If you listen to the public representations of Christianity in the media, you might think that Christians --- some of them, at least --- are obsessed with condemnation.

Televangelists condemn people they believe to be living sinful lives due to their sexual orientation, martial status, and views on everything from abortion to capital punishment. Christians leading political organizations regularly call out specific opposing politicians as either hypocrites or, if they claim to be Christian, unworthy of the name. A best-selling fictions series tells the stories of those who are rescued by God at the end of time, and the sinners who are "left behind."

It appears sometimes that these churches and their official and unofficial spokespeople are more concerned with keeping people out of their church than inviting them in. I mean, if you think that someone is not following Jesus Christ, and doesn't want to, what value is there in making sure that they know you disapprove of their behavior? Wouldn't it be a better use of everyone's time and energy to invite people into a community of faith than to make sure they know that they don't belong and are not welcome?

In today's Gospel reading we're told that "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through him." It would seem to me that if God did not see fit to condemn the world, then neither should those of us who call ourselves believers.

Today's celebration, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, recognizes that God is not an individual but a relationship of three persons. I can't pretend to know how this is so, only that it is something we believe based on a combination of history, tradition, and experience.

But if the essence of God is relationships, it makes sense that those of us made in God's image should be primarily concerned about relationships as well. If the fullness of God is best depicted as a loving community, then the fullness of humanity should also best be described as a loving community.

So where does condemnation fit in a "loving community"? It is hard to believe that it belongs anywhere at all. "Whoever believes in him will not be condemned," today's Gospel concludes, "but whoever does not believe has already been condemned." Condemnation may indeed be a reality at some point for some people, but it doesn't seem to be the job of the Christian community to make that assessment.

It stands to reason that we are closest to God when we are united in relationships that share God's love. It would be wonderful if the public presentation of the Christian faith stressed love, acceptance and compassion. These virtues, apparently, don't get the votes, donations or air time that condemnation and judgment achieve. It is a shame.

I have a feeling, though, that these are the virtues that most Christians do, in fact, practice. That is what the God we believe in is all about.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa. He may be reached at bptidings@yahoo.com.