Yet, hope lives on. The United States was founded on a rejection of authoritarian religion that sought to control rather than inspire. I believe we will reject it again, holding fast to the principles of freedom, love, and unity that strengthen both our faith and our democracy.

Stripped of compassion and love, this version of religion is no longer Christianity; it’s a hollow masquerade, far removed from the teachings that call for humility, justice, and mercy.

Christianity at its core offers a transformative path of love, humility, and service. But when entangled with power politics and prosperity teachings, it becomes consumed by greed, pride, and other destructive forces—fostering division, selfish ambition, and hostility.