He left his White evangelical bubble. Here’s what he says it would take for others to do the same
If you don’t realize how powerful White Christian evangelicals have become, consider this:
A White Christian evangelical, who has been described as “the embodiment of White Christian nationalism in a tailored suit,” is now second in line to the presidency.
Rep. Mike Johnson, the new Speaker of the House, is a White evangelical. His ascension represents one of the greatest political ironies of our time. White evangelical Protestants make up only about 14% of Americans, and that number has been steadily shrinking. But White evangelicals have amassed more political power than ever. They helped inspire the US Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade last year, and their steadfast support of former President Trump could return him to the White House.
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You’ve said, ‘I still believe in evangelicals, but I don’t believe in evangelism.’ What does that mean?
It means that there’s a lot of really great people in these evangelical churches, all over the country and in the world. Just fantastic individuals and families. But there’s a whole culture of political beliefs and cultural practices that have been added on to the faith that I was indoctrinated in. It’s taken me decades to unpack all the assumptions that were layered on to my worldview by these teachings.
You say you were taught what to feel, what to believe, but not how to think. Can you elaborate?
When you’re in that kind of place where all the answers to life’s questions start with a very firm set of beliefs that are based on a text that is interpreted and read in a way that is actually not even the way that the Bible has been read for most of Christianity’s history, then you’re backed into a corner when it comes to asking questions. You can ask them up to a certain point. But once you bump up against any of the answers that are set in stone, the answers start to become labeled as dangerous, sinful, or evil.
What shifted your beliefs from the way you were raised?
If I had to put it on one thing, it would be given the permission to ask questions and follow the truth wherever the facts lead.
Who or what gave you that permission?
Becoming a journalist.
Are you still an evangelical, or do you call yourself something else?
I don’t think I would use that label. I think I would just call myself a Christian.
more:
http://www.cnn.com/2023/11/05/us/white-christian-evangelicals-blake-cec/index.html
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