In an op-ed in Forbes [or, rather, was in Forbes]*, Chris Ladd proposes that today’s southern white evangelicalism is cruel and that cruelty stems from our nation’s slavery and Jim Crow history.
…Religion is inseparable from culture, and culture is inseparable from history. Modern, white evangelicalism emerged from the interplay between race and religion in the slave states. What today we call “evangelical Christianity,” is the product of centuries of conditioning, in which religious practices were adapted to nurture a slave economy. The calloused insensitivity of modern white evangelicals was shaped by the economic and cultural priorities that forged their theology over centuries.
Many Christian movements take the title “evangelical,” including many African-American denominations. However, evangelicalism today has been coopted as a preferred description for Christians who were looking to shed an older, largely discredited title: Fundamentalist. A quick glance at a map showing concentrations of adherents and weekly church attendance reveals the evangelical movement’s center of gravity in the Old South.
…
What developed in the South was a theology carefully tailored to meet the needs of a slave state. Biblical emphasis on social justice was rendered miraculously invisible. A book constructed around the central metaphor of slaves finding their freedom was reinterpreted. Messages which might have questioned the inherent superiority of the white race, constrained the authority of property owners, or inspired some interest in the poor or less fortunate could not be taught from a pulpit. Any Christian suggestion of social justice was carefully and safely relegated to “the sweet by and by” where all would be made right at no cost to white worshippers. In the forge of slavery and Jim Crow, a Christian message of courage, love, compassion, and service to others was burned away.
Stripped of its compassion and integrity, little remained of the Christian message….
*Addendum: Explanation from Forbes on why it removed the post from its site. Extract:
We took down your evangelical piece. It was way out of bounds — painting the entire evangelical movement with a broad brush. We also have a policy of not talking about social issues like abortion at Forbes Opinion — only economic policy and politics. We try to keep things data driven. Also, given your criticisms of Robert Jeffress, you should have reached out to him for comment.
Here’s some of what Ladd said about Jeffress:
Regarding the affair and subsequent financial payments, Jeffress explained, “Even if it’s true, it doesn’t matter.” Such a casual attitude toward adultery and prostitution might seem odd from a guy who blamed 9/11 on America’s sinfulness. However, seen through the lens of white evangelicals’ real priorities, Jeffress’ disinterest in Trump’s sordid lifestyle makes sense.
Photo: Walter Escobar of Texas holds a photo of his family, including his deported father, Jose Escobar