You have attracted people who are determined that ideology is more important than facts. ~ Ted Koppel to Sean Hannity. 

In the United States, there is a clash between the facts that non Christian people see and experience and the ideology of many Christians, especially  white Christians.

Rather than being the light of the world (John 5:14) that Jesus called us to be, the ideology of many Christians has intensified the rejection of Christianity among our fellow citizens. Rather than being light to their fellow Americans, many American Christians are at war with them.

The light we are called to be as Christians is expressed in the traits that Jesus reveals in the sermon on the mount, which we often refer to as the Beattitudes. Being meek, poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers never once caused anyone outside the faith to blaspheme.

The culture wars that many American Christians have engaged in against their fellow citizens is steeped in right winged politics rather than the truth that is in Christ.

Consider the title of a podcast I recently came across as two Christian rightwingers engaged in political conversation about “Christian warfare” against the left. I have changed the name of the person to American Christian Activist, because my point is not to bring attention to any one particular person, but the mindset behind American Christian ideology. The title said:

American Christian Activist EXPOSES the “Love your neighbor” Fake Christianity.

When loving your neighbor is met with contempt, true motives are revealed. Ironically, Jesus employed the truth of loving your neighbor many times, and he did so to expose the hypocrisy of those who presented themselves as spiritual people. The story of the Good Samaritan is a visual illustration given by the Lord of glory regarding what loving your neighbor actually looks like.

Unfortunately, the ideology of many American Christians who like to use terms such as “biblical” to defend their culture war positions, looks nothing like the model Jesus gave us in the Good Samaritan.

Rather than being a light to the world around us in true holiness and the fear of the Lord, many American Christians have embraced a persecution mentality and feel threatened by the lifestyles of their fellow American citizens, and rather than showing kindness and mercy, they have chosen to engage in culture wars against their neighbor. 

In this ideology the Bible no longer points them to fear of a Holy God in true humility, but the sacred scriptures now serve as their political guide book for justifying the hatred they have for their neighbor.