Simply Catholic and Welcoming You

Preaching Exclusion is a Denial of Jesus’ Teaching on Love, Non-judgement and Inclusion.

An Altar and Baptismal Font - Sure Invitations for All People to Come Unto Christ.

The assertion that "preaching exclusion is a denial of Jesus' teaching on love, non-judgement and inclusion" is a common interpretation of Christian teaching, as Jesus emphasized universal love, compassion for the poor and oppressed, and the spiritual equality of all people in Christ, regardless of background. Many Christian traditions hold that exclusion, particularly when done in the name of Christ, contradicts His core message of welcoming all God's children to the table and fostering a Beloved Community.

Among the Key Teachings of Jesus are;

Love for All: Jesus taught to love one's neighbor, which is seen by many as an unconditional commandment that extends to all people, including strangers, the poor, and the marginalized.

Non-Judgement: Jesus's teachings promote non-judgment, urging followers to look at their own failings rather than focusing on the perceived faults of others.

Inclusion and Spiritual Equality: Verses like Galatians 3:28 state that in Christ, distinctions like "Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male and female" are transcended, meaning all are spiritually one and equally valued.

Exclusion as a Contradiction of these key teachings of Jesus

Rejecting the "Beloved Community": Those who preach exclusion may be seen as working against the goal of growing Christ's Beloved Community, a vision where all people are welcome and embraced.

Misinterpreting Divine Love: God's love is described as a "plan of salvation" that is not exclusionary but rather available to everyone who believes. Indeed “God so loved the world…” John 3:16 - not just certain chosen people.

The Example of Christ: Christ is often portrayed as the ultimate example of inclusion, welcoming the outcast and the sinner, so actions contradicting this are seen as a rejection of His example and word.

The "Excluding" Nature of Exclusion

Misrepresenting God's Truth: Some argue that when people are excluded in the name of Christ, it's a misrepresentation of His teachings, akin to "worshiping me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me". Matthew 15:8

Rooted in Human Systems: Practices of exclusion are sometimes seen as a symptom of human systems and prejudices, rather than divine will. At its core exclusion is a manifestation of systemic pride (one of the ‘seven deadly sins) where we, as humans, attempt to determine who is fit for the Kingdom of God when that determination belongs purely to God and Jesus!

Western Christianity is based on Roman/Imperial Legalism. An authoritarian, reactive enforcement mentality that did not and still does not treat those viewed as ‘lesser’ in a fair and humanitarian, let alone Christlike manner. Both the Jews and the Romans had a “Rank” or “Caste” system where rewards flowed upwards and punishments fell downwards in their societies. Thus the easy justification for wars/crusades, atrocities and other abuses in the so-called ‘name’/cause of faith.

That is a complete contradiction of Jesus and all His teachings!

Preaching Exclusion is a Denial of Jesus’ Teaching "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son"

A Simple Wooden Cross With a Rosary Draped Over It - The Empty Cross is a Sign of Christ's Sacrifice and Eternal Love for ALL Mankind

Let’s return to the verse, "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life" which is a well-known Bible verse, John 3:16, which expresses the belief that God's love led him to sacrifice his Son, Jesus, for the salvation of all humanity. This act of love, according to the verse, allows believers in Jesus to receive eternal life instead of perishing.

Context and Meaning

Source: The phrase comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 3, Verse 16, in the New Testament of the Bible.

God's Love: It is a foundational statement of Christian belief, highlighting God's immense and profound love for the world and humanity.

The Gift of His Son: To demonstrate this love, God gave his only Son, Jesus Christ.

Salvation and Belief: Jesus's life and sacrifice are central to this act of love. Those who believe in him are offered eternal life.

Purpose of the Son's Coming: The verse continues by explaining that God sent his Son “..not to condemn the world, but for it to be saved through Him”. John 3:17

In summary, John 3:16 communicates a message of:

Divine Love: The extent of God's love for the world.

Sacrifice: God's willingness to sacrifice his only Son.

Faith: The belief in Jesus as the key to salvation.

Eternal Life: The promise of everlasting life for those who believe.

Jesus tells us:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another”. John 13:34

Love for Even our Enemies - “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who despite fully use you”. Matthew 5:43

"Judge not, lest ye be judged" is a biblical admonition from Jesus in Matthew 7:1, urging people to avoid hypocritical or condemning judgment of others because the standard they use to judge will be applied to them. Instead of condemning, the verse promotes self-reflection, humility, and compassion, suggesting one should address their own flaws before criticizing others.

Context in Matthew 7

Speck and Log Analogy: Jesus illustrates this with the analogy of a person trying to remove a tiny speck of dust from their brother's eye while ignoring a large log in their own eye. He calls the person with the log a hypocrite, who first needs to deal with their own "beam" before they can see clearly enough to help their brother.

Measure for Measure: The passage emphasizes that the way you judge others will be the same way you are judged, and the measure you use for others will be used for you.

Not a Universal Command to Never Judge: The verse does not mean that all judgment is wrong. Instead, it critiques hypocritical judgment—applying different, harsher standards to others than to oneself.

Key Meanings and Implications

Self-Reflection: The primary message is to look inward first, addressing one's own faults and sins before trying to point out the faults of others.

Humility and Mercy: It encourages a mindset of humility, recognizing one's own imperfections, and approaching others with mercy and understanding, rather than harsh condemnation.

Compassion: The command promotes compassion and forgiveness, suggesting that if you want to be treated with understanding, you should also extend that same understanding to others.

Preaching Exclusion is a Denial of Jesus’ Teaching of The (Two) Greatest Commandments

Fr. Bradley Confects the Eucharist at Catholic Mass - Where We Invite All to Join Us in Receiving Holy Communion

Surely Jesus Taught the Opposite of Exclusion When He Gave Us What He Himself Called “The (Two) Greatest Commandments”.

Biblical Basis

This concept is found in the Shema Prayer, as cited in the New Testament by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40 and Mark 12:30-31.

The Greatest Commandment: Jesus identified loving God with all your heart, soul, might and mind as the first and greatest commandment.

To love God with all your heart is to prioritize God as the central focus of your life, dedicating your entire being to Him by aligning your emotions, desires, thoughts, and actions with His will and purposes. This involves submitting your will to His plan, finding your deepest satisfaction in Him, and making Him the ultimate standard for your desires and goals.

Foundation for All Law: He explained that all the Law and the Prophets (the entirety of religious teachings) are fulfilled by this commandment and the second greatest, which is to “love your neighbor as yourself”. Mark 12:31

"Love your neighbor as yourself" is also a widely known ethical principle from the Torah (Leviticus 19:18)

Practical Application

Loving God with all your heart involves:

Submission: Willingly placing your emotions, desires, and goals under God's guidance, acknowledging that His wisdom is superior to your own.

Fellowship: Intentionally seeking and nurturing a relationship with God through prayer and by immersing your heart and mind in His truth and word.

Total Devotion: Making God the center of your life, ensuring that no other master or desire competes for first place in your heart, as stated in Matthew 6:24.

Matthew 6:24 states that "no one can serve two masters" and clarifies that a person cannot serve both God and mammon (wealth), as they will be devoted to one and despise the other. This teaching, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizes that true devotion requires a singular loyalty, and individuals must choose between serving God and prioritizing wealth.

Enduring Challenges: Allowing God to guide you through suffering and difficulties, as demonstrated by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, to become closer to the Father.

Daily Commitment: Living out this love by reciting the Shema (a Jewish prayer expressing devotion to God) or Christian prayers when at home and away, as a constant reminder of this commitment to total Love of all people, indeed all of God’s creation is a good start. Still “Faith without works is dead.” James 2:26 and we must actually put actions behind our faith. We must actually work on loving all people!

Not all who say 'Lord, Lord' will enter heaven; only those who do God's will. Jesus will say, 'I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.' Matthew 7:21-23

For too long mankind has sought to use ‘religion’ as an excuse for wrongdoing! Our challenge was never to grow religions that fight over the interpretations and applications of religious/canon law. It has always been to actually follow the teachings and example of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

To follow, by actually enacting as best we each can, the actual Spirituality of Jesus and literally DO what He called us to Do! Surely not to use His Holy Name, or our ‘religion’ as an excuse to do wrong against anyone else is the ultimate blasphemy!

Preaching Exclusion is a Denial of Jesus’ Teaching on Love, Non-judgement and Inclusion.

Preaching Exclusion is a Denial of Jesus’ Teaching "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son"

Preaching Exclusion is a Denial of Jesus’ Teaching of The (Two) Greatest Commandments

Recent Articles

Catholic-Confession

Ordination, incardination and dismissal of clergy

Catholic Last Rites