When the church speaks

Christianity Today is an evangelical Christian media magazine founded by Billy Graham in 1956. On August 4, 2022, Russell Moore denounced and left the Southern Baptist Convention, and was named incoming editor of Christianity Today. Moore’s most recent editorial, “Trump’s Lie is Another Test for Christian America” has been published broadly beyond his own magazine to a wide range of media outlets, including The Atlantic, because his concern for the direction of Christianity is alarming and disturbing. His article is evidence that we Christians are called to call out what is going on in the vilification of immigrants and others for political gain.

Moore’s first paragraph begins with the statement, “As an evangelical Christian who actually believes in the existence of Satan, I agree that we can indeed see the work of the devil at play here, only it’s not on the menu of the Haitian families, but rather in the cruelty of those willing to lie about them.”

 As of November 8, 2023, nearly 731,000 Haitian immigrants resided in the United States. Deteriorating conditions in Haiti have driven this great migration. The existence of gang crime, and the instability of services and institutions, like hospitals, schools and government,  create a constant threat of violence and an untenable environment for those who want safety, work and security for their families. They immigrated legally to the US in hopes of a brighter future for themselves and their families. The “old lamp beside the golden door” is being snuffed out as violence is sown in Springfield, Ohio, by the current Republican candidates for President and Vice President.

Moore continues, “When we are willing to see children terrorized rather than stop telling lies about their families, we should step back, forget about our dogs and cats for a moment, and ask, who abducted our consciences. That’s especially true for those of us who call ourselves Christian.” Moore quotes Matthew 12: 36, when Jesus talks about the Day of Judgment. Jesus says, “people will give account for every careless word they speak.”

 Moore quotes the apostle John, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer and you know no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” Rev. Moore comes down hard on evangelical Christians who promote and support hateful rhetoric, asking, “what would Jesus do?” He says emphatically that Jesus would not do harm to anybody, especially those who have fled the very violence they are threatened with now. He suggests that when such Christians breathe, they likely smell the brimstone.

Reverend Moore is being slammed as “woke.” I doubt it bothers him. Even the red letters of Jesus speak of welcoming the stranger and serving the least and lost. Nowhere is cruelty called for. Nowhere is marginalization called for. The last shall be first. That’s the Jesus I know. Reverend Moore has found his prophetic voice. The prophet is never popular. The prophet steps on toes and reveals shortcomings and sin-sickness.

As a pastor in a church that recently split over hate and fear of a particular community, I see first-hand, how cruel such demonization can be from mouths that spout a high horsed piety.

 Growing up in a church with an understanding that we are the bearers of Christ, I find it shocking that Good Samaritans seem few and far between. Righteousness is caring for neighbor, all neighbors. All people. Red, yellow, black and white. All are precious in God’s sight.

The rejection of fear mongering that leads to violence is a necessary response for those of us who seek to do justice, love, mercy, kindness with grace. There is no time for us to retreat, waiting for someone else to address this.

I am solidly with Russell Moore in saying enough is enough of this cruel untruth and hate-filled politics. We may be on the verge of losing the Republic, but we are even closer to losing our souls. Ours is a deep spiritual problem as much as it is a political problem. Rise up, you who know what truth is, what is fair, what is right.

If Donald Trump is elected again, and things go smoothly to quiet the hatred and mend the divide, I will happily say I was wrong. But if I am not wrong, there may be little chance to set things right for a long, long time.

Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com