What's happening in the U.S. and other places around the world is a deep, cultural shakeup. I'm not talking about any kind of conspiracy theory, but the eruption of unconscious attitudes and energies into the light of day. It started before the election of Trump, and has intensified since, as he himself is something of a manifestation of attitudes and behaviors that were once widely disciplined for the sake of civility. He gave us permission to be more openly proud of our ignorance, xenophobia, racism, and faux patriotism. Christian leaders turned a blind eye to this, believing (wrongly, once again) that a Republican president would bring an end to abortion. What could be more important?

For Christians, we need to recognize that times like this present us with an amazing opportunity to deepen our allegiance to Christ. At some point, we are called to decide whether we stand first and foremost with him, or with some political party, racial bias, news organization, or activist group. Truly, none of these can contain us; we are in this world, but not of it. Our deepest identity is rooted in him, not them. Sometimes we are moved by the Spirit to stand with a group over one particular issue, later we might oppose them for another. Sometimes family members will not understand us -- even reject us; sometimes we will grow closer to family members because of him. He told us this is how it would go.

We need to discover that Jesus is more than the meek, nice, pious man we enshrine in our statues and pictures. He was also wild, prophetic, and sometimes harshly critical of deceptive and unjust leaders. He wasn't crucified for being sweet and kind, and, in the end, even most of his followers deserted him. He told us that the Gospel would divide families, that he came to bring division -- not for its own sake, but for an authentic unity based on truth, justice and love. Some these days might choose to stand on the sidelines to be prayer warriors, and that is needed. But do not miss this opportunity to confront your own inner biases, prejudices, and renounce them for the sake of a deeper, more abiding union with Christ. That is the invitation and opportunity during a time of shakeup, and it's hard work!