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A few months back, I confided in my partner about my waning faith, and he reacted incredulously, “You’re not even Christian! What part of you embodies Christianity anymore? You haven’t been involved in years!”
I was taken aback. “What do you mean?” I protested.
“You don’t attend church, pray, or engage in those rituals,” he replied.
I felt a surge of indignation. “That’s not the essence of being Christian! What about love and justice?”
To which he retorted, “That’s not what Christianity is about!”
If that’s not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is. I’m fed up with the superficiality of love being peddled in faith communities.
Recently, I participated in a discussion on what constitutes a successful church, and I was nearly overwhelmed. Listening to countless voices claim that success is measured by disciple-making, inspiring awe, or authenticity, I was on the brink of losing my composure.
I’m tired of the hollow rhetoric surrounding success in Christianity. I’m particularly frustrated with the narratives pushed by white and Asian Christians.
I’m weary of white Christians promoting a Christian nationalist agenda, asserting that the U.S. is divinely favored, and claiming our laws are rooted in “Biblical” principles (it’s ironic that I don’t see any parents stoning their children for rebellion as the scriptures suggest). The violent history of this nation is reframed as a divine destiny, while capitalism is equated with good news. The authority of our police and military is misconstrued as law and order.
But where does Jesus fit into this imperial narrative? What parallels can be drawn between Jesus and the likes of former President Trump, Republican agendas, or the pro-fetus movement—where an unborn entity is prioritized over actual living individuals? Where is the gospel when the church remains silent in the face of rampant violence against Black communities, and when the murder of Asian women is trivialized by blaming “sexual temptation”?
This is not only blasphemous; it’s a perversion of true doctrine.
As for Asian American churches, one friend aptly remarked, “Many Asian churches I know exemplify how one can perpetuate white supremacy and colonialism without the influence of white individuals.” Beyond language and cultural practices, the theology of these churches often mirrors that of white American Christianity, perhaps with an even stronger emphasis on familial obedience.
I hadn’t even heard of Asian American theology until last year. At forty-two, this realization was shocking.
What Would a Truly Successful Church Look Like?
This predicament arises when Christian nationalism misleads people with a diluted version of justice that prioritizes individual relationships with Jesus over communal or national justice. It allows Christians to evade accountability for systemic issues like white supremacy and patriarchy.
Instead of measuring success by attendance numbers, tithes, or conversions, churches should abandon the very notion of success. Imagine if they scrutinized their policies and practices. What if their principles genuinely reflected a commitment to the marginalized and pursued justice against anti-Blackness, white supremacy, patriarchy, and ableism?
What if churches reflected on how they support those they have harmed? How do they engage with LGBTQIA+ individuals? Is their support affirming? How do they handle secrets and respond to abuse? Do they prioritize reputation over protecting the vulnerable?
A truly successful church—especially in America—would confront its foundations rooted in white supremacist theology. They would be willing to dismantle harmful structures and generously support churches founded by BIPOC women.
But let’s be honest; this is what Jesus would advocate for.
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