There are Christians who throw big stones at homosexual couples. They shout, “You will all burn in hellfire!” Those who judge like this should not be surprised if they end up in hell themselves. The warning against judging is found in Matthew 7. In America, there is an exceptionally awful kind of Christian, the evangelicals. They believe in white supremacy and are staunchly behind Donald Trump and his conspiracies. Isn't Trump like a dangerous animal that talks big and loves to lie? Anyone who believes differently is an enemy. With one hand, evangelicals hold up the Bible and emphasize the law, while their hatred of certain groups is already wrong and against the law. With the other hand, they hold a gun. They would like to try it out on homosexuals, communists, Jews, or Muslims. Where is the love of neighbors here? Jesus would probably have said something like this today: He who is without sin should be the first to shoot the gay man!

Brazil is a country where many Christian nationalists live. They worship former President Jair Bolsonaro like God. But why was it tolerated that Bolsonaro destroyed the divine creation by deforesting the rainforests during his time in office? Bolsonaro and Trump are basically godless people who make themselves opportunists for evangelicals. Politicians simply need votes. Evangelicals not only worship God; they also worship capitalism. However, this system stands for soulless greed for profit through the exploitation of people, animals, and nature. Could the beast that crushes everything have something to do with capitalism?

Back to homosexual couples. Of course, God is not amused by same-sex love. Nevertheless, the salvation of homosexuals is not impossible, since Jesus Christ died for all sinners. They must be clearly diagnosed with sin, and if a patient becomes insightly and tries to mend his ways, there is hope for salvation. Salvation therefore comes through repentance, a change of inner course. Whether people go to heaven ultimately depends on the grace of God. In the other world, beyond God's grace, madness and chaos reign.

Let's take a look at what happened on Golgotha (Luke 23). Two criminals were crucified together with Jesus. There is no account of how these two bad boys went astray, why they became criminals. One of them blasphemed God. Because of his lack of fear of God, he received a rebuke from the other. This other one showed himself to be insightful and confessed that he (himself) deserved the death penalty because his evil deeds were worth it. This led to the recognition and confession of sin. Furthermore, the person with insight believed in Jesus' innocence and asked him to remember him. The criminal turned to Jesus personally, who promised him the kingdom of heaven. God keeps his promises. You can rely on God if that doesn't give you hope.

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Conversion proceeds as follows: self-knowledge and recognition of sin. Then comes confession of sin followed by surrendering one's life (turning) to Jesus Christ. If this path is taken, then a process of growth in faith begins. This leads to a life without unfounded fear and worry. The result of reverence for God is decent behavior towards one's fellow human beings and a considerate approach to nature. Indifference was yesterday.

“Christians are sinners and saints at the same time.” You often hear this contradictory statement from preachers. I also like this saying, but this one is even better, “Christians are sinners and hypocrites.” I find it quite astonishing who calls himself a Christian these days. Not everyone who wears a cross around their neck is a Christian. Not everyone who goes to church regularly is a Christian. And not everyone who holds up a Bible and swears by this book is a Christian. Donald Trump has already done this; that says it all. Jesus was completely innocent. Trump has been impeached many times, and each time the guy boldly claims he is completely innocent. Does Trump think he's God?