In various works, I offer a thoughtful, critical, and urgently prophetic perspective on American Evangelical Christianity. Overall, I emphasize the importance of theology rooted in justice, humility, and solidarity over political entanglement and economic power. In the paragraphs below, I present an overview:

Critique of American Evangelicalism

Bourgeois Christianity:

I use the phrase bourgeois Christianity as a label for contemporary American Evangelicalism as a “bourgeois faith.” The latter is self-centered, arrogant, and spiritually empty. I argue that bourgeois Christianity creates isolation rather than community, and must be replaced by a “Christianity of the cross” marked by self-giving and sacrifice.

Politicization of Jesus:

In my work, I warn against equating the biblical Jesus with the cultural-political version so common in American society. Christ is not the white savior or colonizer’s Jesus. The “real Jesus” is the Savior of the Lord, and his ethnic background is best described as brown-skinned Palestinian Jew, distinct from Western reinterpretations. American Evangelical Christianity has sold its soul for a political machine that is far removed from the way of the cross and the ethics of Jesus.

Theology, Ethics, and Public Engagement

Faith and Reason:

I urge Evangelical Christians to engage both intellect and reason in worship, elevating theological thought over mere spiritual sentiment. Both faith and reason should be used as tools of analysis to engage the political sphere and civil society.

Disconnect between Theology and Praxis:

In a 2023 reflection titled “Ten Big Issues in the American Evangelical World’” I critique the wide gulf between theoretical faith and real-world ethical action, particularly the lack of sustained empathy, consistent justice, and effective care for marginalized communities such as the poor, immigrants, and incarcerated.

Compartmentalized Grace:

It seems to me that Evangelical grace and empathy are often selectively applied, favoring in-group causes more than broader human suffering or systemic injustice. This is a departure from biblical Christianity and authentic theological praxis of the Christian faith.

Social Justice and Inclusive Ethics

Solidarity with the poor and Oppressed:

Followers of Jesus are called to live the gospel. This is an urgent call to be in active solidarity with refugees, immigrants, and marginalized people, not seasonal charity, but persistent presence and advocacy.

Biblical Justice vs. Legal-Style Justice:

I maintain that Evangelicalism tends to conflate theological justice with partisan or state-driven definitions. In contrast, biblical justice should transcend political affiliation and state policy. Biblical justice is both holistic and transformational. It emphasizes mercy, righteousness, compassion, hospitality, and transformation rooted in God’s character  .

A Vision for Evangelical Renewal

Repentance and Confession:

I call upon Christian churches to acknowledge and confess their historical complicity in xenophobia, family separation, racism, colonialism, and oppression. Recognizing the historic role of the church in human oppression and suffering is critical for revival and societal change. Honest confession is essential for transformative change.

Transformative Faith:

I envision an Evangelical Christianity capable of genuine cultural transformation, including confessing past sins, mourning injustice, and fostering communities formed around self-giving love, not cultural power.

Summary Table

Major Themes

1. Critique of Evangelicalism

American Evangelicalism is bourgeois, political, culturally co-opted, and spiritually hollow.

2. Theology and Reason

I urge intellectual engagement and theological depth.

3. Justice Practices

I calm for consistent solidarity with the poor, immigrants, marginalized.

4. Church Identity

I call for a church of confession, humility, self-sacrifice, and a group of followers of Christ whose actions and words are centered on cross and love.

5. Public Faith

I argue that faith and Christian piety should inform civic action and advance democracy without capitulating to partisan politics.

In essence, I believe Evangelical Christianity must become self-critical and self-giving and should repent of power capture, address its racial and colonial roots, and live out a gospel that truly serves the vulnerable. I warn against is a Christianity that is ideologically powerful but ethically disconnected from the suffering and justice Jesus modeled.