Always Victorious. Never Defeated

Always Victorious.  Never Defeated: 

Enlightenment from America’s 2024 National Elections

      Considering the most recent national elections in the United States, Christians can claim neither victory, nor defeat.  That is because God is never defeated, and He is always victorious, despite what occurs in secular politics, anywhere in the world.  That significant numbers of Black people, who have traditionally shown loyalty to the Democratic Party since attaining the right to vote for themselves, (as well as all other non-White people through the Civil Rights Movement a few decades ago in the 1960’s) to the surprise of many, added unusually to the winning Republican candidate.  This is surprising because since attaining voting rights in the 1960’s, Black Americans held onto the hope that the Democratic Party would lift them from the ongoing, socially accepted negative effects, public policies and actions that proceeded out of American Slavery, which, in more recent times, appeared to be a basis and in the interest (more so) of the Republican Party to maintain.   Latino’s, who along with other People of color (POC) who are perceived and treated as the “other” by mainstream America, also added to the win.  These three factors of faith, race, and politics, reveal a need for deep individual reflection and clarity in the days we are living as members of The Body of Christ.  Noting that church attendees egregiously and consistently place The Body of Christ on the altar of sacrifice for racial, cultural and personal power, gain and greed; make members of The Body of Christ targets for violence, and oppression; perpetrate and advance division in The Body of Christ along cultural/racial lines, in favor of the world’s systems and man-made politics.  In the days we’re living, The Body of Christ is compelled to examine its identity beyond American or any other politics, or systems of the world and culture, which, divides.

POC Helped to Elect Donald Trump

      The argument that POC helped elect Donald Trump is notable and understandable in principle, given that it has been widely observed that the Democratic Party has historically taken these communities for granted, considering the many profound challenges they have faced.  Black and Indigenous Americans in particular, experience the same or similar pains of the past of American Slavery and genocide, respectively: of economic insecurity and wealth gaps and that can be resolved through reparations, social injustices, housing and healthcare disparities, cruel and unusual punishments, abuses and disparities in the criminal justice system, as well as compounded, deeply held, socially accepted norms of violence and abuse, including those perpetrated by white supremacist groups and ideologies.  In short, The Democratic Party has consistently failed Indigenous, Black Americans, and conversely, POC in general.  History and the present make this very clear.  America was built and persists on racism. Whether a person of color who is of The Faith; a Democrat or Republican or otherwise; when they participate in the so-called American Dream following Indigenous and Black Americans, they should be careful to acknowledge these truths. Yet, that a person of color whether Christian or non-Christian, would risk their well-being and that of their families in the hopes of a better, more equitable future by supporting a political party that appears to be “more committed” to exploiting them, is apparently a risk worth taking.  It has been inferred by Latino leaders who hold great influence among Latinos that feelings of “anti-Blackness” by Latinos was a significant factor in supporting the Republican candidate when making their voting decision, rather than the Democratic candidate’s policies and positions.  Yet, it seems clear that many have been forced into this position as a last resort for hope and change toward the dignity of their God given humanity. 

    In sum, the argument suggests that if the Democratic Party had moved beyond symbolic support to meaningfully address the complex, longstanding issues facing POC communities, it might have maintained loyalty, as well as engagement that would have potentially shifted the outcome of the election.  Instead, the Democratic Party would consistently overlook centuries of abuse and exploitation experienced by POC (and in particular, Black and Indigenous- God bless the souls of multiplied tens of millions of African and Indigenous peoples who have directly and indirectly suffered) by consistently favoring/mixing/liking their needs, interests and priorities with, for example, the LGBTQ+ community (which, is comprised of all people, including White people) as well as other special interest groups, where POC are not exclusive.  Although the Democratic Party ran on a message of unity and enjoyed the support of all races of people as well as Christians, what is clear is that the party is more divided than ever on critical matters that affect its so-called base.  Notably, the needs of POC. 

Despite What Occurs in American Politics, Jesus is Still Building His Church Across the Earth and His Church is Called to Unity

     Jesus is building His church of every nation and tongue of those who value others and bring a unique perspective to their politics, culture, and the world. His church is informed by their faith, distinct from purely secular political views.  Yet, notable within the Republican Party is its clear appearance of racial abuses, division, and disunity that is as impactful as its counterpart.  This evidence in part, is hidden within a seemingly honorable, yet elusive political subjects that appears to touch the hearts of all in some way.  One such subject is abortion.  Most do not know, have forgotten, or do not equate the issue of abortion (pro-life) to racism and division.  Yet, at the base of the so-called pro-life movement is racism and division. 

The issue of abortion has its origins in 20^th century politics, and in large part of its aims was to counter and shift attention away from the Civil Rights Movement and the racial issues that spurred the Civil Rights Movement on (Balmer, 2014).  Balmer (2014) goes on to inform that while the pro-life movement publicly adopted a message of defending the sanctity of life, its political alliances often aligned with agendas that supported policies that were disproportionately harmful to communities of color, including, by restricting social welfare programs for the needy, (especially POC who were discriminated against in the labor market) “opposing” racial integration, (unity) and enacting punitive criminal justice policies that disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities (these are widely known to persist).  At the time, inconsistency (to the notion of being “pro-life”) led many critics to argue that the movement’s “pro-life” stance focused narrowly on abortion while ignoring broader systemic injustices that affect the quality of life for POC. The pro-life movement became closely associated with the Republican Party, which had begun using a “Southern strategy” to appeal to White voters in the South by subtly opposing Civil Rights reforms without openly endorsing segregation (racial division, in direct contrast to the nature and character of God, the Bible and The Body of Christ). 

      The Republican Party appears to also fight vigorously against teaching our children history that details why the church is divided along racial lines by seeking to eradicate teachings on our country’s historical past of racism and the impacts it has had on POC to the current day.  They argue against being “woke.”  The term “woke,” is a term that can be traced back to the early 20^th century.  It was a term that served as a warning to POC, and initially Black Americans to be “be aware of the potential for racist violence in the South” (Alfonseca, 2024).  Black Americans have used this term for decades to remind one another to be careful when interacting among White’s (and increasingly others who adopted and modeled these historical trends as a social norm) as racial violence, discrimination, abuse and mistreatment was prevalent and socially acceptable in America, including in and through churches.             

So, why is the Republican Party adverse to education in our schools that reveal the prevalence of racism and the harm it has done to countless POC (therefore, and including Christians)?  Why is the history of dividing the church along racial lines due to institutional racism sought to be withheld from educational institutions by Republicans?  More importantly, why does the church give consent and approval for these types of actions, by also remaining silent?  The Republican Party has made the Body of Christ a party to contradicting God and the Bible, while bringing harm to “seemingly itself and its own.”  The evidence reveals that the Republican Party willfully, and deliberately seeks to convince Christians that there is error in "the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them" (Alfonseca, 2024).  All the while systemic injustices define our culture and persist. And we would know this if we would challenge attempts to learning and understanding these claims when they are made.  Why, one must ask, have Republicans sought to weaponize and co-opt the term “woke,” reducing it to a negative and derogatory term; and threatening individuals and institutions with taking away their livelihoods where racism and its negative effects against Christians (who are considered POC) is taught?  For example, 

Alfonseca (2024):

DeSantis has implemented policies in schools that restrict the topics of race, oppression, gender and sex in the classroom through the Parental Rights in Education Law and the "Stop WOKE" Act. His administration also banned spending on diversity, equity and inclusion programs (DEI) from public college campuses.

Across the country, hundreds of conservative-led legislative efforts have restricted programs, classes and trainings that touch on race, diversity and equity in recent months.

      Likewise, the phrase and notion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, (DEI) fundamentally means, multiculturalism, and it also has its roots in the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement towards combating discrimination and racism, and ensuring diversity in American economic and social systems, and “holding government, corporations and civil society accountable” (Edmunds, & Lind, 2021) to this notion.  While the term DEI has likewise been weaponized and reduced to a derogatory term, more so and likely as it has also adopted emerging special interests over time, CR Coleman MGMT has accepted the task through God’s calling and purpose of bridging gaps and transcending negative cultural impacts on our Faith and our Identity in Christ toward “Race Related DEI,” in large part, through education.

So, How Should Christians Respond to Divisions Advanced by Politics and Other Secular Systems? 

      Biblical Christianity is the epitome and embodiment of values like diversity, equity, inclusion, and unity.  They are core principles of The Faith that transcend political affiliations. Christians are called to influence societies on matters of justice, compassion, and support for all people, regardless of race, political leanings, background, or status. This Biblically rooted commitment to inclusivity and fairness stands in contrast to the secular systems of power and gain, toward genuine character, and Identity in Christ. The Christian’s call is not to align strictly with one political party, but rather to seek and advocate for God’s justice in all spheres of life.  In practice, this can include:

• Working within or outside political structures to promote policies and practices that uplift one another (including marginalized communities) and bring reconciliation across racial and socioeconomic divides
• Highlight commitments to faith values over party loyalty
• Aim for a society where diversity, equity, inclusion, and unity are more than just words—rather, a lived reality that aligns with God’s vision for humanity as indeed, this is the character and nature of the Church that Jesus Christ is building. 
• Model and teach that all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which means each person deserves respect, love, and fairness. When either political party falls short in treating people equitably or perpetuates structures that harm or marginalize specific communities, it misrepresents and counters the plans, purposes and will of God
• Call out divisions and abuses as contrary to God’s will.  The Bible repeatedly condemns favoritism, oppression, and division (James 2:1-9; Micah 6:8).  Promoting and advocating for division is self-condemning and subjects one to God’s judgement (Titus 3:10-11)
• Highlight that when political systems allow or overlook racial injustice, abuses, divisions, and exploitation, they contradict these foundational principles. By failing to address structural ails effectively, both parties stray from God’s call to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and to seek justice and mercy for the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17).
• Christians must also stress that racial injustice isn’t just a “political issue” but a deeply spiritual and moral one. Both parties’ failures to fully address racism that creates, and advances racism can be seen as a neglect of the biblical mandate to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
• Christians can express disappointment by reminding Christian leaders who align with either party that God’s kingdom is one of diversity, equity, and unity, transcending human-made divisions. Racial injustice, therefore, is not only a social failure but also a spiritual one that goes against the heart of Christian teachings. 

      As a Christian, I am calling for repentance, spiritual revival and reform in the ways that reflect and model accuracy on the matter of Biblical Christianity and unity: the notion that the church is The Body of Christ, made of people from every nation and tongue, which, transcends social constructs of identity, towards Identity in Christ.  Jesus is returning for and acknowledges HIS church, not people groups, whether they align or identify themselves by “social constructs” of race, politics, profession, community, etc.  Jesus declared that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) and socially constructed categories of people are often designed to oppose “others” toward power, gain and control, therefore, causing the Christian to “fight against, resist, and bring harm to other Christians.” 

      In the same way that the prophets spoke truth to power and to each other, as A Christian, I call for Christians…real Christians, to call out both parties to humbly acknowledge their shortcomings and make amends, working toward policies and practices that promote justice, equity, and equality.  And more importantly, for Christian leaders to affirm and model The Faith as it concerns these critical matters before God and man, as a witness, instruction, and testimony of Biblical Faith.  I am challenging both Democrat and Republican Christians, leaders and lay people, to move beyond secular political rhetoric, pretexts, and disregard on the matter at hand, for the relevance and truth of The Faith; and take meaningful action to dismantle systems of racial inequality, toward embodying the kingdom values that Christ modeled, for the good of all and the glory of God.  Where this cannot or will not be accomplished, I call for those who understand these truths and truly identify with The Faith of The Bible and The Body of Christ, to detach themselves from cultural deviations from the Bible, for their own eternal good, and for the ultimate glory of God. 

Dr. Cheryl

When on the road at midday, O king, I saw a light from heaven surpassing the brightness of the sun, flashing about me and those who were traveling with me.

¹⁴ And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice in the Hebrew tongue saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you continue to persecute Me [to harass and trouble and molest Me]? It is dangerous and turns out badly for you to keep kicking against the goads [to keep offering vain and perilous resistance].

¹⁵ And I said, Who are You, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. Acts 26: 13-15.

References

Alfonseca, K. (2024, January). What does ‘woke’ mean and why are some conservatives using it?  ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/woke-conservatives/story?id=93051138

Balmer, D. (2014, May). The real origins of the religious right. Politico. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/05/religious-right-real-origins-107133/

Edmunds, M., & Lind, D. (2021). Glossary of definitions and core concepts for diversity,  equity, and inclusion (dei).               https://academyhealth.org/sites/default/files/publication/%5Bfield_date%3Acusto         m%3AY%5D-%5Bfield_date%3Acustom%3Am%5D/deiglossary_nov_2021_1.pdf

*I urge you to research these topics further, as it is well documented in reliable and reputable information and data sources. 

 The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.