Ep. 39: Evangelicals Need to Come Out of Their Corners
EQ: How is Evangelicalism supporting white supremacy in American churches and government today and what do we do about it?
We are joined by Erin Jones, award-winning educator, independent education & systems consultant, public speaker, former candidate for State Superintendent (OSPI). As we unpack our essential question, we discuss the tension between faith and doubt, specifically that both are healthy. We wrestle with why so many people of faith unquestionably believe in their leadership (pastors) and are told to just “Do” rather than think about what they are doing. We explore the loaded nature of the word “evangelicalism” including how it’s changed meaning over time and gets interchanged with “Republicanism”. Evangelicalism has been boiled down to arguments about pro-life, gay marriage, guns, and voting for Trump. Erin also shares about her experience as a woman of color navigating white Evangelical churches. Finally, we discuss why it’s critical for Christians who don’t buy into the fear-mongering to come out of our silos and corners to engage in conversations about faith, religion and justice.
Related Readings:
The New York Times: 11am Sunday is Our Most Segregated Hour
America Jesuit Review: Sunday is Still the Most Segregated
The New Yorker: Evangelicals of Color Fight Back
“This is Not of God” New York Times
Christian Social Justice Organization “Sojourners”
From WA Post: The Walls Around Trump Are Crumbling: Evangelicals May His Last Resort
The NY Times: Why Trump Reigns as King Cyrus
John Pavlovitz on Twitter & website “Stuff That Needs to Be Said”)
Do Your Fudging Homework:
Annie: Are You an Evangelical? Are You Sure? by Jennifer Kurtzleben for NPR.
Hope: Jim Wallis America’s Original Sin
Erin: Words Matter Podcast, Quick to Listen (liberal learning Christians), Living in Effect, Faith Factor
Ways to contact you: Email: erinjones93@gmail.com, Facebook: Erin Jones 2016, Instagram: erinin2016, Twitter: @erinjonesin2016