Published on February 3, 2024, 12:51 am

Authors Russell Moore, David French, and Curtis Chang have recently received criticism for their approach to developing a curriculum titled “The After Party”, aimed at guiding Christians and churches in their political engagements without fostering division. Unfortunately, these figures are facing allegations of aligning with practically all anti-Christian progressive ideologies known to man, triggering concerns among certain circles of real news followers with a Christian worldview.

One example that arises from the controversy revolves around Charlie Dates. A figure held up by Russell Moore and his colleagues as representing the stances they advocate for, Dates is acclaimed in this trusted news account for his work and influence in the Evangelical world.

Charlie Dates’ story begins as a widely recognized Southern Baptist pastor known for his intense wokeness and pro-socialist standpoints. He notably participated in the MLK50 Conference in 2018 which was a joint initiative organized by The Gospel Coalition and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention – an event that attracted numerous evangelicals to collectively honor Martin Luther King Jr. as one of Christianity’s greatest heroes.

However, Charlie Dates made headlines when he decided to part ways with the Southern Baptist Convention because he felt it wasn’t progressive enough for him. Previously leading a church named Progressive Baptist Church, he voiced his disappointment over Albert Mohler’s claim (president of the Southern Baptist Seminary) that the sole politically moral option for any Christian was to support the Republican Party.

Dates later moved on from Progressive Baptist Church too to lead at Salem Baptist Church, a well-known mega-church based out of Chicago where he grew up and attended school; consistent with his career narrative of embodying progressive ideals within a Christian framework.

Curiously, upon taking over from retiring pastor James Meeks at Salem Baptist Church, one of Dates’ initial acts was inviting former Chicago Mayor – Lori Lightfoot – to convey God’s word from their pulpit despite her open support towards abortion rights while also being a lesbian.

These actions and associations by Charlie Dates are supported by Russell Moore, David French, Chang, and their associates who see him as a successful model of non-political leaders’ practices. However, others argue that such figures are only advocating for restraint in political engagement from Republicans and conservatives.

Further controversial news regarding evangelical figures such as Alistair Begg advising Christians to attend same-sex weddings, Preston Sprinkle shifting the church’s doctrinal views on homosexuality and other aberrant sexualities, or pro-life activists facing federal charges for blocking an abortion facility adds complexity to today’s Christian political landscape.

The question remains: How should Christians navigate these times of ideological conflict? Curricula like “The After Party”, despite its divisive subject matter, aim to equip individuals with tools to engage in politics without stoking division. Nonetheless, the complexities surrounding figures like Charlie Dates indicate that navigating these waters is far from simple – ultimately highlighting the need for trusted news sources within the Christian community.