The Woke Ones

I asked ChatGPT: What are the Christian denominations going woke?

The term "woke" is often used pejoratively to describe an increased awareness of social justice issues, particularly in areas like race, gender, and inequality. In the context of Christian denominations, some people apply the term "woke" to describe churches or denominations that are perceived to be aligning with or adopting progressive stances on issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial justice, and gender equality.

Here are a few Christian denominations that are often associated with progressive or "woke" positions:

1. The Episcopal Church

• The Episcopal Church has been at the forefront of progressive issues, including the ordination of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The church supports same-sex marriage and has often spoken out on issues of racial justice and immigration.

2. The United Church of Christ (UCC)

• The UCC is known for its progressive stance on social issues, including a strong commitment to racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental concerns. The denomination has long supported same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy.

3. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

• The ELCA has taken progressive positions on many social issues, including full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the life of the church, including marriage and ordination. The denomination also engages in advocacy for racial and economic justice.

4. Presbyterian Church (USA)

• The PC(USA) is another mainline Protestant denomination that has embraced progressive views on social issues, including LGBTQ+ inclusion and marriage equality. The denomination also emphasizes social justice and often advocates for marginalized communities.

5. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)

• Although not traditionally Christian, the UUA has roots in Christianity and often aligns with progressive social justice causes. The UUA strongly supports LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and gender equality.

6. The United Methodist Church (UMC)

• The UMC is currently divided over issues of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Some congregations and conferences within the UMC have adopted progressive stances, leading to ongoing debates and potential splits within the denomination.

7. Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)

• Many Quaker meetings are known for their strong advocacy for social justice, including issues related to racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and peace. They emphasize a commitment to equality and nonviolence, often engaging in progressive activism.

8. Some Baptist Groups

• Certain Baptist denominations and churches, such as the Alliance of Baptists and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, have embraced more progressive stances on social issues, including LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial justice, although this varies widely across the Baptist tradition.

These denominations or groups within them are seen as "woke" by those who believe that these stances represent a departure from traditional or conservative Christian teachings. On the other hand, supporters of these movements argue that they are living out the Gospel's call to love and justice in the modern world.

Generated by AI

Revelation 2:18-29 AMP

^18¶“And to the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Thyatira write: “These are the words of the Son of God, who has eyes [that flash] like a flame of fire [in righteous judgment], and whose feet are like burnished [white-hot] bronze:

^19¶‘I know your deeds, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your last deeds are more numerous and greater than the first.

²⁰~‘But I have this [charge] against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess [claiming to be inspired], and she teaches and misleads My bond-servants so that they commit [acts of sexual] immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols.

²¹~‘I gave her time to repent [to change her inner self and her sinful way of thinking], but she has no desire to repent of her immorality and refuses to do so.

²²~‘Listen carefully, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her [I will bring] into great anguish, unless they repent of her deeds.

²³~‘And I will kill her children (followers) with pestilence [thoroughly annihilating them], and all the churches will know [without any doubt] that I am He who searches the minds and hearts [the innermost thoughts, purposes]; and I will give to each one of you [a reward or punishment] according to your deeds.

²⁴~‘But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not explored and known the depths of Satan, as they call them–I place no other burden on you,

²⁵except to hold tightly to what you have until I come.

²⁶~‘And he who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God] and he who keeps My deeds [doing things that please Me] until the [very] end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY and POWER OVER THE NATIONS;

²⁷AND HE SHALL SHEPHERD and RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE EARTHEN POTS ARE BROKEN IN PIECES, as I also have received authority [and power to rule them] from My Father;

²⁸and I will give him the Morning Star.

²⁹~‘He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.’