Author Jody McKewen today announced the upcoming release of “Separating Cross and Empire: Reclaiming the Way of Jesus from the Powers that Distort It,” a comprehensive examination of how Christianity has been historically co-opted by political and social power structures.
The book addresses the longstanding tension between Jesus’ original teachings of love, justice, and compassion and their appropriation by various empires, governments, and institutions throughout history. McKewen’s work explores how these distortions have impacted marginalized communities and created spiritual disillusionment among many believers.
Drawing from personal experiences and observations across diverse communities, McKewen examines contemporary examples where religious language has been used to support policies that contradict core Gospel values. The book particularly focuses on issues affecting communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and those living in poverty.
The work traces historical precedents from early Christianity through modern movements, including the abolitionist and Civil Rights movements, where faith leaders successfully challenged oppressive systems. McKewen introduces the concept of “Beloved Community,” borrowed from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as an alternative to traditional hierarchical religious structures.
“Separating Cross and Empire” calls for both individual reflection and collective action within religious communities. The book encourages readers to examine how faith intersects with justice and to work toward creating more inclusive spiritual spaces that align with teachings of love and compassion.
The book aims to provide a framework for understanding how religious teachings have been historically misappropriated while offering a vision for reclaiming an inclusive, justice-oriented faith tradition. The author emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths about religious history while working toward positive transformation.
About Jody McKewen
Jody McKewen is an author focused on exploring the intersection of faith, justice, and social transformation. Through extensive engagement with diverse communities, McKewen examines how religious teachings impact marginalized populations and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of Christianity that emphasizes love, justice, and compassion.
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Jody McKewen
