A few months back, I shared a moment of doubt with my husband about my faith. His response was swift and cutting: “You’re not Christian! What’s Christian about you? You haven’t been Christian for years!”
“What do you mean?” I asked, taken aback.
“You don’t go to church or pray or do any of that stuff,” he replied.
I felt a surge of indignation. “That’s not the essence of being Christian! It’s about love and justice!”
“That’s not what being Christian’s about!”
Such a stark conversation left me frustrated. I’m tired of the hollow expressions of love I see.
Recently, while participating in a discussion about what makes a church successful, I was overwhelmed by the superficial criteria being tossed around — more disciples, authentic worship, cultivating wonder. My patience wore thin as I listened to what sounded like empty platitudes, leading me to question the very foundation of what we deem “success” in faith communities.
I am particularly disheartened by the narrative pushed by white and Asian Christians. There’s a pervasive agenda among certain white Christians who promote the idea that America is divinely chosen, claiming that our laws are rooted in “Christian” values. Yet, I see no one following the Old Testament laws that prescribe severe punishments for disobedience. The tragic history of our nation’s expansion is masked as a “manifest destiny,” while capitalism is equated with good news. Law enforcement and military force are touted as symbols of order and respect, but what does this have to do with the teachings of Christ?
When I look at the current political landscape and social injustices, I find myself questioning the gospel message being preached in many churches. How can we prioritize an unborn fetus over the lives of actual, breathing individuals? Where is the outcry against the violence faced by Black individuals or the tragic loss of Asian women?
This is a misinterpretation of faith, a distortion of the gospel.
Asian American churches are not exempt from this critique. Many perpetuate patriarchal values and uphold colonial ideologies, often indistinguishable from their white counterparts, save for the cultural trappings. It wasn’t until recently that I even discovered the existence of Asian American theology, reflecting a significant gap in my own spiritual journey.
So what does a truly successful church look like?
Success should not be measured by attendance figures, tithes, or conversions. Instead, churches need to abandon this conventional notion of success. What if they scrutinized their policies and practices? What if their doctrines prioritized genuine care for the marginalized and actively fought against systemic injustices like anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and ableism?
Churches must reflect on how they treat individuals who have been ostracized or harmed within their communities. Do they affirm and celebrate their LGBTQIA+ members? Are they more concerned with reputation or with safeguarding the vulnerable?
A truly successful church would confront its roots in white supremacist theology and be willing to dismantle oppressive structures. They should recognize when it’s time to close, divest from harmful practices, and support BIPOC-led initiatives.
This might sound radical, but it aligns closely with the teachings of Jesus himself.
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In summary, churches need to redefine what it means to be successful. Emphasizing community care, justice, and genuine love over superficial metrics will allow faith communities to reflect the true essence of their beliefs.