As an ethicist from Grove City College, a conservative, evangelical institution, opined recently, a consequentialist “holds that good ends, however they might be defined, can justify the use of unethical means.” As he reflects on recent administration’s behaviors, he suggests that sort of thinking is a utilitarian approach, but not truly Christian. I agree, and I’ve been suggesting the same over the last few weeks. “I don’t agree with what’s happening (or all that’s being done or said), but…” isn’t a great approach to Christian ethics.
I’ve spoken or written to a number of Christians including pastors in favor of the administration’s ultimate goals about current events. I, too, want safety, prosperity, and justice. I am sensitive to how people long for a government that reflects their values, American traditional values included. I love and have served my country, making an oath to defend the Constitution. I have been injured doing so at times (as a police officer), and I have had several near death experiences. I say this as evidence that I love our nation, and I admit that I am supportive of some (not all) of the stated goals. Yet, I also know there is no justice without mercy (Micah 6:8). I remember that Jesus came to call all people to himself, not just Americans (John 12:32). We live in a political world where good people might not agree, but we don’t have to hate one another or demonize. Jesus calls us to be better than that.
I have come to understand from scripture that there is no “me first” sentiment overruling love of neighbor or enemy, but we are told to follow Jesus which means we must instead cary a cross (Matthew 16:24). Sacrifice is often necessary. I’ve sought to apply Christ’s Beatitudes to whatever I should do or not do, especially in difficult situations. I have of course failed at times, sometimes abysmally so, but I try to repent and make amends for my sin, turning to God so that I might live (Isaiah 45:22) – to live abundantly now as well as eternally as Jesus promises.
As Christians, we need to have our yes mean yes, and no mean no (Matthew 5:37). We should not explain away sin, rude behaviors or hurting people – intentionally or not – because we think the goals are “good.” We are to defeat evil with good (Romans 12:21) whether a liberal, a conservative, or an “anywhere in between” Christian. Humbly, we should listen and consider where we might be wrong, because no human is always right. We should repent and show others grace if they are willing to change. For as Jesus says in Mark 8:36, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
This doesn’t mean we must go to war, culture war or otherwise, but we are called to decency – to be human in the best sense of the word, loved and changed by God. St. Peter himself argued, “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:25). We are to love, not objectify, demean or abuse. Meekness was a word used to describe both Moses and Jesus, so I expect it does not mean what much of the world thinks. It takes courage, and it’s hard.
So perhaps like Sophie Scholl, Christian martyr of WW2, we must grow to understand that, “Just because so many things are in conflict does not mean that we ourselves should be divided” (as quoted in Seeking Peace: Notes and Conversations Along the Way, 1998, by Johann Christoph Arnold, p. 155). Or as with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we can try to just be decent in the face of evil, as Victoria Barnett, a Bonhoeffer scholar, points out so well. Or even as Mother Teresa, Br. Roger of Taizé, and so many others who sought to live simply and at peace demonstrated through the simplicity of their lives, we can seek to do all things with great love. That’s often how the world experiences change; ultimately experiences Jesus.
A hero of mine, Jonathan Daniels, closed his valedictory address at VMI with this sentiment, one which I share, “I wish you the decency and nobility of which you are capable.” By God’s help, we are all capable of such a life no matter how impossible it might seem.
© 2025 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.
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