I was going to write a commentary on a text from Ephesians, but then it turned highly political (as commentary on religious text often does). That wasn’t why I stopped writing it, though. I stopped writing that piece to write this piece instead. I began musing on all the “issues” I had with Christianity–specifically American Christianity–when I once again stumbled onto the issue that has given me the most grief as I have grown up: the conditions in John 3:16.

If you have been to any Sunday School class, you probably know John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” It’s a beautiful verse. You’ve got redemption, forgiveness, and love; my issue is that according to this verse, salvation has conditions. One might even go so far as to say that the love itself has limits.

The God I know loves everyone unconditionally. The God I believe in knows no limits nor bounds. But John 3:16 says humanity can only find salvation IF they believe in God. The broken world I was born into has no hope if they do not know Jesus. I can’t find peace in that.

The passage continues with John 3:17: “Indeed, God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” It’s uplifting, but it doesn’t solve the problem. The way I read this text, I see: “God doesn’t want to condemn you, but if you don’t believe in the impossible, then sucks to suck I guess.” I know that’s a rather harsh light, but the bible isn’t often sugar-coated.

How can I confess my faith in a God that will willingly condemn people because they cannot believe in the impossible? I believe, and I will encourage humanity to find God in their lives, but I understand how much I am asking of someone that has not lived my life. If the God I know loves everyone as they are, why are there conditions on salvation.

As Lutherans, we are taught the concept of grace. (Fun Fact: my name (Charis) is the Greek word for grace). We are taught that grace and salvation are freely given, and that we cannot ever truly earn them. Yet then we turn around and preach John 3:16, as if “grace freely given” does not exist. How can we come to terms with a faith that appears to have double standards? Someone please make this make sense.

I am going to seminary. I am going to become a pastor and do my best to bring hope to people where I can and where I am able. But how can I look people in the eyes and tell them there’s no hope if they don’t accept Jesus?

People have been hurt by the church. There’s no arguing that point. I am one of the people that has been hurt by the church. I know many PASTORS that have been hurt by the church. We are constantly hearing stories of abuse and toxicity from the church. And if, for whatever reason, these people associate their hurt with God, and choose to walk away, how are you supposed to tell me that they are condemned?

I do not care what you tell me the bible says. If someone is hurt by the church and they walk away for their well-being, you’re telling me they’re condemned? You’re going to tell me that the “Christians” in that church are saved because they believe, but there isn’t enough grace for someone that was put through hell by the family that was supposed to uplift them?

I call bullshit. The faith I hold to my heart, and the God I believe in, cannot exist in this land of double standards. I believe there is salvation for EVERYONE. I believe there is grace enough for EVERYONE.

Maybe I’m just crazy in believing that everyone is saved. Not “can be” saved. I believe everyone IS saved. Jesus did not come to this Earth, endure torture and death, and defeat the devil just to put conditions of worthiness on humanity. I don’t buy it.

Once again, maybe I’m just crazy. Maybe it’s because it’s 1am and I’m running on Mtn Dew and Hot Cheetos. Or maybe–just maybe–I’m onto something that you’ve also been thinking? Maybe, you have an answer to my decade-long musings on grace and salvation. Or maybe you want to talk about it. I’m down with whatever. I’m just done pretending I’m ok with bumper-sticker Christianity. We can no longer sit on the sidelines “talking the talk.” We need to get out of our seats and do something. I always hear people complaining about how horrible the world is, and they never do anything about it. If you see a problem, and do nothing to fix it, you might as well have caused the problem. Get up and do something about it. If you want change, you have to make change. Change doesn’t just spontaneously occur.

Ok, on the spiraling note, it’s time to wrap this up. If you have anything to add to this topic, please either comment down below or reach out to me on social media. I’m always willing to have civil conversations with people, and would love to hear your thoughts!