03-20-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 20, 2025
The Wednesday Men’s Prayer Group watched a video yesterday of Josh Scott entitled, “Re-wilding the Church.” It was centered around the image of the mustard seed in the Gospels, and in his presentation, he made a reference to White Christian Nationalism. After the video, we had a discussion that ranged all over the place, though it was all good. But someone asked why exactly do we need to be concerned about White Christian Nationalism? I had a couple of potential responses, but the one I shared has a lot to do with reclaiming what I can only describe as Christ-like Christianity. That might seem strange to some people. How could there be anything else? I would agree, except that I think that there are many groups that claim to be Christian, but I have yet to find anything that even remotely resembles Christ-like behavior.

Now, I’m not referring to churches with drastically different liturgical practices or individuals with varying Christological beliefs. While I know some Christians who hold differing viewpoints, I still recognize the presence of Christ in their efforts. However, White Christian Nationalism is a completely different story, and unfortunately, there are many individuals who feel drawn to explore faith and spirituality, yet upon encountering expressions of White Christian Nationalism on television or social media, they have mistakenly assumed that since it bears the name “Christian,” it must be Christian. Not only do some people assume White Christian Nationalism is Christian, but since its hateful and bigoted religion receives significant attention, some people are left thinking that it must represent authentic Christianity. Those who are searching for something life-giving and joyful have no desire to associate themselves with what they perceive as Christian. 

So sadly, I have to spend a lot of time clearly sharing my core convictions, including a belief in the God made real in Jesus. His ministry was centered around dismantling divisions, creating space for those marginalized, and unveiling a love that is both healing and transformative. It would seem straightforward to expose the profound chasm, yet we have passively allowed White Christian Nationalism to gain a stronghold without any resistance for several years. Consequently, we now find ourselves engaged in a challenging effort to reclaim a clearer understanding of what it truly means to follow Jesus. In Matthew 22, Jesus offers some strong words when he says, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” Jesus didn’t use the word ‘must’ very often, so when he does, we should probably pay attention. And in John 13, Jesus said, “This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” If your Christianity offers a lukewarm form of love, akin to an afterthought used for decorative purposes, it may be time to reconsider whether you are misusing the term “Christian.”

It is only because you first loved me, Merciful and Gracious God, that I am able to strive toward a life that shares love like you share love. I’ve got work to do, but I believe your church needs strong, bold, and even reckless expressions of your amazing love. Amen.