The Inclusive Christ

Many, including myself, seem to be going through spiritual struggle and confusion. There are times when the storm is simply too much for me to wade through, and I have to resort to spiritual simplification. I go to the life of Christ during times of difficult decision-making. I choose to put every other principle, policy, or doctrine on the shelf, and focus on the Savior. There is safety in following His perfect example, regardless of where your testimony or conviction currently stands. In fact, regardless of whether we are atheist, agnostic, or devout Christians, I believe He showed human beings the best way to live.

So, with all this political and spiritual division we have recently seen in so many of our religious circles, simplifying may be the road to spiritual clarity.

What would Jesus do?

I have heard many conversations about loving vs. condoning, and the relationship between the two. In our faith, we are called upon to stand up for what we believe, and be unapologetic in our convictions. On the other hand, we are called upon to love as the Savior did. Many express this concern. “I’m afraid that if I show love or support to my LGBT family members or friends, I’ll be compromising my own values and beliefs.” I can understand that question, and I think the best way to find the answer is to ask, “What would Jesus do?”

Christ was inclusive. Not only was he inclusive, but he was attacked by his dissenters for his inclusivity. He was known for it, characterized by it. They challenged him, “Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?” Christ showed love to all, especially those who were different than he. Whether they were poor, sinners (aren’t we all), beggars, or Samaritans, he showed them compassion and genuine interest.

If I may, I would like to clarify the fact that I am not implying that it is my perception or belief that  LGBT individuals are any more comparable than heterosexuals to the sinners mentioned in the New Testament. Not at all. Though admittedly, I know that thought in particular may not be a highly uncommon one amongst certain Christian religious circles. My only hope is to ease some stress felt by some who may feel they must choose between loving and feeling true to their beliefs.

I find it interesting that the Inclusive Christ was most critical of the exclusive culture of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They drew the harsh lines and they exhibited the destructive “us and them”, “wicked and righteous” mentality. Was Christ casting off or diminishing his perfect Sonship by associating with those so far from perfect? No, on the contrary, such actions affirmed his Sonship and divinity. In a way, his inclusive nature is what made him unique in the existing culture. It is part of what defined his mortal ministry. He made it clear that his love was unconditional and independent of the choices others made. To love is not to condone. 

I believe we can do the same as the Savior, with the confidence of knowing that the demonstration of our love for those who are different than us makes us more like Him than any other possible action. This is what he taught.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

I assure anyone reading this that I consistently have to check my own actions and my own excluding nature as I navigate the conflict of my LGBT Mormon journey. But I want to be like the Inclusive Christ. We have to do this together. I hope we can all remember to keep our figurative stones in our pockets, instead of casting them towards our fellow sinners, whose relationships we need to become as the Savior is and was.