By: DaiJhah Owens
For the last four years, something has been made painfully aware to me, the god of American Christianity is not the God of the bible I’ve come to love, adore, and worship. Their God is White Supremacy. Some may read the statement above and clutch their pearls. They may gasp at the audacity of those words. But in reality, it is simply an uncomfortable truth.
It is no secret (well maybe to some it is) the part White Evangelical Christianity has played in the suffering and oppression of many people. “Ephesians, 11, 5-7 says Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” This particular verse was used (along with others in the Old Testament) to justify slavery in America. From slavery, the foundation of America was built, literally! Slavery and other heinous acts were seen as “God Ordained.” When in reality, they used the bible as a weapon to further their hate and greed.
That same American foundation that is described above still exist today, and if you look close enough it won’t be hard to see that.
The number of Christians, partically white Christians, that support the current president only further proves my point. They have disregarded every evil thing he has done and said, and has hailed him as, God Ordained! (see a pattern yet?) He was sent by God to protect their country from those who might see it destroyed. The current president is their warrior. They don’t even realize they aren’t seeking protection from evil or religious freedom, they are seeking the protection of the status quo, the protection and sacredness of White Power.
As I read my bible, and then I look up and see the performance of Christianity in this country, I realized they do not match. Some people have been so conditioned in white supremacy they see no difference between the two. Christianity in this country walks hand and hand with white supremacy. It’s not only evident in the loud, overtly White Supremacists, but in the silence and complicity of the church. The refusal to acknowledge this as a problem. The distancing of themselves from issues such as racism and all the other ‘isms. The uncomfortable feeling they work hard to avoid. The anger towards those who dare speak up. The preaching of sermons absents of any accountability for the harm caused.
Depending on who’s reading, my words may sound harsh, lacking grace. If so, you have missed the point and should probably go re-read it. Grace is not void of accountability. The upholding of White Supremacy by the church has cost many people their lives, their peace, and their safety. Dancing around these facts will not bring about the change that is needed in this country. Being a Christian who is also a Black Woman, I don’t have the privilege of silence. I cannot ignore that my faith and beliefs have been twisted and used as a tool of oppression. This is about my survival!
DaiJhah Owens is a Contributing Writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC. DaiJhah is passionate about shifting political power to oppressed groups through education. She believes there is nothing more powerful than an educated black woman who can smell political BS a mile away! Connect with her on Instagram at @d_nakhole!
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