The role of politics within the church—both Black and White—has long shaped American life, often in ways that mirror, resist, or diverge from secular politics. Black churches historically served as centers of community empowerment, resistance, and collective action. Born out of necessity in a society that denied African Americans equal rights, they became spaces of political education, moral courage, and social organization. From the Civil Rights Movement to modern struggles for racial justice, Black churches provided not only spiritual sustenance but also the organizational backbone for movements seeking to reform secular politics. Their theology often tied freedom to faith, merging the sacred with the political in ways that emphasized justice, dignity, and equality.
Looking at the rich history of the Black church fills me with pride. To me, the church isn’t just a place to gather on Sundays; it’s been a sanctuary in challenging times. It’s been the voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. It’s served as a rallying point for justice and change. From the secret meetings of enslaved people, who prayed for freedom, to marches and movements that reshaped our laws, the Black church has always been a powerful force that ties faith to action. We truly believed that our prayers weren’t just words—they had to be actions that walked, spoke, and moved to make a difference.
White churches have often reflected the privileges of the dominant culture. Historically, many White congregations aligned with maintaining social order and, at times, defending the status quo, including aspects like slavery, segregation, and policies of exclusion. Over time, White churches tend to express their values through issues such as abortion, marriage, and education, emphasizing cultural conservatism. This political engagement is often seen as a way to uphold morality and tradition rather than push for systemic change. While there is diversity among White churches, many often support political leaders and policies that aim to preserve stability rather than challenge societal structures. Sadly, the pulpits have sometimes emphasized maintaining traditions over speaking out against injustice. The gospel was sometimes used to support the powerful and silence the oppressed. I share this openly, not with bitterness. There have been some brave White brothers and sisters who have stood up for justice, but overall, the pattern has leaned more toward preservation than equality for all.
Compared to secular politics, which is often focused on compromise, negotiation, and power—rather than morality or theology—religious communities bring different perspectives to the table. Black churches have frequently championed inclusion and reform in the political arena, while White churches have tended to focus on shaping cultural values and preserving traditions. While secular politics asks, “What is possible within the law?”, Black churches have challenged us to consider, “What is just before God?”, and White churches often wonder, “What safeguards our core values?” Significant church politics should delve deeper. “What is just? What honors God? What shows love for our neighbors?”
When I think about all of this, I feel one thing clearly: politics isn't just an option for the church—it's an essential part of it. You can argue for keeping the church and politics separate, but it wouldn’t last for long. Whether we realize it or not, we're always sharing our voice in the world we believe in. The Black church has inspired us with its fearless cry for freedom. The White church has gently, and sometimes painfully, shown us the risks when faith becomes too cozy with power. And secular politics remind us with warmth that while laws can change systems, only love has the power to change hearts truly. The tension between these three groups—Black church politics, White church politics, and secular politics—continues to shape America. Together, they reveal how deeply faith and power intertwine, how communities interpret morality differently, and how the nation’s political struggles are as much spiritual as they are legal.
So, what do we take away, church? We see that politics is never just a neutral ground. Every pulpit, every vote, every platform reflects a vision of the world we’re striving to create together. The Black church teaches us beautifully that faith without action is incomplete, reminding us that the Gospel calls us to step up and make a difference. The White church, sometimes painfully, reminds us of what can happen when religion is used to safeguard power instead of uplifting the oppressed. Secular politics also offers us an important lesson—that while laws can transform society, only love, understanding, and honesty truly have the power to change hearts.
Our call today isn't about stepping back from politics, but about finding ways to enrich and redeem it. It's not really a question of whether the church should be involved in politics—because it always has been—but instead, whose politics are we reflecting? Are we leaning toward fear and self-preservation, or are we embracing justice, mercy, and humility? If we genuinely want the church to transform, we need to stand with Moses instead of Pharaoh, with Christ instead of Caesar, and with the people God has called us to serve, rather than with the powers that be. And we must not bow to the pressures of worldly powers; instead, we are called to serve the people that God lovingly calls us to nurture and support love.
That, to me, is the politics of faith. That is the call of the church. And I believe if we walk in that, then the church can still be the moral compass this nation so desperately needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment