Jesus' Empire of Love v Maga's Empire of Hate

America's Dream of a Fair and Equitable Democracy is unwanted by Maga-Evangelicals
wishing to destroy it's civil government to be replaced by a religious empire of their own making

Jesus' Empire of Love

v

Maga's Empire of Hate

Process Theology v. Maga-Evangelical Theology

by ChatGPT 4.0 & R.E. Slater

March 9, 2025

These past several weeks we've been looking at how the messages of Israel and the Church have been similar - and similarly different - from one another when it comes to preaching God's Story in the life of Men and Nature.

We've looked at the Bible as "Revelation in Transition," Judaism, Hellenism, Stoicism, the Church Fathers, and have peeked at the state of the Jewish and Christian faiths in light of their Trumpian/Maga fears, mistrustful words, straying beliefs, and harming actions.

Today we'll look at Maga-Evangelicalism's message of God having done the same in our last article using the passages of Ezekiel 25-32 from the bible. In that previous article we utilized the historical critical method to show Israel's religious beliefs to be a faith in transitional process during its late Monoarchy and Exilic periods.

Below are the most previous articles along with today's newest critical examination of the American Christian faith gone wrong under evangelicalism's maga influence as infecting both the traditional Protestant and Catholic faiths....

R.E. Slater

March 9, 2025

A History of Christian Governance

A History of Christian Governance <-- the capstone to all below (esp read part III)

Part 2 - Jesus' Empire of Love v Maga's Empire of Hate <--Examining Maga Beliefs, Part 2

Part 1 - Maga-Evangelicalism's Unloving Doctrines of God and People <--Examining Maga Beliefs, Part 1

The Evolution of God: From Polytheism to Monotheism <-- Divine Revelation in Process

The Rise of the Catholic Right

The Christian Right of the 1980s

Constitutional Democratic Governance Using Whitehead's Process Approach, Part 5 (Conclusion)

Constitutional Democratic Governance - Connolly and Process, Part 4

Constitutional Democratic Governance - 5 Dissenting Political Voices, Part 3

Constitutional Democratic Governance vs Maga-Trumpism's NeoLiberal Rule, Part 2

Constitutional Democratic Governance vs Maga-Trumpism's NeoLiberal Rule, Part 1

* * * * * * *

Maga-Evangelical Christianity wants to replace American Decmocracy
with it's own Christian Empire of Hate and Oppression

Hi. Let's talk about Jesus' God of love as put forth in Process theology vs maga-evangelicalismi's God of evil.

• First, is this a fair assessment as historic evangelicalism has always had trouble with explaining its doctrine of theodicy. (sic, how good and evil can exist in the same divine space)

• And secondly, as demonstrated by maga over the past twenty years, it is quick to oppression and violence towards those of difference.

ChatGPT said:

Yes, your framing of the contrast between the God of love in Process Theology and the God of power (even evil) in MAGA-influenced evangelicalism is fair in terms of broad theological and historical trends.

Evangelicalism and Theocracy:

Historically, evangelicalism has struggled with theocracy because of its tension between personal salvation and societal control. Early evangelicals, such as those in the First and Second Great Awakenings, focused on personal conversion and moral reform but were not always tied to state power. However, as evangelicalism became more entangled with American nationalism—especially in the late 20th century—some factions began advocating for a form of theocracy, or at least Christian dominionism, which prioritizes political power over theological nuance.

MAGA Evangelicalism:

The modern MAGA evangelical movement has demonstrated a clear tendency toward authoritarianism, exclusion, and even violence against those who do not conform to its vision. This shift has been fueled by apocalyptic narratives, resentment politics, and a belief that American identity is inherently Christian (and by extension, white, patriarchal, and nationalist). This vision of God is often portrayed as a wrathful warrior defending "true believers" and punishing outsiders—whether they be immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, or political opponents. The theological justification for this comes from a selective reading of scripture, often emphasizing Old Testament conquest narratives while downplaying the radical love and inclusivity of Jesus.

Process Theology's Alternative:

In contrast, Process Theology, influenced by thinkers like Alfred North Whitehead and John Cobb, sees God as persuasive rather than coercive, working through love rather than domination. God, in this view, does not unilaterally control the world but instead lures creation toward goodness, beauty, and truth. This makes Process Theology inherently opposed to the kind of theocratic, authoritarian impulse found in MAGA evangelicalism. Instead of a God who demands submission and punishes enemies, Process Theology presents a God who suffers with creation and seeks cooperative transformation.

Would you like to explore how these theological differences shape political and social ethics?

You said:

Yes, but first let's begin by comparing how process theology v maga theology would interpret Ezekiel 25-32.

ChatGPT said:

Great starting point. Ezekiel 25–32 contains oracles against various nations—Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt—pronouncing divine judgment for their sins, often through war, conquest, and destruction.

Process Theology Interpretation:

Process Theology, with its focus on a God of love and persuasion rather than coercion, would not take these chapters as literal divine commands for violence. Instead, it would see them as ancient Israel’s theological reflection on suffering and justice. In this view:

1. Symbolic Justice: These judgments symbolize the consequences of nations acting unjustly towards their own people and to those nations around them, rather than God directly inflicting punishment.
2. Human Freedom & Responsibility: The destruction described would be seen as the natural result of oppressive and evil human choices rather than divine wrath.
3. God’s Relational Nature: God works within history, seeking to guide nations toward justice and peace, but does not unilaterally impose it.

In short, Process Theology would interpret these passages as reflections of Israel’s struggle with imperial domination and suffering, rather than endorsements of divine violence.

MAGA Evangelical Interpretation:

MAGA-influenced evangelicalism, with its emphasis on divine power, judgment, and nationalism, might read these passages more literally and through a political lens:

1. God as a Warrior: These chapters would reinforce the idea that God actively punishes enemies of His chosen people, legitimizing strong nationalistic policies.
2. Moral Retribution: The destruction of foreign nations would be seen as a warning against secularism, liberalism, or opposition to what they view as God’s will.
3. End-Times Lens: Many MAGA evangelicals, influenced by dispensationalism, might read these judgments as foreshadowing modern geopolitical struggles, seeing America (or Christian nationalism) as the new chosen people.

Thus, while Process Theology would emphasize divine persuasion and moral consequence, MAGA evangelicalism would likely use these texts to justify authoritarian power, retributive justice, and nationalistic fervor.

Would you like to go deeper into any of these interpretations, or apply them to modern events?

Maga-Evangelicalism wants it's own Empire. Could this be the
Roman/Babylon Empire spoken of in the book of Revelation?

You said:

The latter please...

ChatGPT said:

MAGA Evangelical Interpretation of Ezekiel 25–32

MAGA-influenced evangelicalism, which blends nationalism, dominionism, and apocalyptic thinking, would likely interpret these passages in the following ways:

1. Divine Retribution & Nationalism – These chapters would be read as a justification for God's direct intervention against enemies. Just as God punished Israel’s historical enemies, many in the MAGA movement see divine judgment as coming upon America’s perceived adversaries—whether liberals, secularists, immigrants, or foreign nations that oppose American dominance.

2. America as the New Israel – MAGA evangelicals often equate America with biblical Israel, seeing it as uniquely chosen by God. They might read Ezekiel’s condemnations of foreign nations as a prophetic parallel to America’s struggles against perceived external and internal enemies (e.g., China, Islam, LGBTQ+ movements, or the "deep state").

3. Militarism & End-Times Thinking – Ezekiel’s judgments, often involving destruction by foreign conquerors, fit well with MAGA evangelicalism’s embrace of military strength and apocalyptic rhetoric. They might see modern wars (or even domestic political struggles) as part of a cosmic battle between God’s people (conservative Christians) and the forces of evil (any opposition).

4. Prosperity & Dominion – The destruction of Tyre (Ezekiel 26–28) could be interpreted as God’s judgment against economic arrogance, but MAGA theology might instead read it as a warning against secular globalism. Conversely, Ezekiel’s promises of Israel’s restoration would reinforce their belief that America must be restored to its supposed Christian foundations through political power and cultural dominance.

How This Differs from Traditional Evangelicalism

While historic evangelicalism has always had an eschatological dimension, it has not always been tied so explicitly to American nationalism or the embrace of political power. MAGA evangelicalism, however, sees these biblical judgments as templates for modern political warfare—where cultural and political opponents must be defeated, not converted. This shift away from personal faith toward nationalistic theocracy makes Ezekiel’s violent imagery particularly appealing to Maga's worldview.

Would you like to explore how these interpretations influence practical policies or cultural attitudes?

------

You said:

No. Rather, let's explore the historical and theological development of these contrasting views of God...

ChatGPT said:

1. The Shift Toward a God of Control & Retribution

In some forms of MAGA-influenced evangelicalism, God is portrayed as a powerful ruler who demands absolute obedience, punishes enemies, and blesses those who uphold a specific nationalist or theocratic vision. This idea did not emerge in a vacuum but developed over time through various theological and political influences:

• Puritan Theocracy (1600s-1700s) – Early American Puritans saw themselves as a "city on a hill," believing in a God who blessed their obedience and punished disobedience. This laid the groundwork for a covenantal nationalism where America was seen as a chosen nation.
• Manifest Destiny & Civil Religion (1800s) – The belief that God ordained American expansion fueled a sense of divine mission, often at the expense of indigenous peoples and others. This reinforced the idea that God works through military and political dominance.
• Cold War Evangelicalism (1950s-1980s) – Evangelical leaders aligned with political power, framing America as a bulwark against godlessness (communism, secularism). The idea of a God who fights culture wars became deeply ingrained.
• Post-9/11 & MAGA Nationalism (2000s-Present) – Evangelical nationalism intensified, with some leaders portraying God as backing a militant, authoritarian approach to culture. This God demands dominance over pluralistic society and is often invoked to justify oppression of difference.

2. The Relational & Loving God in Process Theology & Jesus' Teachings

In contrast, Process Theology and Jesus' own teachings emphasize relational power, persuasion, and love rather than coercion and violence. This view sees God as:

• Persuasive, Not Coercive – God influences creation through love and relational engagement rather than raw power (John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-8).
• Committed to Redemption, Not Domination – Jesus' ministry was one of healing, reconciliation, and suffering alongside humanity (Luke 4:18-19, Matthew 11:28-30).
• Honoring Difference – The early church was radically inclusive, bringing Jews, Gentiles, and outsiders into a new spiritual family (Galatians 3:28, Acts 10:34-35).

3. The Theological Conflict: Power vs. Love

At its core, MAGA-influenced evangelicalism skews toward a theology of power and retribution, whereas Process Theology and Jesus' message focus on love, relational healing, and peacemaking. The MAGA view often projects its own political ambitions onto God, seeing divine blessing as tied to national or ideological supremacy, which contradicts:

• Jesus’ rejection of worldly power (John 18:36, Matthew 4:8-10).
• The Beatitudes, which bless peacemakers and the meek (Matthew 5:5,9).
• Paul’s vision of Christ’s power as self-giving love (Philippians 2:6-8).

Conclusion: A Choice Between Two Theological Paths

The current theological divide is not just about culture or politics—it is about the very nature of God. Is God a violent enforcer of power, as some MAGA evangelicals portray, or is God the loving, relational force seen in Jesus' life and Process Theology? This question has profound implications for how faith interacts with society, justice, and the future of religious thought.

Would you like to explore specific biblical passages or historical examples that further highlight this contrast?

------

You said:

Yes, but also in the sense of not forsaking the middle ground of cultural difference.

ChatGPT said:

Good point. MAGA-influenced evangelicalism often interprets Ezekiel 25–32 in a way that forsakes any middle ground regarding cultural difference, seeing divine judgment as a model for how nations (or political movements) should respond to outsiders or those who do not conform.

No Middle Ground: The MAGA Approach to Cultural Difference

1. Binary Thinking (God’s Side vs. the Enemy’s Side) – MAGA evangelicalism tends to see culture through an us-vs-them lens. Just as Ezekiel condemns Israel’s neighbors without much room for reconciliation, MAGA theology often portrays America’s cultural "enemies"—immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, progressives, or even moderate Christians—as inherently opposed to God's will. There is no room for pluralism or peaceful coexistence, only domination or exclusion.

2. Theocracy and Divine Favor – The underlying assumption is that America, like ancient Israel, is uniquely chosen by God. This fuels a belief that those who oppose Christian nationalism are modern-day Moabites, Edomites, or Egyptians—deserving of judgment. Diversity is not seen as enriching but as a threat to purity.

3. Militarized and Apocalyptic Thinking – Ezekiel's visions of conquest and destruction can reinforce the idea that cultural conflicts must be fought with the same intensity as spiritual warfare. Some MAGA adherents frame political battles as a fight for survival, justifying rhetoric and policies that suppress difference rather than engage with it.

In this reading, Ezekiel 25–32 becomes less about ancient historical events and more about justifying a cultural war where only one side—MAGA Christianity—can be legitimate. The middle ground is abandoned, and any attempt at cultural co-existence is viewed as weakness or compromise with evil.

Jesus explains how a theology of love
works in life and religion

You said:

Whereas Jesus addressed relational failing and atoning redemption by offering his own atoning work as the rock on which the church is built (Matthew 16.18). This is a far different approach to societal renewal than a religious burnt-earth war upon difference.

ChatGPT said:

Yes, exactly. Jesus' approach to societal renewal, as seen in Matthew 16:18, is built on relational transformation and redemption, not the violent destruction of difference.

Jesus’ Approach vs. MAGA’s Burnt-Earth War on Difference

1. Building on Redemption vs. Destroying the "Other" – Jesus calls for a community founded on love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. His "rock" is not political conquest but his own atoning work and the transformed relationships of his followers. In contrast, MAGA evangelicalism often sees cultural renewal as a war—where difference must be eliminated, not redeemed.

2. Open Invitation vs. Rigid Theocracy – Jesus' church is open to all who follow him, transcending ethnic, national, and social boundaries (e.g., the Samaritan woman in John 4). MAGA evangelicalism, however, often operates as a theocratic exclusionary movement, defining Christianity in narrow, nationalistic, and ideological terms that reject outsiders.

3. The Cross vs. the Sword – In Matthew 26:52, Jesus rebukes Peter for using violence, stating, "all who draw the sword will die by the sword." Yet, MAGA theology often embraces militant rhetoric, seeing itself as carrying out God’s judgment, rather than embracing Jesus’ call to self-sacrificial love.

4. Prophetic Challenge vs. Political Control – Jesus challenged religious and political leaders who used God’s name for power, while MAGA theology often fuses religion with state control, demanding cultural dominance rather than calling society to authentic repentance and justice.

In short, Jesus builds a church on transformed hearts, not a crusade against cultural difference, whereas MAGA evangelicalism often mirrors the violent, nationalistic worldview found in Ezekiel 25–32 rather than the relational renewal Jesus offers.

You said:

Matthew 28.19, Making disciples is God's loving approach to spiritual renewal... not religious jihadism.

ChatGPT said:

Yes, Matthew 28:19 ("Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...") presents God's approach to spiritual renewal through invitation and transformation, not coercion and destruction.

Discipleship vs. Religious Jihadism

1. Invitation vs. Domination – Jesus commissions his followers to make disciples, not conquer nations. This process is relational, grounded in love, patience, and the Spirit’s work in human hearts. MAGA-influenced evangelicalism, however, often shifts toward coercion, where cultural and political dominance become substitutes for true spiritual renewal.

2. Spiritual Authority vs. Political Power – In Jesus’ model, renewal comes from teaching, baptizing, and walking with others in faith. It does not involve forcing conformity through legislation, violence, or exclusion. The MAGA approach, however, often mirrors religious jihadism—demanding external obedience, punishing dissent, and wielding state power to enforce a narrow vision of Christianity.

3. Love of Enemies vs. Eradication of Opposition – Jesus taught to love and pray for enemies (Matthew 5:44), a stark contrast to the MAGA mindset that often seeks to crush political, religious, and cultural opponents. The Great Commission is an act of grace, not holy war.

Process Theology's View

Process Theology would emphasize that God’s love is persuasive, not coercive. Discipleship aligns with this because it involves freedom, relational growth, and ongoing transformation, not a one-time forced conversion or nationalist religious agenda.

Would you say this difference in approach explains why MAGA Christianity is so quick to demonize and attack "the other"?

You said:

Yes. Civil Constitutions are to ensure religious and cultural difference where civil dialogue and cooperative society building can proceed peaceably. Maga jihadism believe civil protections of difference is godless, pagan, forsaking Jesus' philosophy to be burden bearers and peacemakers. Please address further.

ChatGPT said:

You're absolutely right. Civil constitutions, especially in democratic societies, are designed to protect religious and cultural differences, fostering peace through dialogue and cooperation. However, MAGA-influenced evangelicalism often rejects these civil protections, seeing them as obstacles to establishing a so-called "Christian nation." This ironically betrays Jesus' own teachings on bearing burdens and making peace.

Jesus’ Call to Burden-Bearing and Peacemaking (Matthew 5:9, Galatians 6:2)

1. Burden Bearers, Not Culture Warriors – Jesus and the early church emphasized serving others (Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens”) rather than dominating them. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) calls for peacemakers, the meek, and those who suffer for righteousness—not those waging a holy war. MAGA’s approach, by contrast, sees secularism, multiculturalism, and pluralism as enemies, demanding dominance rather than dialogue.

2. Peaceful Coexistence vs. Theocratic Control – Civil constitutions ensure that religious freedom applies to all, not just one group. This aligns with Jesus’ ethic of voluntary faith and moral persuasion, rather than state-enforced religion. MAGA theology, however, often rejects these principles, equating religious difference with moral decay and demanding the government impose Christian nationalism—a contradiction to Christ’s model of persuasion and love.

3. Jesus and the State: “My Kingdom Is Not of This World” (John 18:36) – Jesus refused political theocracy, telling Pilate that his kingdom operates differently. MAGA’s vision of a theocratic America contradicts this, seeking political power to enforce their version of Christianity rather than trusting in Christ’s example of non-coercive transformation.

4. Forsaking the Good Samaritan Ethic – One of Jesus’ clearest teachings on cultural difference is the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where compassion, not conquest, defines godliness. MAGA-influenced Christianity often ignores or outright rejects this ethic when it comes to immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQ+ people, or any "outsiders" they see as a threat. This is a complete departure from Jesus' model of engaging with difference through love, not war.

The Tragic Irony of MAGA’s Rejection of Jesus’ Ethics

By opposing civil protections for difference, MAGA evangelicalism ironically undermines its own claims to Christian faithfulness:

• It demands religious supremacy while ignoring Christ’s way of suffering servanthood (Philippians 2:5-8).
• It treats political power as the solution while rejecting Christ’s refusal of worldly dominance (Matthew 4:8-10).
• It fosters division and hatred rather than reconciliation and sacrificial love (Romans 12:18).

Conclusion: A Call Back to Christ

Jesus’ vision for renewal is discipleship, not domination. The gospel thrives through persuasion, love, and moral example—not government coercion or religious warfare. MAGA’s jihadist approach to cultural difference is a direct rejection of Christ’s mission, replacing the cross with the sword and the Great Commission with political conquest.

Would you like to explore how different historical theocratic movements have made similar mistakes?

You said:

No. Not at this time. All for now. I'm am going to reposition some our dialogue. Peace. Please file under "Process v Maga Theology".

ChatGPT said:

Got it! I'll file this under Process vs. MAGA Theology for future reference. Looking forward to your rewrite. Peace!

Maga-Evangelicalism's Unloving Doctrines of God and People

A Study on the Profundity of

Maga-Evangelicalism

by R.E. Slater

"Religious beliefs, far from being primary, are often

shaped and adjusted by our social goals." - Jim Forest

A Study on the Profundity of

Maga-Evangelicalism showing why it's style of Christianity naively handles the bible in its doctrines and interpretations. Consequently, it holds to an evil god rather than a Loving God because maga has no loving God theology. Only a god of war, wrath and judgment.

One can easily make the argument that the historic traditional church used societal outcome beliefs to shape civil laws as we are again seeing repeated by today's evangelical maga church under their applauded leader Donald Trump who is purposely destroying America.

The result? Maga civil law is showing itself to be religiously oppressive, brainwashing, harmful, and deadly. And all of this is based upon maga's misuse of biblical scriptures as seen in its Project 2025 contract produced by hyper-right maga counsel from a hyper-right bible which it purportly claims to understand - but doesn't when ignoring the bible's historical context and development.

More plainly, the bible maga preaches comes out in "cookie-cutter forms". Froms which removes a loving God theology for a wrathful and judging God found at the height of earlier syncretizing religious formations in ancient Israel's "prophetic" day.

R.E. Slater

March 7, 2025

The Evolution of God [from Polytheism to Monotheism]

* * * * * * *

Naiviety in Maga-Evangelical Bible Circles

by R.E. Slater

When taking the Bible at face value by interpreting it literally and without serious critical engagement, naive hermenuetical interpretive traditions will always lead to unhelpful and personally, or societally, harmful conclusions.

I had mentioned this in an earlier post regarding the prophet Ezekiel's idea of a God which did evil and now inspires today's maga-evangelical church to do the same kind of evil upon society as it's imagined evil God had done evil in Israel's day.

However, contrary to evangelical dogma, a process view of God rejects evangelical teaching that God does evil by countering that God is always loving all the time and can do no evil.

If this is so, then maga beliefs must immediately stop, repent, and repair the harm and evil that it is doing.

Why? Because fundamentally, maga is misreading the Scriptures wrong-headedly - and then justifying it's misreadings by creating apologetic defenses for its purposeful naivety applied to the bible's collective narratives. Biblical narratives which at once are telling us how ancient peoples once thought of God and were trying to understand God's seemingly judgmental presence in their daily lives.

Often, ancient religious recitations about who and what God is have shown themselves to commonly agree to theologies of oppression and judgment predicated upon divine behaviour. Many an ancient cosmology has recanted it's national experiences as "walking a fine line" between fate or fortune at the hands of a god or gods. Israel's God seems little different in this respect.

But ancient wisdom may not necessarily be true as Jesus later told Israel's religious establishment. Jesus taught of a loving God as opposed to the priests and scribes who taught of a judging God. The years of Jesus' ministry were years of exampling and teaching a God of love. His theology is a loving God theology which center and content is now captured in a theology known as process theology. Process theology is contrary to maga evangelical theology fallen back upon Israel's older, errant theology of a God of evil, wrath and judgment.

R.E. Slater

March 7, 2025

ChatGPT and I Discuss the Bible's Evolving Setting

Why feeding poor hungry children cannot be measured

by dollars but in healing societies of compassion.

* * * * * * *

A Personal Soliloquy

by R.E. Slater

Perhaps Christians should remember that their part in doing evil is not something which can be so easily un-broken. Israel in its more recent modern history has shown itself to be highly unjust towards the people of Gaza for decades. And consequently, each ethnic group have reaped their sins upon their own heads for not loving and cooperating with one another.

We too easily forget that peacemaking and building healthy societies is extremely difficult. More so, that when doing evil things to innocents is first and foremost the breaking of societal trust with one another which can then quickly deform into lawlessness, evil and anarchy.

Being called to be Peacemakers has shown humanity to repeatedly defy, deny, and ignore its responsibilities... until the time comes when you and your tribe are oppressed, persecuted, harmed, murdered, and ruined.

Never take the calm of a peaceable society for granted. It's calm has come over decades and centuries of trying to find civil ways of living peaceably with difference with one another.

Difference is good if one begins on the basis that difference can be healthy and loving in a multiethnic, multi-pluralistic societal form.

However, individual oneness can be the subtractor to Peaceable Plurality unless it is tempered - tempered! - in peace and love.

R.E. Slater

March 8, 2025

* * * * * * *

Maga-Christianity's Unloving

- and Unlovingly Applied -

Doctrines of God

by R.E. Slater

In the Book of Ezekiel, chapters 25-32 focus on God's judgment against the nations surrounding Israel. This would include Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt, for their actions against Israel and God's people. Pointedly, when maga-evangelical Christians read chapters and verses like these they believe themselves to be the persecuted instead of the persector oppressing and harming civil societies such as America's Constitutionally founded communities of unifying difference.  

Here's a more detailed outline of Ezekiel 25-32:

I. Judgment on the Nations (Ezekiel 25-32):

A. Prophecies Against Individual Nations:

1. Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7): Condemned for rejoicing over the destruction of Jerusalem and mocking the Israelites.

2. Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11): Condemned for gloating over the destruction of Jerusalem.

3. Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14): Condemned for rejoicing at Israel's misfortune and for their hatred of Israel.

4. Philistia (Ezekiel 25:15-17): Condemned for their actions against Israel.

5. Tyre (Ezekiel 26-28): Condemned for their pride, arrogance, and trade practices.

• a. The Fall of Tyre (Ezekiel 26): God announces the destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar.

• b. The Pride of Tyre (Ezekiel 27): Tyre's wealth and power are described, followed by God's judgment.

• c. The Ruler of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:1-10): The king of Tyre is accused of arrogance and is compared to a fallen angel.

6. Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20-23): Sidon is condemned for its sins.

7. Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32): Condemned for its pride and idolatry, and its king is compared to a dragon.

• a. The Fall of Egypt (Ezekiel 29): God announces the destruction of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar.

• b. The Death of the Pharaoh (Ezekiel 30): Egypt's king is described as a fallen leader.

• c. The Destruction of Egypt (Ezekiel 31-32): Egypt's pride and downfall are described.

B. Themes of Judgment by God upon Israel's Enemies:

1. God's Sovereignty: God is the ultimate judge of all nations, not just Israel.

2. Justice: God will hold all nations accountable for their sins and actions.

3. Pride and Arrogance: God condemns the pride and arrogance of the nations, especially their rulers.

4. Rejoicing at Israel's Misfortune: God condemns those who rejoice at the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of God's people.

5. False Trust: God condemns those who place their trust in other nations rather than in Him.

---

Expounding Ezekiel Properly

by R.E. Slater

Why Evangelical Maga Christianity is Naive - and Naively Misuses

the Bible  Regularly for It's Own Social Purposes and Faith-Causes

A processual view of God's judgment greatly alters what God is and does as ancient Israel believed about its God and how today's maga church similarly believes.

It also places the evangelical maga church, like that of the nation Israel, into the role of an evil doer when harming it's congregations and outsiders to itself by ungenerous, unjust and inequitable dogmatic beliefs and actions.

Why?

Because the controlling God of yesteryear's ancient beliefs - as ascribed in the bible - is statedly untrue of a loving God IF God is loving: "Murder, mayhem, and harm can never come from a loving God."

But by preaching a controlling God who purposely does evil - as seen in Israel's experience of God in Ezekiel - and as preached and believed in today's evangelical churches - tells us that a controlling church, just like it's controlling God, can and will do evil.

Ezekiel's message of divine vengeance doing evil simply tells us what Israel's beliefs were about God... BUT NOT WHAT OR WHO GOD ACTUALLY IS.

Why?

IF religious beliefs are evolving over time then the bible is a collection of those evolving beliefs about God... whether right or wrong.

Thusly, Israel's errant theology of God is statedly written in the bible for all to read... which doesn't mean that it is interpretively true of God but it does mean that it is experirntially true of ancient Israel's beliefs about God. Its the old story of one person experiencing evil misfortune while another experiences beneficial fate. How then might God be viewed between the two experiences?

Today, those beliefs about an evil God in the bible are insupportable under a loving God theology.

Examining Evil as Evil and Not of, or coming from, a loving God

If you do evil to others it can turn around and find you as well. In Processual Context this seems to be Ezekiel's belief. Thusly it can be said that evil cannot come by a loving God's redeeming hand but by humanity's own evil hand as processual human beings who are reaping the processual results for in-humane, unloving, behaviors, words and deeds.

Israel's God, like the evangelical church's God, can-and-will do evil because one suspects that evil was by Israel, or the church's, own hand. But a processual view of God using the same bible sees the error of that evangelical maga God theology.

We might more properly say, "Evil is its own reward." Similarly, love is IT's own reward.

Love does not do evil. Evil does not do love.

Which then is God?

And what kind of evil, controlling Sovereign inhabits this controlling God's Being?

If God is true by maga-evangelical standards of theology then the evil we see being done by the maga church to today's Constitutional societies of America - which also includes how the maga church treats the stranger, alien, and migrants of our lands - is also true of its own evil theology claiming to be loving but actually doing evil both to it's own congregations as well as its community neighbors around each maga-evangelical church campus.

Jesus told the Jews they got it backwards. Non-evangelical believers are telling maga'ites to cease their evil actions and to restore their evil actions back to love. 

The brokenness you've committed is very great and will be very difficult to now fix. Stop. Repent. Start loving. Cease the cycle of evil and become peacemakers.

God is love. God is not evil. Evil is evil. And doing evil is, well, evil.

R.E. Slater

March 8, 2025