Gen Z is Back at Church, Harvard’s Scientific Racism, and WOKE Oklahoma
Plus: Christianity without Jesus and Scholars Reflect on 5-Years after George Floyd
Friends! This week I was reminded that what Jesus calls us to do has not changed. He calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. He didn’t qualify that based on wealth and status or the lack of it. He didn’t give caveats if they held a certain political belief or attended a certain university. May our faith be alive in this season and bear good fruit for the most vulnerable.
Here are 5 things we believe are worth your time:
SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER
Jesus Without Christianity, A Christianity without Jesus
I deeply admire the leadership, teaching and embodied faithfulness of Dr. Randy Woodley. A Muskogee-Cree faith leader. His perspective is inherently anti-empire, decolonial, and ever inclusive of the shalom God intended. This short reflection points to the reality that the intersection we talk about faith, politics and education often lacks a robust faith component to permeate our thoughts and actions rather than just validate them. The faithful leaders he highlights like Henriette Catherine von Gersdorff, Columba the Irish monk, St. Patrick, Hildegard of Bingen or Francis of Assisi are refreshing reminders that Jesus is alive. I hope you’ll read his piece at least once and share it with someone!
STATISTICS
A few weeks ago, I talked with a campus minister in Georgia. At the end of the school year, he asked his diverse group of students why they were there. The response was that the space was safe. Not because there was an absence or avoidance of conflict, but because there was a sacred space to try and make sense of the world. Young people need community – and that’s always been true for everyone. But in an age where folks are increasingly on their devices, working remotely, and experiencing instability and uncertainty in a multitude of ways, people and spaces committed to a more just, equitable, loving and connected world sounds like a great place to be. Enter the Church! Ryan Burge, former pastor and full-time time professor and religion researcher makes an appearance on this podcast from Vox. Check it out!
STORIES
After 15 years, Harvard finally agreed to give up its photos of enslaved people after losing a legal battle to one of their descendents, Tamara Lanier. Renty and his daughter Delia were dehumanized in life and in death as the images of their naked bodies were used to scientifically justify their exploitation, collective violence and the lie of white supremacy. Harvard Scientist Louis Agassiz, was trying to prove polygenism which attempted to prove through research that races evolved differently and White people were superior. Fortunately, Harvard lost. Now the images are now going to the Museum of African American History in Charleston, South Carolina and the lives of Renty and Delia struggle will be properly honored. Kahlil Greene, known as the "Gen Z Historian," authors the Substack newsletter History Can’t Hide, where he uncovers overlooked, whitewashed, and suppressed aspects of American history, particularly focusing on Black, Native, Latino, and Asian communities.
Five Years After George Floyd with Dr. Reggie Williams and Dr. Jonathan Tran
The conversation with Dr. Reggie Wiliams and Dr. Jonathan Tran this past week was powerful, convicting and encouraging. In light of the other resources shared, one reality shared by Dr. Tran said that our institutions will not save us – this includes the United States government, the US economy and companies, and our American colleges and universities. Only God through Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of the Kingdom of God can do that. And it is tempting and impossible to think that we can pull ourselves up by our own moral, economic, and political bootstraps and end brokenness ourselves. Yet, that is the constant invitation. Please do check out the important conversation we had and join the dialogue.
Education and Erasure in Oklahoma and Florida A & M University
Knowledge, truth, education and the ability to know and trust information has been a contentious space throughout our country’s history. And that is especially true in two places today – Oklahoma and Florida. The superintendent of schools in Oklahoma implemented a social studies curriculum that taught conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and tenets of Christian Nationalism. And in Florida at FAMU, one of the leading HBCU’s, Marva Johnson, an ally of Governor Ron de Santis with no university experience was just confirmed as president of this storied institution. Communities are pushing back in both locations. Parents in Oklahoma are circulating petitions to allow them to opt-out of these lessons via a new organizing group called, “We’re Oklahoma Education” or WOKE. And in Florida, the FAMU student population, alumni and partners are attempting to protect one of the strongest legacies of Black education amidst oppression in the United States.
At the intersection of faith, higher education and politics there is no shortage of pressing issues that compete for our attention and often, our dollars, loyalty and outrage. But wherever you are, know that you are made in the image of God. Whoever you see today - know that they are too. All people are made in His image and the Gospel of Christ is Good News to all of creation. May you receive it as such and bear witness to it with our individual and collective belovedness in mind. Therein lies the heart of reconciliation.
Let me know what you think! I look forward to the conversation and comments because our screens make us into lonely consumers but God made us to be a vibrant community.
In Christ and for His Glory,
jonathan
PS. Pre-order your copy of “Beauty and Resistance: Spiritual Rhythms for Formation and Repair” to be released on November 11, 2025.
