Many Americans in this day and age find obtain their deeply rooted values and

beliefs from the text of the bible or the religious group they belong to. Each groups
interpretation matters and affects the following generations in a multitude of ways.
Religion and belief in biblical texts as also gotten contraversial and become a partisan
“issue.” They way that christianity and interpretation of the bible is taken to the extreme
to influence relationships within society can have both positive and negative affects.
Many politicians utilize religion in an unproductive and negative manner. This can
have negative aspects in society. For example, the podcast “God Bless” discussed
various issues, one of which was Donald Trumps political advertisement of Biden in a
church that was populated with a majority of people of color. He used a negative phrase
that suggested that Christians of color were less worthy than white christians. Because
Trump was a popular leader to those who aligned with his right, conservative views, he
had an impact, arguably negative, on those who followed him. Often, it is easier to just
believe what is seen instead of completing research and developing an individualistic
interpretation and within politicized religious issues and events, this has become a
norm. This mindset of blind following is harmful and its effect can carry and divide for
generations. “For the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
Revelations 22:5. If anything, claiming the title of Christian should not divide, it should
unite and open eyes to be agape to the truth as it is written in the bible.
Psychologically, we identify with those who look like us and hold similar values
and beliefs. In the podcast, the hosts discussed the appearance of Jesus in paintings in
the United states and the motivation behind his appearance. Often, in predominantly
white churches in the united states Jesus is shown as a white man that could “fit in” with
societal “norms” in the united states today. Historians have proven that Jesus is not
depicted properly in the United States. So why is this? Looking back at our history, the
inaccurate depiction of Jesus has been used by Christian groups for religiously
motivated purposes. These instances where widley negative and did not have
constructive purposes with respect to the bible. Being inaccurate to motivate a christian
sect to believe a certain way is not productive or responsible in handing down christian
views and values to future generations. The irrisponsible motivation does not reflect
faithfulness and alignment to the bible. Revelations 2:10 quotes “Be faithful unto death,
and I will give you the crown of life.” Using specific parts of the bible to discriminate and
divide may feel faithful but at what cost? Is harming those of the same faith due to
racial, or political motivations count as faithfulness? Faithfulness is spreading the good
of God, not using Gods word to harm others.
Upon reflection within the book of Revelations from the bible, this book can be
comparable to what is happening today. In summary, this book was written in response
to conflict within the christian sect of religion. It was written to unite and remind the
reader of God’s faithfulness. There is a lot of religious tension in the world about what
beliefs are right and wrong and why. I feel as John did while writing the book of
revelation: hopeless and yearning to unite. During the time of Revelations, John viewed
faithfulness, attitudes and respect as important values to hold in order to achieve the
goal of making a more united world in the aspect of christianity. He wanted to uphold the
belief that the sole being that should be worshiped was God. “I fell down at his feet to
worship him, but he siad to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you
and your bothters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God” Revelation 19:10.
While this is my interpretation, I do not feel as though I am narrow minded in this view
as it is a vague one. The message of the book of Revelations is easily transferable to
the religious aspect of our society today. People of all different backgrounds and
religions can interpret this book of the bible as they please but it is the close minded
ness and irresponsible goals that will have an affect on future generations. “Here is a
call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and
their faith in Jesus” Revelations 14:12. In accordance with the book of revelations and in
response to the politicisation of the bible and christianity, I aim to reiterate that living as
a Christian is being united while keeping a respectful, and open heart.