In a time when cultural institutions are increasingly being influenced by far-left ideologies, one institution that has been particularly targeted is the church.
While some churches have resisted this leftward shift, others have embraced it, leading to a surge in ultra-progressive churches that appear more focused on the LGBT movement's diversity than the foundational Christian teachings.
These churches have also become heavily politicized, frequently aligning with the left-wing establishment on issues related to President Donald Trump and his administration, including immigration enforcement. This may be difficult to comprehend for devout readers or those not deeply immersed in online discourse.
However, if evidence is needed of churches straying from their traditional path, one need look no further than the Lake Street Church of Evanston. This Illinois-based church has sparked controversy by using one of the Bible's most sacred scenes to express its support for unrestricted immigration and its opposition to Trump's immigration policies.
As reported by Protestia, Lake Street Church decided to use its Nativity scene to make a statement about Trump and his immigration policies. The scene depicted baby Jesus in zip ties and a Mylar blanket, Mary and Joseph wearing gas masks, and Roman soldiers dressed as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
According to Protestia, the church stated that "this installation reimagines the nativity as a scene of forced family separation, drawing direct parallels between the Holy Family's refugee experience and contemporary immigration detention practices." The church further explained that the scene was designed to challenge viewers to reconcile their religious or moral values with immigration policies.
However, this interpretation of the Nativity scene has been met with criticism. Many argue that the birth of Jesus should not be used to make a political point, but should be treated with reverence. Critics also take issue with the portrayal of Jesus as a "refugee," arguing that this is a misrepresentation of the biblical account.
In the biblical narrative, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph did not flee the Roman Empire but relocated within its territories, complying with Roman laws in the process. This is more akin to an American moving to a different state than to the experience of a modern-day refugee. Furthermore, the family's journey to Egypt was self-funded, and they returned home once the threat from King Herod had passed.
The Lake Street Church's interpretation of the Nativity scene, critics argue, is more indicative of a focus on social activism than on spreading the gospel. This is reflected in the church's website, which gives equal prominence to "Social Justice" as it does to "Worship & Music," "Children & Youth," and "Spiritual Growth."
The church's decision to politicize the Nativity scene has been met with disapproval, with critics arguing that it misrepresents the biblical narrative and trivializes a sacred event for propaganda purposes. The attempt to portray the Holy Family as modern-day refugees is seen as particularly misguided, further undermining the credibility of the Lake Street Church's narrative.
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