One Baptism, One Faith?

I’m ashamed to admit that, in reading the book, I was often surprised to find

that Kuo shares my heartfelt concerns about hunger, poverty and homelessness. I
guess I had forgotten that – for all their focus on other people’s bedrooms –
conservative Christians read the same Gospels that I do.

Just across the street from my liberal little Episcopal church is one of
those great big, non-denominational conservative congregations.

A few years ago, a couple of us church ladies were sitting in our church
rectory with Father Michael when he started going off on the homophobia and
self-righteousness of the "folks across the street." We agreed wholeheartedly
with his rant – until our priest spat out: "They shouldn’t be allowed to call
themselves Christians."

"Whoa, Michael," one of his parishioners interrupted. "One faith, one
baptism. We hate their politics, but they’re still our brothers and sisters in
Christ."

Father Michael glowered, but was silenced.

I thought about that moment as I was reading David Kuo’s Tempting
Faith.

I’m ashamed to admit that, in reading the book, I was often surprised to find
that Kuo shares my heartfelt concerns about hunger, poverty and homelessness. I
guess I had forgotten that – for all their focus on other people’s bedrooms –
conservative Christians read the same Gospels that I do. And if we truly believe
in the power of the Word, it shouldn’t surprise us when Christians on the other
side of the aisle are inspired to mercy, charity and compassion.

I will never agree with Kuo that our government should be in the business of
funding religious organizations. Oddly enough, I completely agree with John
Ashcroft, who told Kuo: "It is against my religion to impose my religion." But
in reading Kuo’s book, I was filled with hope that, some day, American
Christians could unite to attack some of the sinful social ills that beset our
nation, even if we disagree on the best methods.

In the last chapter of his book, Kuo writes: "The last time I checked, Jesus
said we should love our enemies." In the wake of Foley’s disgrace and the
ensuing finger-pointing among the Republican leadership, it’s so easy (and fun)
for us Democrats to revel in their public fall from grace. But as we watch these
shameful events unfold, we should remind ourselves of our true goals – a just
and compassionate nation.

So let’s try to remember that these are painful times for many fellow
Christians whose heartfelt faith has been betrayed by those in power. Instead of
glee, we should see this as a heaven-sent opportunity to act like real
Christians and love our enemies.

Because, if we truly believe what we say we do, we know they’re not our
enemies at all.

One faith, one baptism. Right?