I am sharing this with my network of friends and feel a great sense of urgency to do so. I encourage others to do the same. I received a note from a friend today whose relative works for World Vision in disaster relief and whose finances have been completely cut off. This is a matter of life and death in many places. Food will rot in warehouses as NGO’s like World Vision are prevented from providing it to hungry people.
Thanks, Kristin for your thoughtful and insightful article. But I'm hoping there may be a backstop to all of this madness. Believe it or not, it's Wall Street. I've worked in finance and traders are "no bullshit" sort of people. If they sense that any recent moves over the weekend will have negative implications for our economy (and they most certainly do) - stock prices will tumble. It will be interesting to see how the markets react to the chaos of the Trump administration. This may be the only thing that can get the attention of this administration and get them to reconsider the harm they are causing.
That is my biggest fear. Someone recommended that I trust the "invisible hand of the market". It has held in the past, but I'm not so sure if it is strong enough to pull us back from the edge.
Except the very idea that markets are “free” is an illusion. Corporate American will do what it always does: deliver shareholder value. Any company that fails to do that is decapitated.
Trouble in the markets means trouble for all of us, but there have been many instances when there was trouble in the economy, but the markets did fine. The tariff situation could ruffle the markets if they actually occur, but I think the impact of these other moves will be slower to hit the markets which may muffle their impact there.
They will decide whatever makes them the most money. And they are very good at determining whatever path that is. It's kind of like being attacked by sharks and hoping piranhas will save you.
Crashing the stock market may be part of the plan. A crash will destroy the wealth of millions of Americans (like 2008 but worse) and give Trump, Musk, and their billionaire buddies to acquire assets at bargain prices.
I read this first thing this morning and haven't stopped spreading the word since. I feel like we need thousands of Paul Reveres right now. Classic outlets are completely missing the mark. When they do spend some time talking about what is happening, they appear stunned...almost unable to grasp what is happening. Only you and others at Substack and other such outlets and The Atlantic seem able to grasp the significance of what is happening. Thanks for mentioning other writers to check out. We need to build new networks...we need to start thinking about how to respond to this incredible assault on everything....and we don't have much time to do all that!
I continue looking for what I can do to address the madness that is happening before our very eyes. I am concerned that many of those I talk to feel powerless and therefore choose to ignore what's happening and do nothing. Sadly, but not surprising, I suspect many will continue to try and ignore what's happening until they or those they love begin experiencing at least some level of pain directly resulting from the draconian decisions and actions of the Trump administration. That being said, I am deeply grateful for and applaud faithful and prophetic voices like yours and many others that provide much needed perspective and guidance for those who seek it. Thank you!
Act locally. Band together with others to champion the rights of immigrants, LGBTQ, Black folks AND Black history — that is Beloved Community in YOUR community.
Gleichschaltung. A German word meaning the the process of coordination of political, economic, and social institutions. We will see it in religious institutions as well.
Prof. Du Mez, I fear you may lose your job for writing this. I also suspect you are aware of that possible consequence and chose to act with courage anyway. And so more power to you. It will take millions of people with real courage to lead this country out of the evil wasteland that is Christian Nationalism.
I hope it doesn't come to that either. I am thinking of one of the lines of Sinead O'Connor's protest song, "Black Boys on Mopeds":
These are dangerous days
To say what you feel is to make your own grave.
I have gone back just now to listen to it again on YouTube. I think few listeners pick up on it, but the two choruses are taken from Jesus' farewell discourse in John's Gospel:
Thank you so much for your work. Keep it up. You are an essential part of many of us getting the truth. I am going to share this article with my friends and subscription to one or more of the news outlets you presented.
I appreciated your clear analysis of our current collective crisis. Your well grounded and well rounded conclusion which included both a strong indictment and open hearted invitation is rooted in both Christianity's prophetic tradition and Christianity's commitment to forgiveness and grace. Thank you again for another post I will pass along to others whom I hope will subscribe to your Substack. I appreciate your courage which I hope will be contagious.
Joining with conservatives is something I've seen as hopeful ever since November. I'm hoping that AOC, Liz Cheney and Kamala Harris can come together and build a following. The Democrats are united and now I'm just waiting for the spilt to finish in the Republicans to join them. It may be their and our last stand against the broligarchy.
This is certainly understandable given your background and the time invested up till now. For me the basis of my hope is now in 2 things; 1. The Republican party had been exposed for what it truly believes and the evangelical church's role in those beliefs. There will be an even further divide in their party than what we see now and that will take time develop. 2. God always knows best and He will us is time to refine our faith so that we will be better and do better. I mentioned the Republicans exposure on FB today stating that they believe and support what Donald Trump in 2012 and now in 2020. On both occasions, they defeated a woman. Likely not a coincidence in my eyes.
Thank you so much for being clear, citing facts, recommending other people and places to get true information. You and your group, The Convocation, and your courage are appreciated more than you know.
I am sharing this with my network of friends and feel a great sense of urgency to do so. I encourage others to do the same. I received a note from a friend today whose relative works for World Vision in disaster relief and whose finances have been completely cut off. This is a matter of life and death in many places. Food will rot in warehouses as NGO’s like World Vision are prevented from providing it to hungry people.
way to go Dan!
Thanks, Kristin for your thoughtful and insightful article. But I'm hoping there may be a backstop to all of this madness. Believe it or not, it's Wall Street. I've worked in finance and traders are "no bullshit" sort of people. If they sense that any recent moves over the weekend will have negative implications for our economy (and they most certainly do) - stock prices will tumble. It will be interesting to see how the markets react to the chaos of the Trump administration. This may be the only thing that can get the attention of this administration and get them to reconsider the harm they are causing.
I was just talking to friends last night and said “only corporate America can save us now!” But will they decide it’s better to kiss the ring?
That is my biggest fear. Someone recommended that I trust the "invisible hand of the market". It has held in the past, but I'm not so sure if it is strong enough to pull us back from the edge.
Except the very idea that markets are “free” is an illusion. Corporate American will do what it always does: deliver shareholder value. Any company that fails to do that is decapitated.
Trouble in the markets means trouble for all of us, but there have been many instances when there was trouble in the economy, but the markets did fine. The tariff situation could ruffle the markets if they actually occur, but I think the impact of these other moves will be slower to hit the markets which may muffle their impact there.
They will decide whatever makes them the most money. And they are very good at determining whatever path that is. It's kind of like being attacked by sharks and hoping piranhas will save you.
Crashing the stock market may be part of the plan. A crash will destroy the wealth of millions of Americans (like 2008 but worse) and give Trump, Musk, and their billionaire buddies to acquire assets at bargain prices.
Yes. Musk as much as told us this a few days before the election.
You made a great collection of resistance sources
Many more to come!
I have modified my teaching and church activities more to support this resistance. Luckily I am in an inner city church with mostly marginalized
Praying for the Holy Spirit to speak into hearts of your church.
I read this first thing this morning and haven't stopped spreading the word since. I feel like we need thousands of Paul Reveres right now. Classic outlets are completely missing the mark. When they do spend some time talking about what is happening, they appear stunned...almost unable to grasp what is happening. Only you and others at Substack and other such outlets and The Atlantic seem able to grasp the significance of what is happening. Thanks for mentioning other writers to check out. We need to build new networks...we need to start thinking about how to respond to this incredible assault on everything....and we don't have much time to do all that!
Yes, we need thousands of us!
I continue looking for what I can do to address the madness that is happening before our very eyes. I am concerned that many of those I talk to feel powerless and therefore choose to ignore what's happening and do nothing. Sadly, but not surprising, I suspect many will continue to try and ignore what's happening until they or those they love begin experiencing at least some level of pain directly resulting from the draconian decisions and actions of the Trump administration. That being said, I am deeply grateful for and applaud faithful and prophetic voices like yours and many others that provide much needed perspective and guidance for those who seek it. Thank you!
Act locally. Band together with others to champion the rights of immigrants, LGBTQ, Black folks AND Black history — that is Beloved Community in YOUR community.
Gleichschaltung. A German word meaning the the process of coordination of political, economic, and social institutions. We will see it in religious institutions as well.
And people thought the Book of Revelation was about the future, as esoteric. I find its wisdom a guiding light now, and not that hard to follow.
Those, I know, who voted for Trump have blinders on. It’s like they drank the Kool-Aid and are unable or unwilling to see what is going on.
“I felt this way the entire time Biden was president” … blew my mind.
Prof. Du Mez, I fear you may lose your job for writing this. I also suspect you are aware of that possible consequence and chose to act with courage anyway. And so more power to you. It will take millions of people with real courage to lead this country out of the evil wasteland that is Christian Nationalism.
Being ready to lose everything is a Christian teaching, though I hope it doesn’t come up that.
I hope it doesn't come to that either. I am thinking of one of the lines of Sinead O'Connor's protest song, "Black Boys on Mopeds":
These are dangerous days
To say what you feel is to make your own grave.
I have gone back just now to listen to it again on YouTube. I think few listeners pick up on it, but the two choruses are taken from Jesus' farewell discourse in John's Gospel:
Remember what I told you
They hated me, they will hate you.
Remember what I told you
If you were of the world, they would love you.
Thank you so much for your work. Keep it up. You are an essential part of many of us getting the truth. I am going to share this article with my friends and subscription to one or more of the news outlets you presented.
I appreciated your clear analysis of our current collective crisis. Your well grounded and well rounded conclusion which included both a strong indictment and open hearted invitation is rooted in both Christianity's prophetic tradition and Christianity's commitment to forgiveness and grace. Thank you again for another post I will pass along to others whom I hope will subscribe to your Substack. I appreciate your courage which I hope will be contagious.
Powerful.
Thanks!!!!!!!
This needs to be shared widely!!!!!!
Today's too crazy in clinic to say much. But thank you for always stepping up - and please take care of yourself!! 🙏🙏
Joining with conservatives is something I've seen as hopeful ever since November. I'm hoping that AOC, Liz Cheney and Kamala Harris can come together and build a following. The Democrats are united and now I'm just waiting for the spilt to finish in the Republicans to join them. It may be their and our last stand against the broligarchy.
I’d like to be hopeful but I’ve been disappointed so many times before.
This is certainly understandable given your background and the time invested up till now. For me the basis of my hope is now in 2 things; 1. The Republican party had been exposed for what it truly believes and the evangelical church's role in those beliefs. There will be an even further divide in their party than what we see now and that will take time develop. 2. God always knows best and He will us is time to refine our faith so that we will be better and do better. I mentioned the Republicans exposure on FB today stating that they believe and support what Donald Trump in 2012 and now in 2020. On both occasions, they defeated a woman. Likely not a coincidence in my eyes.
I would add Mike Pence to that list...He came out publicly against RFK's nomination
Thanks for this text; especially for the final plea. Yes, we're together in this.
Thank you so much for being clear, citing facts, recommending other people and places to get true information. You and your group, The Convocation, and your courage are appreciated more than you know.