Subverting the Dominant Narrative

In the time of prophet Ezekiel (6th century BCE), those in leadership of Israel tried to keep the general population sedated with calming words in order to protect their own privilege and power. They sold a narrative to the populace that purported to be the correct way to read what was going on in the world. But Yahweh was having none of it.

Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. - Ezekiel 13:10-11

In some similar ways, much of American Christianity has sought to perpetuate a version of theology and history that would insulate those in power from having to face the hard truths of scripture. As scholar and seminary president Brian Blount has put it, “Euro-American scholars, ministers, and lay folk . . . have, over the centuries, used their economic, academic, religious, and political dominance to create the illusion that the Bible, read through their experience, is the Bible read correctly” (quoted in Reading While Black by Esau McCaulley).

What are the dominant narratives you see out there in our culture? How about the church in general? How about in your own church or your own spiritual life? Who are the voices who call into question the dominant narrative, who challenge the status quo, who invite you to radically realign with the Kingdom of God?