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A few months ago, I shared with my partner my uncertainty about my Christian identity. His reaction was startling: “You’re not Christian! What’s Christian about you? You haven’t been Christian for years!” When I asked him why, he pointed out that I no longer attend church or pray.
I was taken aback. “That’s not what it means to be Christian! What about love and justice?” He dismissed my response, insisting that those qualities weren’t central to Christianity.
This conversation left me feeling frustrated and disillusioned with the superficial expressions of faith I see around me. Recently, I attended a discussion on what makes a church successful, and I was overwhelmed by the same tired metrics of success—more disciples, cultivating wonder, and authenticity.
I’m weary of the hollow talk from Christians about what success looks like. I’m especially frustrated with the narratives pushed by white and Asian Christians—those who promote a version of Christianity that aligns with a nationalistic agenda, suggesting that the U.S. is divinely favored and that our laws are rooted in Christian principles. This perspective overlooks the troubling history of our nation, where exploitation is often disguised as progress.
So, where does Jesus fit into this narrative? What common ground exists between his teachings and the rhetoric of political figures who prioritize unborn lives over those of actual human beings? There’s a stark silence from many churches about the violence against marginalized communities, especially Black and Asian individuals, leaving a void where true advocacy should be.
Asian American churches often reflect similar issues. As a friend pointed out, many perpetuate white supremacy and colonialism, even without the influence of white leaders. While they may offer culturally specific practices, their theological foundations frequently mirror those of mainstream white American churches.
What would it mean for a church to truly be successful? The current obsession with individual salvation and personal relationships with Jesus distracts from the communal responsibility to pursue justice. Instead of measuring success by attendance or financial contributions, churches should reevaluate their missions and practices. They should ask tough questions about how they serve the marginalized and whether they genuinely support LGBTQIA+ members.
A truly successful church would confront its roots in white supremacist theology and be willing to dismantle harmful structures. This might mean closing its doors if necessary, and redistributing resources to BIPOC-led congregations.
It’s a radical thought, but perhaps that’s exactly what Jesus would call for.
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Summary
The op-ed discusses the disconnect between contemporary expressions of Christianity and the core values of love and justice. It critiques the shallow metrics of success often used by churches and calls for a reevaluation of what it means to be a successful congregation. By emphasizing community justice and addressing systemic issues, churches can redefine their purpose and impact.
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Keyphrase: churches success redefined
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