It is interesting to observe how words are used in our society, especially as things become more polarised. Words can become weaponised and used against people. The term, ‘woke’ is a very relevant example, but it is also of significance in terms of how we, like the sons of Issachar both understand the times and crucially, know which way to go (1 Chronicles 12:32).
Over the past few years, I have regularly observed Christians using the ‘woke’ term in a dismissive and derogatory way. ‘That’s woke’ or, ‘they are woke’ have become reactionary phrases in response to a variety of topics of cultural controversy. Woke is a term often used in what is commonly called, ‘The Culture Wars’, a term which should in itself, be cause for alarm. Who are we at war with? What are the rules of engagement and whose side am I on? I suspect a visitation from the Angel of the Lord is much needed in our churches, and more importantly, in our hearts, with a reminder that the answer is very often ‘neither’ (Joshua 5:13).
There is no doubt, however, that we as Christians should be concerned when ‘woke’ becomes a self-seeking agenda to support our own rights in a way that ultimately violates God ordained designs for humankind. We should be equally concerned when woke is used lazily by a section of Christians to degrade other Christians who are concerned for the rights of the poor and the marginalised.
The term, ‘woke’ is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as, “Aware especially of social problems, such as racism and inequality”. With that in mind, I have several concerns about how people of faith use the term.
Firstly, I am alarmed when a label is used to discredit someone or his or her ideas. This type of thinking often involves the dehumanisation of, ‘the other’ in order to discredit their perspective in favour of an entrenched belief.
Maybe the people with whom I have a difference of opinion have a point that is worth my consideration?
Could it even be possible that a voice from outside the church (or my particular branch of church) might have something to say and perspective to bring that I am currently deficient in?
Secondly, issues of social justice, inequality and discrimination sound like the sort of things that Jesus talked about a lot. His ministry manifesto in Luke 4; ‘Good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, set the oppressed free, proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour’ – articulated a justice mandate, which he embodied throughout his ministry.
Thirdly, could it be possible that the church has been guilty of neglecting the very things that Jesus cared about so passionately? Is some of our discomfort because the world is better educated about issues of injustice than we are? Should we not be joining the voices crying out in the street about racism, discrimination, social justice and the climate crisis?
Maybe, in reading this, you believe me to be another victim of the woke agenda (whatever that is). However, maybe we as Christians should be humble enough to recognise that when God’s Kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven, everything changes.
I am reminded of the words of Martin Luther King when he said, “Any religion that professes concern for the souls of men and is not equally concerned about the slums that dammed them, the economic conditions that strangled them and the social conditions that crippled them, is a spiritually moribund religion, only waiting for the day to be buried. A religion that ends with the individual, ends”.
Dr King found himself at the forefront of a campaign for racial justice, which found its expression in the pulpit and the picket line. With so much injustice in our world today, what is our response? I would like to suggest we must endeavour to understand the times, not necessarily responding with knee-jerk reactions to every latest topic of cultural outrage. Rather we should aim to discern spiritually what is going on in this crazy mixed up world, and know, with the guidance of the Spirit, which way to go. Maybe then, we can be “evenly woke”!
Chris Leech is married to Debbie and they have 3 children. A Pastor in Emmanuel Church Portadown, he is passionate about the church’s role in bringing Kingdom transformation to the community. Chris is an anti-poverty campaigner and the Chairman of Craigavon Area Food Bank. When he is not talking about injustice and the damage that Neoliberalism has done to society, he loves road cycling and making frequent coffee stops.
Please note that the statements and views expressed in this article of those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Contemporary Christianity.
Thank you Chris. My own attention has been drawn in these past weeks to the Angel of the Lord’s meeting with Joshua and I’ve been challenged in both my reactions and how I pray to our sovereign God.
Yes! Commendations on your stand against racism and poverty, Chris.
Poverty is a major blind spot for too many of us.
However, if you are going to critique “culture wars” surely you must acknowledge UK Christians are also being arrested or losing their jobs for respectfully expressing Christian ethics on related issues, such as wearing a cross at work; conscientious objections to abortion; school secrecy on abortions and trans identities for pupils; LGBT rights; female only spaces; secret sex education materials in schools; banning prayer from schools; euthanasia?
Is there a risk that important and balanced discussions about immigration also risk falling into a similar category?
#Isupportpastors!
A timely and useful article, which serves as a corrective to much of the negative narrative on this topic.