The Dark Heart of Insurrection
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it — Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
As I watched the insurrectionist attack that took place, Wednesday, at the nation’s capital — the seat of American democracy, I was angry; I was bitter; I was horrified. Never had I seen such a thing. While I knew the president had called for his disgruntled and disillusioned supporters to come and protest (the fair and just election results), by no means did I suspect to witness such open and blatant anarchy, that ultimately led to the deaths of five people.
Like many Americans, I sought the commentary of cable news outlets. I tuned into CNN, MSNBC, PBS Newshour, and even Fox News; in addition to reading articles from the Washington Post, New York Times, Vox, etc. Throughout the varied analysis and viewpoints shared, a loud and unified theme seemed to emerge, American Democracy is under attack! Some analysts reflectively shared the mob violence and criminal activity that occurred within the Capitol building is the worse thing they’ve ever witnessed; second only to the terrorist attacks on 9/11.
I agree with the notion that the [largely white] rioters and looters who overran Capitol police assaulted [American] democracy, itself. I concur with the idea that America suffered a humiliating and vicious blow from its own citizens. I understand all the political attention given to Wednesday’s events. But, as I viewed all that took place: the destruction of federal property, the presence of the Confederate flag within the Capitol’s halls, and the non-violent response from law enforcement — my mind contemplated the heart of American Christianity and its churches.
There are many words that can be used to describe the actions and behaviors of Trump supporters on Wednesday: treason, insurrection, criminal, violent, etc. The word that has repeatedly come to my mind is that of idolatry. Not only did American democracy find itself under attack, but I would also posit the belief of America, as a Christian nation, was assaulted as well. Despite signs of “Jesus Saves” present at Wednesday’s rally, reality more accurately suggests many [white] Christians have lost hope in the gospel Jesus preached in word and deed.
Despite the concerns of some Christian leaders regarding Critical Race Theory, Wednesday demonstrated that Christian nationalism is seemingly a much more pervasive and deadly opponent of the Gospel. When asked what is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied the love of God and the love of one’s neighbor; “there is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29–31, NIV). At the very least, the commands of Jesus orients one towards love. The participants of Wednesday’s mob attack on the Capitol demonstrate an orientation towards that of raw power. A power not in service toward others, but in domination over others.
Somewhere along the way, many American Christians/churches have out-right become ensnared with the lust for power — political power to be exact. As I’ve been reflecting on the seditious acts at the Capitol, more and more do I feel that the events of Wednesday demonstrate frustration with God’s sovereignty (e.g. Romans 13). Roughly four years ago, there were many Christians who interpreted the presidential election of Donald Trump as God-ordained. Fast forward to the present day, many of those same Christians now seem dissatisfied and vindictive towards their Christian neighbors (or otherwise) who were led by faithful conviction to legally remove Trump from office via the vote.
No doubt Wednesday, January 6th, was a dark day for American democracy. Let the record also reflect the day was an embarrassing one for the [American] Church as well.
