Inspire compassion and honor human dignity, not to oppress or harm!

A while ago, I visited the exhibition “Slavery and Christianity” at the Catharijneconvent in Utrecht, an experience that deeply moved me by revealing how religious leaders in the 16th and 17th centuries justified slavery. It was painful to see that these pastors and ministers not only defended the slave trade but also actively participated in it, enriching themselves through the suffering of others. Ironically, these profits were used to “help” the poor in the Netherlands, starkly contrasting the fundamental teachings of the Bible.

The exhibition highlighted how verses from the Old and New Testaments, such as Ephesians 6:5, which calls on slaves to obey their masters, were selectively and contextually misquoted to present slavery as divinely approved. This manipulation of Scripture upheld an exploitative and dehumanizing system, disregarding the Biblical principles of human dignity and equality.

I now see that interpreting sacred scriptures must never become a tool for oppression or harm; instead, it should inspire compassion and uplift the dignity of others.

Even today, I see how some Christians use the Bible to marginalize diverse groups, such as the immigrants, divorced people and LGBTQ+ community. Long ago, while waiting for my son in a sportschool, a conversation unfolded that would profoundly change my understanding of my own faith and the interpretation of the Bible. I was reading a Christian book when a young man across from me, unable to contain his curiosity, tried to see what I was reading and eventually asked if it was a Christian book and if I was a pastor. His directness made me nervous. What followed was a story that would shift my perspective on religious exclusion and the power of our interpretations, though this was a gradual process. The young man told me he no longer attended church. The reason was heartbreaking: after his mom divorced his abusive and violent father, he and his mother were marginalized by their church community. They were not allowed to participate in communion and were forced to sit in the back, excluded from the community where they had once found comfort and refuge. Their sorrow and exclusion eventually led them to sever all ties with the church. This story shocked me and brought about a deep sense of shame. It painfully illustrated how the Bible can be used to harm others.

Following doctrines and dogmas without the Spirit of Love that flows from the Holy Spirit reflects a religion devoid of liveliness.

Another experience that deeply affected me was a conversation with a gay man, which challenged my prejudices, previously supported by selective Biblical interpretations. This man, in his sixties, shared his story with me; he had grown up in the church, sang in the choir, and played musical instruments. As a child, he already felt different, and on his eighteenth birthday, he confided his sexuality to his pastor, thinking it was safe. However, instead of finding support, he faced public humiliation: during the Sunday service, the pastor called him forward, not for prayer for his birthday, but to be “exposed” as homosexual, possessed, and in need of deliverance. What does this do to an eighteen-year-old when he is publicly exposed, without any counseling or a private conversation? This incident marked the beginning of a life filled with setbacks, exclusion, and even violence. When I met the older man again, I asked him for forgiveness for my previous prejudices and superficial understanding of his condition.

These stories have shown me the destructive power of using sacred scriptures to hurt others. It was a painful revelation of how deeply the roots of exclusion can extend, even within communities meant to offer love, support and safe haven for those who struggle in life. We often claim that we are safe with God, but I wonder: how safe can we truly be with people and institutions that claim to know God?

The lessons I have drawn from these experiences are both painful and profoundly enriching. They have opened my eyes to the truth that my role as a Christian is not merely about adhering to doctrine but about actively fostering understanding and love—the very heart of the Christian faith. Following doctrines and dogmas without the Spirit of love that flows from the Holy Spirit reflects a religion devoid of liveliness . We are called to be present without judgment, for judgment belongs to God alone. I now see that interpreting sacred scriptures must never become a tool for oppression or harm; instead, it should inspire compassion and uplift the dignity of others.

The conversations with the young man and the older man have had a lasting impact; they have motivated me to approach the Bible and other sacred scriptures with a spirit of love and acceptance. These are the moments that remind us of our shared humanity and the true meaning of our faith. As a community and as individuals, we must strive for a deeper understanding and respect for the diversity within our ranks. It is essential that we acknowledge the mistakes of the past and learn from the painful lessons they offer. By doing so, we can hope to build a future richer in compassion, understanding, and genuine spiritual fulfillment.

We, as a community of believers, must commit ourselves to repairing the harm caused by previous misinterpretations and creating an environment where everyone feels safe to share their minds, feelings and experiences without being judged.