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Woke Like Jesus

Woke Like Jesus

Last updated on: November 30, 2023 at 3:09 pm by Jason Elam

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Woke Like Jesus 2023-11-30T15:09:50-05:00 Jason Elam

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The word “woke” has been co-opted by the political right, but its’ origin lies in the African-American community during the American civil rights era. The original users of the term used it as an admonition to one another “stay woke” or remain awakened to the dangers of injustice all around them.
Today, the word is used by many culture warriors to demean anything they disagree with.
Don’t like MAGA? Woke.
Don’t like DeSantis? Woke.
Don’t want to ban books we disapprove of? Woke.
Supporting Disney? Woke.
Allowing trans athletes to participate in sports according to their embraced identity? Woke.
In the Gospels, Jesus is often saying, “Let he who has eyes to see…” or “ears to hear” to represent the same type of admonition that the civil rights pioneers were getting at.
How did so many church-going Americans end up so far from the ideals represented in Jesus’ sermon on the mount?
It’s possible that our discipleship was more formed by Fox News, Donald Trump, and the old Christian Coalition than by Jesus.
Jesus was non-violent. Woke.
Jesus stood by victims of oppression. Woke.
Jesus encouraged his followers to forgive the debts of others. Woke.
Jesus told rich people to sell their possessions and give the money to the poor. Woke.
Jesus taught his followers to feed the hungry, visit prisoners, and heal the sick (for FREE!). Woke. Woke. Woke.
I’ll be diving into this topic in my next book which will hopefully be released next year.

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About Jason Elam

Jason Elam is a former pastor, radio broadcaster, and professional wrestler. Today, Jason is Brandi's grateful husband and Alex, Britain, Emily, and Jaxon's proud dad. He is also a writer, podcaster, and speaker. Recently, Jason and Brandi compiled the book "Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind". You can read more about the author here.

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