One of the most common phrases I heard growing up was, “In the name of God . . .” Around the various and sundry church buildings I frequented, that introductory part of the phrase was followed by some exclamation or encouragement or exultation outlining some action or event tied to the supposed will of the Almighty. At home . . . well that was a different story. More often than not the phrase “In the name of God” was followed by something like, “what are you thinking, boy? Typically that statement was followed by some sort of punishment for something I had done to rankle my parents. The punishment of choice? You got it . . . I got my butt busted! So . . . imagine my early connotations of “In the name of God!” Yep! I’d better get ready for one hell of an ass whuppin because God somehow demanded that of my parents. Spare God’s rod and spoil ME! Yikes!
Now as I grew older I became aware that “In the name of God” was generally a statement that announced some unbelievable action or event. I often recall my parents saying something like, “In the name of God, can you believe he just said that?” Hmmm . . . Confusing!
Later in life – late late high school and early college years – I discovered how adherents to “God called by different names” perpetrated atrocious acts on other people because they were different. People were maimed, imprisoned, enslaved or killed “in the name of God!” It seemed that people found justification for participating in depravity of the worst kind by stamping God’s name on their inhumane acts. They walked around carrying a false sense of spiritual superiority knowing in their heart of hearts that what they did, what EVER they did, was ok because if was done, “In The Name of God!” Stupid, right?
Generally today, we find fewer and fewer groups who follow this path and yet there are pockets that remain. Some of those pockets are rather deep and big! And the damage those pockets of spiritual arrogance can do? My, my, my . . . It’s almost incomprehensible.
You might sit there and say, “Well Mark, you are not talking to me. That’s for sure!” On the surface, you may be right. Most, if not all who venture to read this have never maimed, imprisoned, enslaved or killed anyone for believing differently . . . at least not literally.
My point is this. What are some of the “milder” atrocities we commit “In the Name of God?” Well whenever we hate or label or deceive or misconstrue and do so under the banner of God’s name, are we not guilty? When we exclude because of race or color or religion or sexual orientation, and do so under the banner of God’s name, are we not guilty? When we demand unquestioned fealty to our spiritual superiority, and do so under the banner of God’s name, are we not guilty? When we purposely cover over acts that are inherently evil and then justify them because of a political or ideological position, and do so under the banner of God’s name, are we not guilty?
You get my point? We don’t have to be knights in the Crusades or tormentors in the Inquisition. No. All we need to do is act in ungodly ways and justify those actions because we do them “In the Name of God!”
1 John 4:20 says, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” We have way too many in this world who claim to love the God of their particular religion or slant on religion and commit acts contrary to the God they purport to worship.
The sad part about this for me? I really don’t see much hope of it changing anytime soon. Those who preach and live a philosophy of Universal Love are often quieted by those who live, “In the Name of God!”
I may be naive . . . but a part of me still holds out hope.
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
