433: On Churches of Legitimacy & Churches of Transformation

Series Title: Religion IS Political [Part III of VII]

In this episode Val & Nathan go more "macro" and explain how churches (just like human beings and human civilizations) go through stages of development and that a church will choose its stances of "significant moral consequence"  accordingly.  In short, if a church is focused on earlier stage legitimacy--its all about preserving its favorite form(s) of dominator hierarchy.   If the church has matured into a focus on personal transformation--it moves towards a stance of dismantling dominator hierarchies.  And it is in moments of social unrest that one can see more clearly where a church is developmentally.  

Listen in and keep in mind--both type of church are necessary and serve a role in the development of the human race.  As these topics are explored, it is fundamental to the growth of our culture at large to recognize that later stages of development (in the human being and in the church) are built on earlier stages of development.  So lean into this, even if it's uncomfortable! 

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Series Setup

00:46 Recap Political Neutrality

02:35 Statement Versus Practice

06:42 Why the Silence Now

08:51 Faith Leaders Speaking Up

14:20 Solidarity Over Self Preservation

20:32 Legitimacy Seeking Religion

27:59 Transformation Seeking Religion

31:18 Jesus Versus Christian Nationalism

32:43 Personal Stakes and Closing