'If Jesus is so great, why aren't you nicer?': MSNBC analyst blasts Christians who protest abortion, LGBTQ

After protesters shouted references to the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah during a campaign event earlier this week for openly gay Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, an MSNBC political analyst defended the South Bend, Indiana, mayor — and blasted Christians who speak out against LGBTQ issues and abortion.

"I think that we are going to see a number of protests. Anti-abortion protesters are going to show up at events throughout this primary, I have no doubt," Zerlina Maxwell said Wednesday on MSNBC Live. "And so I think it's a test for Democrats, including Mayor Pete, about how they can handle that type of direct adversity."

'If Jesus is so great, why aren't you nicer?'

Maxwell then tore into Christians who openly oppose progressive ideals in support of LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage.

"I was raise by two pastors, so while I am a progressive feminist, I've often debated folks who are citing the Bible and shouting out 'Sodom and Gomorrah,' that's something they always say," she continued. "And I would always push back and say, 'Listen, if Jesus is so great, why aren't you nicer? Why aren't you kinder? Why aren't you more fair and kind to your neighbor and to your fellow human beings?' Jesus needs new PR. I mean, I always had that line when I growing up."

Maxwell then praised Buttigieg as the ideal Christian.

"Because, honestly, I think what Mayor Pete is doing, is he's demonstrating how to actually be a Christian, to embrace people, to be more compassionate," she added. "And I think that's an example that crosses partisan boundaries actually."

Here's the clip:

What happened at the Buttigieg event?

A pair of protesters at the Tuesday event in Fort Dodge, Iowa, shouted about Sodom and Gomorrah during Buttigieg's speech, the Hill reported. The biblical book of Genesis says God called out those cities due to "grievous" sins and destroyed them; traditionally Sodom and Gomorrah have been associated with homosexual acts.

However, the crowd of 1,650 people at Buttigieg's event shouted down the protesters and chanted his name, the Hill added.

"The good news is the condition of my soul is in the hands of God, but the Iowa caucuses are up to you," Buttigieg said after the first protester was removed, the outlet reported.

"Remember the beauty of our democracy," he said after the second protester was removed, the Hill noted. "Everyone here gets the exact same voice and vote. Feels like the numbers are on our side."

Anything else?

Buttigieg made huge headlines earlier this month when he targeted Vice President Mike Pence, who is opposed to gay marriage.

"If you've got a problem with who I am, your problem is not with me," Buttigieg — who is married — said after referencing Pence. "Your quarrel, sir, is with my creator."