Lent, It Ain’t for the Oppressed (Here’s Why)…

The depoliticization of the cross of Christ… 

So, imagine, an “emperor,” riding around on his chariot, viciously murdering others; with not just the symbol of the cross engraved on the front but, declaring an imperial victory, in the name of Jesus (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΖ).

In order for any of this to make sense, you must understand that the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ was political. Christ posed a threat to the empire and so they tortured him into submission, labeled him a “terrorist,” and then justified his execution.

The cross went from being recognized as a symbol of hope to being a constant “trigger warning,” reminding the people who is truly in control.

To think that this isn’t happening today would be just as ignorant as those sheep who shouted: “Crucify Him!”

Do you know how to tell if you’re part of a Church congregation that might be imperialistically Constantinian…?

Two ways: 1. your pastor is 90’s version of Mark Driscoll; 2. if you’re afraid to speak words that might empower the oppressed yet, somehow pose a threat to your Churches system.

Far too many Churches are not helping the marginalized cause(s); as it’s been said, “the downtrodden [continue to] suffer punitive indignities” all at the hands of those who claim Christ.

Pilate, if you think about it… is in and of himself a symbol pointing towards the sold-out American pastor’s reality; in other words, they mean well, but lack the courage and resolve to do what’s right.

The questions I’m left with today are these: Who was Pontius Pilate and was he truly one of the bad guys? How does his story (the little we know of him) point to the problem of their system? And, How does this reflect on us today? Are “good guys” caught up in bad systems? If good guys are caught in bad systems, where does a costly form of grace come into play? Or, are these priests, pastors, nuns and/or lay leaders nothing but pawns or sheep perpetuating hate in the form of reigning terror upon Jesus’ true people (e.g. disciples, apostles, etc.)?

Lastly, If you do celebrate Lent… how might we properly commemorate the time Jesus spent in the wilderness without desecrating the cross? Is there something us “privileged folk” could give up that would symbolize a resistance to an imperialism?

[Until next time, hit me up on Facebook to follow along with future content of mine]

[1]  “What is Lent and why does it last forty days?”. The United Methodist Church. Retrieved 24 August 2007.

[2] honestly can’t say “woke” and take myself seriously, lol, regardless tho, point stands.