"Sankofa" as Solution for MAGA-Aligned Christianity

The Aftermath of the End of the Fairness Doctrine

Have you ever had that moment when you're laughing with someone, sharing life stories, and feeling blessed to have such a great friend that you start calling them your sister or brother? But then, this person you’ve grown to love and appreciate casually mentions their support for something you have not only spent years advocating against, but which also directly undermines your existence as a human being. 

I remember experiencing this moment several times in the 46 years of my life. My heart sank, and for a split second, I wondered if I had misheard them. How could someone I admired so much, someone who felt like a part of my soul, stand behind something that contradicted everything I believed in and fully supported the oppression of others? It was as if the ground beneath me had cracked open, leaving me teetering on the edge of disbelief and heartbreak. 

In the documentary "The Real Story - I Lost My Dad to Fox News, " we witness the culmination of over forty years of investment resulting in the current death spiral of conservative social media intertwined with MAGA-aligned Christianity.

The Fairness Doctrine

Enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Fairness Doctrine was applied in the 1969 case of Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC. Journalist Fred Cook sued the Pennsylvania Christian Crusade radio program, asserting that the airwaves were an extension of the First Amendment. Essentially, Cook’s right to respond on-air to the radio broadcast’s attack was upheld. Fast forward to 1987, when the FCC panel repealed the Fairness Doctrine under the new Reagan appointee, Dennis Patrick. Although Congress attempted to oppose this with a bill, Reagan vetoed it immediately.

The consequences of this led to the rise of Christian Nationalist rhetoric and agendas, propelling us to our current situation. Individuals who identify as Christians often stray far from the “love your neighbor as you love yourself” principle given by Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:39).

Instead, we are observing a surge of historical omission (any form of omission is a lie) to support a pseudo Christianity idolizing a golden image - Trump. MAGA-aligned Christianity has caused an increase in seminary education that regards whiteness as superior, while leaders like Kenneth Copeland declare that the devil is black.

The above clip also lists Black Christian fundamentalists who support this same theology as Copeland. My only critique of the clip is that YouTube contributes to the singling out of Black women who do what Black male preachers do all the time. The references are accurate; however, he misses the opportunity to shift away from demonizing and singling out Black women as the “loudest” and “most prominent” voices in this era of Black Christian fundamentalism. But I’ll move on…

Responding to MAGA-aligned Christianity

A helpful response is understanding the genealogy of MAGA-aligned Christianity, which is found in (White) Evangelicalism. Indeed, Evangelicalism benefits whites and is historically rooted in the nadir of American race relations.

For further reflection on the history that brings us to today, check out Anthea Butler’s classic text. It is an easy read, yet powerfully packed with the information necessary to respond to MAGA-aligned Christianity.

White Evangelical Racism - CLICK HERE!

Another response: refuse any bill, policy, institution, product, politician, and sermon that aligns with the colonization of Christianity. Recently, organized efforts by leaders like Jamal Harrison Bryant and Rev. Al Sharpton have galvanized the American people to divest from organizations that support the MAGA-infused administration currently in power.

Educate our youth (not just your children) about the truths continually being removed from websites, books, libraries, and school curriculums. I have three daughters who are aware of how colonization works to erase everyone’s history - even the history people may not be proud of but should acknowledge and take accountability for. Healing occurs when all parties are committed to moving forward. There will always be one party that has greater privilege (or all privilege), but therein lies the opportunity to be part of the solution - claim accountability and privilege.

I’ve witnessed this with my children, especially my youngest. She is the shortest in her class, having been born eight weeks early, yet when she takes the stage, she shines like the brightest star. One of her classmates has been a significant bully toward her. While discussing plans for her upcoming birthday party, she said, “Mommy, I want to invite her.” I replied, “Why? She’s just trying to be nice because she heard about your party.” My daughter responded:

“Mommy, everyone deserves a second chance. God gives us many chances to get it right.”

Sigh. A part of me is reluctant to extend this grace - especially when the person is intentional with their actions and words. However, there is peace in both offering grace and holding someone accountable by upholding the truth. But how can we hold people accountable if we don’t understand where we’ve come from? I implore “Sankofa.”

Sankofa

The term Sankofa originates from the Twi language of the Akan people of Ghana. It translates to “go back and get it.” This Akan philosophy of “return and go fetch” emphasizes the necessity of looking to the past to retrieve valuable knowledge that can guide the present and future. In the spirit of Sankofa, let us learn to return to our roots so we can find the route to freedom and justice for all. I’ve found that, rooted in my identity as an African American woman, I am a healer, nurturer, mother, lover, and passionate, strong advocate for all.

As an important symbol in African-American and African Diaspora contexts, we return to what was forcibly taken from us, thus providing an incomplete blueprint of our identity. We are the children of those who would not die. This philosophy can serve as a healing path for holding colonized Christians accountable. Looking back, the sacred Christian text provides an example of what Jesus thought about those who chose capitalism and the oppression of people, land, and non-human animals for profit.