We live in fractured times. The political and cultural divides in America feel wider and deeper than many of us can remember. These chasms run not only through our news feeds but often through our communities, our congregations, and even our families. As progressive Christians, particularly within the United Church of Christ - a tradition deeply committed to social justice, inclusivity, and the belief that "God is Still Speaking" - this polarization presents a profound challenge to our witness. We strive for a just world for all, yet find ourselves struggling to connect with, let alone persuade, those who see the world, and perhaps our faith commitments, very differently.
One frequently discussed factor fueling this division is the reaction against what's often labeled "political correctness" or, more recently, "wokeness." While these terms are often used loosely or as pejorative shorthand, they point to a real dynamic: a perception among many on the right, and some in the center, that progressive movements are imposing a culturally alienating, overly sensitive, or even accusatory ideology. This perception, fairly or unfairly, contributes to the backlash that pushes people away and entrenches division.
How can we, as people committed to the radical love and justice of Jesus Christ, understand this dynamic more clearly? And how might we adjust our rhetoric and approach - not by compromising our core values, but by communicating and engaging in ways that are more likely to build bridges rather than walls?
Part 1: Understanding the Chasm – Why the Backlash Resonates
First, let's be clear: Our commitment as progressive Christians to naming and dismantling systemic injustices like racism, sexism, homophobia, and economic inequality is non-negotiable. It flows directly from our understanding of the Imago Dei - the inherent worth and dignity of every single person – and the prophetic call to challenge powers and principalities that deny this dignity. Our passion for justice is faithfulness.
However, understanding why our message or methods sometimes provoke pushback, even beyond simple disagreement on policy, is crucial for effective witness. It requires us to listen carefully, even when it’s uncomfortable, and to consider how our actions are perceived. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the reasons:
Perceived Cultural Condescension: Sometimes, our language or approach can come across as dismissive of traditions, values, or ways of life held dear by others, particularly in rural or more culturally traditional communities. People may feel judged or looked down upon by urban or academic elites, a category they might (rightly or wrongly) place progressive activists into. Our Christian call includes humility; judging hearts is God's domain, not ours.
Language Barriers and Jargon: We often use specialized language – terms like "intersectionality," "systemic oppression," "heteronormativity." While precise and useful in some contexts, this jargon can be alienating or confusing to those outside activist or academic circles. It can feel like an exclusive code, hindering rather than helping understanding. Remember Pentecost – the Spirit enabled communication across differences, not the creation of new linguistic walls.
Emphasis on Group Identity: Our necessary focus on the specific experiences of marginalized groups can sometimes be perceived by others as prioritizing group identity over universal humanity or individual merit, potentially feeding fears of division or reverse discrimination. While we know that acknowledging specific injustices is vital (we cannot be one body if parts are suffering unrecognized, as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12), we need to consider how this focus is heard by those who feel their own concerns or identity are being ignored.
The Relevance Gap: For individuals facing immediate economic hardship, job insecurity, or community decline, intense debates about pronouns, historical statues, or microaggressions might feel abstract, unimportant, or disconnected from their pressing daily realities. Jesus ministered among people concerned with daily bread and physical healing; our ministry must also connect with tangible needs.
Fear of Rapid Change: Social norms are shifting quickly. For some, this evokes anxiety about losing a familiar world, even if that world contained injustices. While change towards justice is necessary, acknowledging the associated fear with pastoral sensitivity can be more effective than dismissiveness.
Strategic Misrepresentation: We must also recognize that right-wing media and political figures often deliberately distort progressive ideas, caricature activists, and amplify fringe examples to sow fear and division. They expertly weaponize terms like "woke" to shut down conversation.
Understanding these dynamics does not mean validating prejudice or agreeing with inaccurate perceptions. It means recognizing the complex human and social factors at play so we can communicate more effectively. It’s about being wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).
Part 2: Adjusting Our Approach – Building Bridges Faithfully
So, how do we move forward? How can we remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice while adjusting our approach to foster understanding and potentially build coalitions based on shared values?
Lead with Shared Values: Instead of starting arguments with critique, begin by affirming common ground. As Christians, we share core values with many conservatives: the dignity of human life, the importance of family and community, stewardship of creation, compassion for the suffering, the pursuit of truth, the desire for a better future for our children. Frame our arguments for justice through these shared values. Show how progressive policies uphold these values for everyone.
Integrate Economic Justice: Let's ensure our advocacy prominently includes economic issues that resonate broadly: fair wages, affordable healthcare, job security, support for struggling communities (rural and urban). Many people pushed rightward feel economically abandoned. Showing how progressive policies address these tangible concerns can build bridges and demonstrate that our vision includes their well-being. This aligns perfectly with the Bible's deep concern for economic justice.
Cultivate Humility and Invitational Rhetoric: Our tone matters immensely. Let's strive to speak withpeople, not at them. Avoid self-righteousness and moral superiority. Use "we" language that emphasizes shared challenges and aspirations. Practice deep listening. Acknowledge complexity. As inheritors of a Reformed tradition that stresses human fallibility, let’s model grace and intellectual humility, even in disagreement.
Speak Plainly and Tell Stories: Translate complex ideas into accessible language. Share personal stories – our own and those of people impacted by injustice – that illustrate the human stakes. Stories connect hearts in ways abstract arguments often cannot.
Focus on Core Principles, Flexible on Tactics: Be clear about our non-negotiable commitments (e.g., racial equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, care for creation) but remain open to discussion and different perspectives on the best strategies to achieve these goals. Don't let the most provocative slogans or tactics define our entire movement.
Embody Our Values Locally: Trust is built through relationships and action. Engage in community service, interfaith dialogue, and local initiatives that address tangible needs. Showing up consistently and demonstrating care in practical ways speaks volumes and can soften hearts hardened by political rhetoric. Our UCC emphasis on covenantal relationships calls us to this kind of persistent, relational engagement.
Reframing "Woke" Language Without Compromising Our Values
Here is a table providing 10 examples of potentially "triggering" progressive statements often labeled as "woke," alongside reframed versions aimed at being more palatable and fostering connection with conservatives, without abandoning the core progressive value.
The goal here is not to dilute principles, but to communicate them in ways that emphasize shared values, common ground, and practical outcomes, reducing unnecessary antagonism. Though these examples may not be perfect, they show our our progressive "shorthand" can sometimes leave more conservative-leaning people feeling alienated and unheard, and how we might reframe our rhetoric in ways that are more focused on human experiences, empathy and compassion than they are on moral absolutism.
# | Commonly Heard Progressive Statement (Often Perceived as "Woke") | Core Progressive Value | Reframed Statement (Aiming for Broader Connection) |
1 | "America is built on systemic racism and white supremacy." | Acknowledging and addressing pervasive racial bias embedded in institutions and history. | "To live up to our nation's promise of liberty and justice for all, we need to address how historical and ongoing racial bias still creates unfair barriers for many Americans." |
2 | "Using incorrect pronouns for trans people is an act of violence." | Respecting individual identity, particularly for transgender and non-binary people. | "Treating everyone with basic dignity and respect includes using the names and pronouns they ask us to use. It's a fundamental part of acknowledging who they are." |
3 | "We need to dismantle capitalism to achieve climate justice." | Urgent need to address climate change and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. | "Protecting our environment for future generations is a shared responsibility. We can build a stronger economy and create good-paying jobs by investing in clean energy and sustainable practices." |
4 | "Tear down monuments honoring Confederates and slaveholders; they glorify oppression." | Honestly confronting painful history; ensuring public honors align with current values. | "Our public spaces should reflect values we can all be proud of today. Let's work together to ensure our monuments tell the full, honest story of our past, including the struggles for freedom." |
5 | "DEI initiatives are essential to decenter whiteness and combat institutional privilege." | Creating fairer systems where everyone has opportunity and feels included. | "We're working to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for everyone in our workplaces and communities, so that talent and hard work are rewarded, regardless of background." |
6 | "Defund the police." (The slogan itself) | Reimagining public safety, addressing police misconduct, investing in communities. | "We need public safety solutions that work for everyone. This means investing in effective, accountable policing and proven community programs that prevent crime and address root causes like poverty and mental illness." |
7 | "That's cultural appropriation – you can't wear/use that!" | Respecting cultural origins, avoiding stereotypes, understanding power dynamics. | "It's important to appreciate different cultures respectfully. Let's take the time to understand the meaning and history behind traditions, especially those from groups that have faced hardship." |
8 | "Check your privilege." | Recognizing unearned advantages to foster empathy and systemic awareness. | "We all have different life experiences that shape our perspectives. Understanding how our own backgrounds might differ from others helps us better appreciate the challenges they face." |
9 | "Silence is violence." (Often regarding bystander effect in face of injustice) | Encouraging active opposition to injustice rather than passive complicity. | "When we see unfairness or injustice, speaking up or taking action, even in small ways, can make a real difference in building a better community for everyone." |
10 | "We need to listen to and amplify marginalized voices." | Ensuring diverse perspectives, especially from those most affected by issues, are heard. | "To solve problems effectively, it’s crucial to hear from everyone involved, especially from people whose experiences and perspectives might often be overlooked." |
Important Note: Even with careful reframing, fundamental disagreements on values and policy will persist. The aim of this approach is not to eliminate disagreement, but to foster more constructive dialogue, reduce misunderstandings based on rhetoric alone, and potentially find common ground for action by focusing on shared aspirations like fairness, opportunity, security, and community well-being.
The Path Forward
This work is not easy. It requires patience, resilience, and deep spiritual grounding. We will face genuine opposition rooted in fundamentally different values or outright prejudice, and some divides may not be bridgeable. Our call is not necessarily to appease everyone, but to bear faithful witness to God's love and justice in ways that are both prophetic and potentially persuasive.
It means holding firm to our convictions while choosing our words and actions wisely, guided by love and a genuine desire for reconciliation and the well-being of all. As the UCC reminds us, "God is Still Speaking." Let us listen intently – to God, to scripture, to our tradition, and yes, even across the chasm – as we discern how best to speak and act for justice and wholeness in these divided times. May we be agents of healing, challenging injustice while always seeking connection, reflecting the radical, bridge-building love of Christ.
