TO THE EDITOR:

Unfortunately, judgmentalism has often been synonymous with Christianity. For centuries, we who are Christian have been taking up gatekeeper roles: proclaiming who is “in” and “out”; controlling anyone breaking from the “true” faith by notoriously “cancelling” our Heavenly-avowed brothers and sisters for centuries; burning “heretics”; and waging bloody wars. All while professing, “hallowed be thy name”.

Cancelling never was a problem for many Christians until the recent outbreak of “Cancel Culture”. I’ve heard that we hate in others what we hate about ourselves. Could it be that we hate how “the world” is acting because it’s the same self-righteousness that we Christians have manifested for centuries?

However, this realization doesn’t require that we let go of accountability. Jesus was constantly speaking truth to power (emphasis on power). This is our work as well. Not contrarily, I believe all are deserving of grace. Outright cancelling individuals is psychologically, relationally and communally damaging and I, too, hate it.

The parable of the prodigal son, addressed to the Pharisees, served as an affront to those engaged in “cancelling”. “Cancel Culture” has mirrored to us our older brother tendencies; confronting the little “canceller” in ourselves and reminding us that we’re all on a journey. When we neglect to show others grace, we are less likely to receive it. No wonder we feel so bitter - we are reaping what we have sown.

Therefore, dear Christian, let us sow love, grace and humility (which might mean sewing our lips).

Brody Hed,

Becker, MN