To the Editor:

As a former American History and Civics teacher, who has spent more than my share of time studying the US Constitution and the discussions that took place around it, I’m fascinated by the position of Christian Nationalists.

Before the Constitution was ratified and when they had every opportunity to write God and church into it, there were lengthy discussions about that very subject. And they chose not to. The very definition of deliberately.

For any Catholics out there, who think that when they were talking about Christians back then, they were talking about Catholics? I hate to tell you, they weren’t talking about you. My own ancestors, who were active in those discussions, are credibly believed to have sheltered the conspirators who beheaded King Charlie for his Catholicism. They still aren’t talking about you. So put that aside before it bites you.

What I find most fascinating is the fixation on the 10 Commandments. Not that there’s anything wrong with them. I believe in living by them. Unfortunately, your golden calf, Trump, thinks they are a checklist for what to violate. And they are in the Old Testament. Not the New Testament. You know, the one based on the teachings of the Christ.

If it’s Christianity you’re interested in, how about a little focus on what Jesus taught? Take the Sermon on the Mount, for example. There He gave us the Beatitudes. As a refresher, here they are for your consideration.

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right; they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful; they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart; they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of what is right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Now ask yourself. What is Christian?

Razor wire in the river or food for hungry schoolchildren?

Tax breaks for the rich or programs to support middle class workers?

Unrestricted pollution or care of the earth?

I would love to live in a truly Christian Nation. Christian in practice, not in empty proclamation.
Pat Collins,
Fillmore, Ca.