not follow it.

Jesus’ message was mercy first, judgement later, and it permeated his life and teaching. Instead of emphasizing “you get what you deserve,” Jesus’ actions and words all emphasized mercy over judgement.

We see little mercy from Fundamentalists, be they Christian – or Muslim for that matter. Where, for example, does Christianity allow us to exclude people because they may (or may not) do or be something we do not like? Where does it teach that our religious beliefs allow us to treat, well, anybody, with anything less than the love Christ showed for us?

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, advocated that his followers “think and let think” – unless that thinking causes harm to others. Then, and only then, is it time to cry “foul.”

Condoning prejudice against someone in this world “for their own good” to help them get to the next world in good standing is just the kind of rationalization of one’s own bigotry that has rightfully been rejected by so many who have abandoned the church.