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As I’ve had time to reflect on Wednesday’s traumatic events (and they were traumatic, so we all get time to reflect and have insights on this one) I’m especially troubled by the Christian participation.
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There were LOTS. Videos have contemporary Christian music playing on loudspeakers. People carried crosses and even erected one, prayed, and participated as Christians.
I don’t think it’s helpful when we say, “Yeah, but they aren’t REALLY Christians.” That’s right up there with not all white people, etc.
I was also really troubled when a young man said, “I was so thankful to know no Episcopalians were there.”
Uhhh, Dude, we don’t know that.
I was also really troubled when a young man said, “I was so thankful to know no Episcopalians were there.”
Uhhh, Dude, we don’t know that.
The fact is, throughout history, the Christian Church has oppressed, vilified, and acted in ways that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. Not a fringe movement, not only the “evangelicals”, but the mainstream Main Street church, and we need to know that history.
We need to teach that history, to repent of that history, and continue to do the work of repairing the damage inflicted by Christianity.
I think we also keep witnessing the Christianity that does welcome the outcast and work for Justice. We have that history, too.
I think we also keep witnessing the Christianity that does welcome the outcast and work for Justice. We have that history, too.
I was so thankful for the number of Christian church leaders at every level who spoke out forcefully against the insurrection and the use of Christianity in such a violent, hate-filled act. But we also have to recognize how-again-Christianity is being used for hate and violence.
I don’t have any great solutions other than to keep speaking out as Christians who welcome, condemn hate (especially hate speech framed as Christian teaching), and make no friend with oppression.
Also, familiarize yourself with Christian Nationalism. It existed before trump and will be here after him. This is a helpful article. https://gen.medium.com/jesus-at-the-capitol-attack-5db3601d4ee5
Anyway, my thoughts and prayers on this Sunday evening after a long week. Christianity has taught me love and mercy. I’ve discovered my scars are holy. And I’m pretty fond of Jesus’ teachings and working for justice. I’m not willing to let another narrative co-opt the Way of Love
