By Liv N. Large
In what can only be described as a theological plot twist of biblical proportions, American Evangelicals are reportedly distancing themselves from Jesus Christ after actually reading the Bible—a book they have historically championed but rarely engaged with in its entirety. This unexpected shift has sparked a wave of confusion, controversy, and introspection within Evangelical circles, as believers grapple with the realization that Jesus’ teachings may not align with their modern American values.
Jesus, the Radical
For many Evangelicals, Jesus has long been a symbol of moral authority, but one often filtered through the lens of American exceptionalism, prosperity, and cultural conservatism. However, upon closer inspection of the Gospels, it turns out that Jesus was something of a radical—preaching a message of love, humility, and social justice that seems almost antithetical to the priorities of many contemporary Evangelicals.
One of the most jarring discoveries for these newly enlightened Christians is Jesus’ emphasis on loving one’s enemies and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39-44). In a nation where political and cultural conflicts are often framed as battles between good and evil, the idea of loving adversaries—whether they be political opponents, foreign nations, or marginalized groups—doesn’t sit well. Evangelicals who have grown accustomed to viewing the world in black-and-white terms, where victory over the “other” is paramount, find Jesus’ teachings disturbingly soft.
Wealth, Power, and the Prosperity Gospel
Another point of contention arises from Jesus’ views on wealth and materialism. The American Dream, with its emphasis on economic success and material accumulation, is deeply ingrained in the fabric of modern Evangelicalism. Yet, Jesus’ teachings directly challenge this pursuit. In passages like Matthew 19:24, where Jesus warns that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God, Evangelicals are confronted with a stark contradiction to the Prosperity Gospel—a popular doctrine that equates faithfulness with financial blessings.
This conflict between materialism and spiritual teachings has led some Evangelicals to question the validity of their wealth-driven worldview. For a movement that has long championed capitalism as a divine system, Jesus’ repeated calls to care for the poor, reject wealth, and live humbly (Luke 12:33-34) are not just countercultural—they are outright uncomfortable.
Social Justice vs. Social Conservatism
Furthermore, Jesus’ focus on social justice presents another challenge. His ministry was deeply concerned with the marginalized—tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and the poor. Jesus’ actions and parables consistently emphasize compassion, inclusion, and the dismantling of social hierarchies (Matthew 25:35-40). Yet, in modern Evangelicalism, there has been a notable shift toward social conservatism, where issues like immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice are often approached with rigid traditionalism rather than Christ-like empathy.
The cognitive dissonance becomes even more pronounced when considering the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus blesses the meek, the poor in spirit, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:3-12). These beatitudes clash with the triumphalist narrative often promoted in Evangelical circles, where strength, dominance, and assertive righteousness are prized over humility and meekness.
The Cost of Discipleship
As these contradictions become more apparent, some Evangelicals are finding themselves at a crossroads. While Jesus’ teachings advocate for a life of self-sacrifice, simplicity, and radical love, these values are increasingly at odds with the consumerism, nationalism, and individualism that dominate much of American culture. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who wrote about the “cost of discipleship,” might have been describing this very crisis: the price of truly following Jesus is too high for those unwilling to abandon their comfort zones.
The Birth of a New Christianity?
Despite this crisis of faith, many Evangelicals are not abandoning Christianity altogether. Instead, they are attempting to rebrand their faith, creating a version of Christianity that is conveniently devoid of its central figure’s most challenging teachings. This has led to a peculiar phenomenon where believers continue to identify as Christians, even as they distance themselves from the core tenets of Christ’s message.
Some are even turning to other parts of the Bible—such as the Old Testament or the apocalyptic visions of Revelation—that better align with their worldview. This selective approach to scripture allows them to maintain their religious identity while sidestepping the more uncomfortable demands of Jesus’ ministry.
A Crisis of Conscience
This departure from Jesus’ teachings has sparked heated debates within the broader Christian community. Critics argue that these Evangelicals are straying into dangerous territory, creating a version of Christianity that is more about cultural identity than spiritual truth. Others see it as a logical extension of a movement that has long prioritized power and influence over authentic discipleship.
As Evangelicals navigate this complex landscape, the future of American Christianity hangs in the balance. Will this “Christless Christianity” take root, or will there be a return to the radical, transformative message that Jesus preached? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Bible, once thought to be the bedrock of Evangelical faith, has become a source of deep discomfort for those who finally took the time to read it.
Polly Tickle