Media Literacy as Ministry
Unmasking White Supremacy in the Church
I believe there is a strong case for integrating the pedagogy of media literacy within the teachings and theology of the Christian Church, if we aspire to “heal our culture” and avoid the traps of both heresy and religious falsehoods.
Kelly Brown Douglas writes in Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter:
The relevant point here is that a vibrant legacy of Christian religious racism continues to thrive. This clearly signals that there is something about Christianity’s theological architecture that makes it at least vulnerable to being used in oppressive ways – as evident throughout Christian history itself.
In her book, Douglas meticulously documents how the language supporting white supremacy has and continues to change with the times, while its values and devastating effects remain the same.
Without the support of misled Christian evangelicals, the MAGA political movement in the United States would not have come to power. To both understand and effectively counter religious extremism, we must understand its roots. And unfortunately, white supremacy is a deep, historical part of the foundation of western culture.
Learning to unmask white supremacy and effectively interrogate its various media messages is essential for those seeking to “act as culture healers, and not culture warriors” today.
When we know better, we can do better. Let us NOT remain silent as we learn about the ways in which the racism and pejorative beliefs of prior generations continue to affect us, our politics and our culture today. Let us work together to heal and redeem this legacy of harm and hate.
Learn more about the “Heal Our Culture” project at:
More ways to join me, Wes Fryer, in advocacy for human rights, representative democracy, and the separation of church and state are available on: