Religious faith is never apolitical. Though many claim otherwise, it is impossible to be neutral when death, oppression, violence, corruption, racism, homophobia and harm to human beings is a stark and relentless reality. Sometimes religious faith thoroughly supports a political system as in the German Churches of Hitler’s reign. Other times religious faith is diametrically opposed to those in power, such as David Walker’s Appeal during slavery or Marguerite Barankitse in the midst of Burundi’s oppressive regime.
Currently in the United States, the Christian church, particularly the white Christian church seems to have lost its moral compass. Christians claim to follow the Bible, the Beatitudes and the Gospel (good news). Yet, the majority of white Christians supported, and continue to support, a presidential administration diametrically opposed to basic Christian principles and values. I cannot begin to count the ways in which the administration, through words, executive orders and policies, represent a harsh, vengeful, racist and anti-human ideology. The have blocked federal funding to save sick children around the world and cut federal engagement in environmental programs, consumer protection and food for the poor. They have bullied a former ally, who was invaded by a larger nation, bellowing, “you don’t have any cards!” Mass deportations, seeking to end birthright protections, destroying any federal role in education, in assuring racial equity or affirming the humanity of LGTBQ are fundamental federal policies.
87% of white evangelical Christians voted for him. Almost 60% of white Catholics voted for him. Approximately 58% of white non-evangelical Christians voted for him. In contrast, over 60% of Jewish voters voted against him, as did approximately 57% of Hispanic Catholics. 62% of Non-Christian religious voters — that is, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths, favored Harris. 65% of voters with no religious faith favored Harris over Trump. Most revealing, well over 80% of Black Protestants voted for Kamala Harris.
Thus, most white Christians bear responsibility for our current chaos. And yet – many are unwilling to face the consequences of their decision. I heard Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York interviewing the Bishop of Ukraine. Cardinal Dolan gushed, “100% of US Catholics support Ukraine.” Yet Dolan brags that he calls Trump more than his mother, prayed at his inauguration and is often seen yucking it up with him. You can’t vote for Trump, and then pretend to support Ukraine. From comments, sermons and the silence of Christians, it appears very few have been scandalized by the flagrant anti-human actions of this administration.
As a Catholic convert, and not a perfect one at that, I am embarrassed by the public face of Christianity in America. From my perspective, it appears — for many — that being American and being white are more important than being Christian. Frankly I can’t explain the absolute abdication of Christian principles to the vengeful demeaning language of the president other than nationalism and racism. If someone can give me a reason other than the lame excuse of the price of eggs and milk I’d love to hear it.
In church on Ash Wednesday, we heard Isaiah 58:6-8. “Is this not the fast that I choose; to loose the bonds of injustice…to let the oppressed go free? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house…Then your light shall break forth like the dawn.” In the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, we confessed, “We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us….We confess…our past unfaithfulness, …our exploitation of other people…our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us.”
Such is the power and beauty of the Christian faith, calling us to ever-greater levels of love and justice. Despite how most white American Christians vote, the New Testament is clear. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus said, “Just as you did it (fed, clothed, welcomed) to the least of these…you did it to me.” 1 John 4:16 proclaims, “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God in them.” Don’t be deceived by the distorted faith of JD Vance or the virulent nationalism of Franklin Graham. There is a call to justice and love and mercy in Christianity that is unmistakable.
The Christian path I seek to follow has been walked by Dorothy Day, Representative John Lewis, Archbishop Oscar Romero, Sister Norma Pimentel, Rev. Pauli Murray, Bishop Marianne Budde, Fr. Ignacio Ellacuria and millions more whose Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly “good news” for the poor, the marginalized, and indeed, for all of humanity.
Daryl Grigsby has been a resident of Nevada County 5 years, after a 42-year career in public works in local government. He is a local author, most recent ‘Catholics for the Common Good: An Eternal Offering’ by Paulist Press. Locally, He is on the Board of Color Me Human and the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Nationally, he is on the Board of Leadership Foundations and FutureChurch.
