A few months ago, I had a revealing conversation with my spouse about my faith. When I expressed my uncertainty about my identity as a Christian, he responded incredulously, questioning what was left of my faith since I no longer attended church or prayed. His reaction left me indignant. “That’s not the essence of being Christian! What about love and justice?” I retorted. His reply? “That’s not what being Christian’s about!”
This exchange struck a nerve. I’ve grown tired of the superficial notion of love that seems prevalent in many church communities. Recently, during a discussion on what constitutes a successful church, I found myself increasingly frustrated. Many participants spoke about success in terms of growing numbers of disciples, fostering wonder, or being more authentic. I felt like I was ready to go on the offensive.
I’m particularly disillusioned by the narratives that dominate Christian circles, especially those surrounding health, wealth, and a simplistic understanding of forgiveness. It seems to me that many white and Asian Christians have embraced versions of faith that align more with nationalism than with the teachings of Jesus.
Take, for instance, the Christian nationalist ideology that suggests America is uniquely favored by God. This toxic belief system ignores our nation’s troubled history of colonization and systemic injustice. It’s confusing to reconcile the teachings of Jesus with the actions of those who equate military force with law and order, or prioritize the unborn over the lives of marginalized communities. Where is the gospel in the silence surrounding the systemic violence against Black individuals and the tragic murders of Asian women?
This isn’t merely a critique of white Christians; it extends to Asian American churches as well. As a friend aptly pointed out, many of these congregations perpetuate the same harmful ideologies without any white influence. The cultural dynamics may differ, but the theological underpinnings often mirror those of white American Christianity, sometimes even placing a greater emphasis on parental obedience than on social justice.
So, what would it truly mean for a church to be successful? The current paradigm of success, which often revolves around attendance numbers and financial contributions, needs a serious rethink. Imagine if churches critically examined their policies and practices. What if they genuinely focused on caring for the marginalized and pursuing justice against anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and other forms of oppression?
Consider how churches treat their members, particularly those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Are they welcoming and affirming? How do they handle issues of abuse? Are they more concerned with maintaining a pristine reputation or with protecting the vulnerable?
A truly successful church, especially in America, would confront the ingrained white supremacist theology that permeates so much of Western Christianity. This might mean re-evaluating their assets and actively supporting BIPOC-led congregations. It’s a radical thought, but perhaps it’s the kind of radicalism that Jesus would endorse.
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As we rethink the role of churches, we should consider how they can better embody the values of love, justice, and community.