Pastor Sends Message To Championers Of Trump’s Re-election
In a compelling address, Pastor Charlie Dates delivered a pointed criticism of what he described as the misrepresentation of Christianity by some evangelical leaders in America. His message, which blended a pastoral plea with a theological critique, strives to defend the integrity of the Christian faith against political distortions and misapplications of Scripture.
“I dissent,” he began, framing his remarks as a deliberate challenge to narratives that intertwine faith with partisan politics. Pastor Dates continued:
“I offer this pastoral rebuttal to those who are sincerely seeking the Christ of the Scriptures and for those who are defending the faith against its misrepresentations. You should vote according to your convictions, but to claim the results of this election and the day of this inauguration as the favour of God on America is the sorrowful historical succession of inaccurate and irresponsible theology.”
Pastor Dates clarified that his critique was not about political affiliations but about the actions of church leaders who attempt to align Christ with their chosen political agendas. He noted that neither major political party in America fully embodies the values of Jesus Christ. “They both fail miserably,” he declared, emphasizing the need for the church to remain anchored in Christ rather than partisanship.
Pastor Dates offered a scathing critique of American Christianity, pointing to historical injustices and theological distortions that have perpetuated oppression. He questioned how certain leaders could claim God’s favour now while disregarding the prayers and struggles of Black and marginalized communities throughout history.
“I have to ask you, brother pastor, where was God when my ancestors were praying to Him through the 40 years of American chattel slavery? Where was God at the failed point of Reconstruction? Where was God when my ancestors, my grandparents, were marching to end the long nights—73 years plus—of Jim Crow?”
These questions, Pastor Dates argued, highlight the selective moral priorities of some evangelical leaders, who focus on issues like abortion and sexuality while ignoring systemic inequalities and injustices faced by marginalized communities.
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“My problem with you,” he continued, “is that you will not listen to your Black and brown brothers and sisters who also have a high view of Scripture, who believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, and who fundamentally believe that the Gospel is the only message that can cure what it diagnoses.”
Pastor Dates boldly declared that America needs both repentance and revival. He reminded his audience that God is not aligned with earthly power structures but stands with the oppressed.
“God is not on the side of those in power. God has been on the side of the oppressed. He came into power to liberate us not only from the slavery of sin but also from the sin of slavery.”
He challenged church leaders to repent for their theological arrogance and their failure to interpret Scripture in light of history. Pastor Dates urged them to expand their understanding of justice and engage with pastors of diverse perspectives.
“Before you call America to repent, you need to repent—not just for your theological arrogance but for your failure to understand Scripture in light of history,” he said.
In his conclusion, Pastor Dates called for a renewed commitment to Christ-centered theology that prioritizes humility, unity, and justice. He emphasized that the church must not lose sight of the Gospel’s liberating power amidst cultural and political agendas.
“Our nation needs both repentance and revival. May God bless the United States of America,” he concluded.
Pastor Dates’ passionate address serves as both a challenge and a reminder that the church’s mission is to embody the values of Christ, transcending political divides and addressing historical and systemic injustices with the transformative power of the Gospel.
Content Credit| Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola Precious
Picture Credit | https://www.olivet.edu/
