Christians Engaged: Grift Or Gold?
Some highs and lows from the conference
Christians Engaged (CE): grift or gold; that is a question many ask about the up-and-coming ecumenical Christian group. After copious questions and recommendations from fans, we decided to investigate the hubbub.
For two days, we went deep undercover, even dying our intern’s hair gray so they could blend in. The event was pretty decent, and featured notables from across America. Unfortunately, it received relatively lower-than-expected attendance despite hosting great orators like Pastor Rafael Cruz, Senator Bob Hall, and Rep. Michael Cloud.
Overall, the conference’s discussion topics involved social issues plaguing the nation, and hopes Christian voters can organize to fix them. Those gathered also broke up into small groups, meeting again inside the sanctuary for the main presenters. Like any political conference, it had its hits and misses.
Misses
Firstly, NeverTrumper House Rep. Chip Roy was allowed to give a video speech to attendees. Despite his attacks on Trump and helping surrender the White House to Brandon, he has unfortunately been lionized recently by conservatives with goldfish-length memories. Remember this?
It is understandable some pity him; he ain’t looking too good.
Secondly, there was President Trump’s ex-spiritual advisor Pastor Robert Jeffress, who actually preached a pretty decent sermon. In reality, Jeffress gladly betrayed his flock when they demanded safety from mandatory clot shots conjured from dead babies; he threw them to the wolves with praise from Branch Covidiots, and Big Pharma. A megachurch insisting its congregation get heart attacks gives new meaning to “holy roller.”
Hits
Thankfully, those two did not define CE’s gathering. In fact, we have some particular favorite rhetoricians, who not only talked the talk, but possess track-records of excellence. Among these was Elizabeth “Activist Mommy” Johnston, who gained prominence exposing child grooming before it was relevant (her part of the below interview starts at 4:55).
Her movement succeeded, pulling Teen Vogue officially out of print just a year later. Nowadays, millions of parents take similar stands against porn books being accessible to kids, albeit in schools. She is officially the mother of the anti-groomer movement, and deserves pure praise.
Next up are two Texans needing no introduction: Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian (“the only Christian on the ballot”), and Texas State Senator Bob Hall.
On stage, Christian did not hesitate to blame Texas incumbents for 2021’s Holofrost, caused in part by flushing taxdollars down the toilet for windfarms and solar. Kind of late, but Christian’s criticisms are appreciated.
Senator Hall spends his career fighting for Texans, and exposing the Austin lemon party’s screwjobs. Among his most memorable exploits was leading the charge to ban child mutilation, which pro-pervert cabals in the Texas House still support.
During his discourse, Hall informed those gathered on steps they can take to protect Texas, and America at-large. He also discussed an issue most avoid: “My generation will be the first generation to give posterity a lower standard of living.” Excluding heroes such as Tucker Carlson, Michelle Malkin, and Pat Buchanan, many evade populist themes normal people like.
Another great occurrence was inviting young Rightists to express their perspectives on activism, success, policy, and strategy going forward. Having future-oriented engagement is always commendable, especially since Zoomers are the least politically evangelized by conservative causes.
Generally, we wish CE well in their quest to rouse American Christendom. One of the organization’s leaders made a fundraising request, stating aspirations for the group to become a powerhouse “from Maine to California” by 2024, so getting reliable funding is a current hinderance.
Excluding aforementioned funding and quality control concerns (i.e. Roy, and Jeffress), something to be improved is development of political solutions. The emphasis on a massive revival to magically fix America’s problems was a common thread throughout the event. However, without a strong political force, magic song-and-dance routines in a church will be worthless; quod erat demonstrandum the fact sodomy, easy divorce, legalized abortion, and the Sexual Revolution’s other consequences got kickstarted and normalized in the late sixties and early seventies, while the Jesus People Movement peaked at the same time. Excessive reliance on spontaneous spiritual events produces citizenry “so heavenly minded, they’re no earthly good.”
As believers in constructive criticism, we suggest CE instruct activists on not merely short-term organizing, but building political machines outlasting themselves, leaving legacies lasting centuries. Creating a Far-Right Tammany Hall in every church would make Christendom a force to be reckoned with, guaranteeing conservative victories wherever they influence. With plentiful models to select from, crafting one will take worthwhile effort.
All in all, CE is a great organization that, while certainly needing improvements, has enormous potential. This is NOT an organization to eyeroll at; with a few fixes, they could become another great kingmaker. In the words of The Offspring, “You’re gonna go far.”
I attended the conference online at a cost of $25. I watched the speakers who interested me. Chip Roy and Dr. Robert Jeffress were not them. I wish Eric Metaxas, a speaker, was mentioned in this piece. His book is all about getting the American Christian Church, which has been absent, involved in the cultural battles. All hands need to be on deck to turn this ship around.
Thanks again for bringing light where needed.