A faith of selfishness and greed

Re: “Has the economy damaged the work ethic?” In Theory, April 28: Once again I’m amazed that the Rev. Bryan Griem can call himself a Christian. I thought Christianity was about love, empathy, compassion and care for those who are suffering, hurt and less fortunate.

Instead we get Griem’s Christianity of selfishness and greed when he states,” I tend mine and I reap” or “we Protestants.” He disdains the immigrant and unemployed. To him, it’s us against them.

What a very sad theology, which is completely opposite of what Jesus taught. In Luke 6:20 Jesus said, “Blessed is the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” He said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” In Matthew 25:35, Jesus states, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Griem calls immigrants “illegal aliens” “who get advantages” and that “non-citizens pay their bills with scrip and food stamps for which we’re taxed to compensate,” No, Rev. Griem, no person that God created is “illegal” or an “alien.” Immigrants are real human beings striving for a better life. God does not recognize borders or countries, he recognizes all humanity as worthy of his love. In Leviticus 19:33-34, the Bible states, “Suppose an outsider lives with you in your land. Then do not treat him badly. Treat him as if he were one of your own people. Love him as you love yourself. Remember that all of you were outsiders in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

What we get from Griem is a sad and telling opinion that tells us how far evangelical and fundamentalist Christianity in America has strayed from Jesus and his teachings.

Week after week I have to keep asking myself two questions:” Does Griem even read the Bible?” and “Would I even want to be with him in heaven, let alone his church?” It sounds hellish to me.

Jose Turcios
Glendale