As Holy Week began on Palm Sunday, “Christ is King” began trending on X (formerly Twitter). It is natural that such a statement would be controversial in our post-Christian country.
But the reason for this controversy may be surprising.
politicization of fundamental truths
Since the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, fears of Christian nationalism have led many to question anything resembling that ideology, including proclamations of the lordship of Christ. However, a recent controversy concerns the alleged use of “Christ is King” as “.”anti-semitic dog whistle” It is not intended to be a declaration of God’s sovereignty.
The controversy centers on the feud between conservative commentators Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro over the Israel-Gaza conflict. In a November 2023 exchange on X, Owens tweeted, “Christ is King.”, This was apparently in response to criticism of Mr. Shapiro's reporting on Israeli involvement in Gaza. Mr. Owens' motives for using this declaration have been questioned, given that he was recently fired from the conservative network Daily Wire over reported anti-Semitism.
Concerns about anti-Semitism behind this declaration come alongside that trend.
After the phrase started trending on X, Daily Wire host Andrew Klavan express concern This word was used to mean that God had abandoned his chosen people, the Jews. . . And he broke his promise,” he said to them.Declarations by non-Christians that “Christ is King” Andrew Tate Frowning along these lines. Tate, a controversial influencer for openly embracing misogyny, converted to Islam several years ago and has ridiculed Christianity as weak, explaining why he despises the faith. Many people wonder if they agree with the basic truth of
Christ teeth king. But what motivates our declaration?
Despite the online uproar over this statement, the idea that “Christ is King” remains fundamentally true. Philippians 2:9-11 says: “God has exalted him to the highest places and given him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and every tongue should know that Jesus Christ is Lord. ” But weaponizing this truth as a way to ridicule Jews is antithetical to the mission of Jesus.
Jesus, Israel's promised Messiah, came to save “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). To mock Jews with a gospel directed at them is an insult to God, and if we speak the truth without love, we are nothing more than “a clanging gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1). The gospel is not intended to turn Jews away from Jesus. On the contrary, “it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles” (Romans 1:16).
Beyond the rumored anti-Semitism, the self-centered nature of social media platforms like X poses potential problems when sharing our faith.Author Chris Martin wolf in the pocket, warns that social media can “reward conflict” and lead us to worship ourselves. When we focus more on growing our online presence than on honoring God, statements like “Christ is King” can easily be exploited for personal gain. There is a possibility that
In response to this statement trending, Twitch streamer Kangmin Lee said: warned Using the name of Christ as a means of gaining popularity or social influence. “'Christ is King' should be proclaimed for His glory, not ours,” Lee wrote. “If you say it for your own benefit, you are crowning yourself as the king of your life, not Christ.” In fact, Jesus said that he would crown those who use his name this way. will be reprimanded. “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8).
Things to ask yourself when sharing God’s truth online
After all, we can rejoice in the preaching of the gospel while resisting the world's attempts to dilute or distort it. In Philippians 1:18, Paul rejoices that “Christ is being preached, whether from false motives or with truth.” Regardless of the motivation behind its trend status, “Christ is King” spreads the central message of the gospel even to people who have never heard it. Commentator Allie Beth Stuckey echoed Paul's sentiments. point out the need to denounce selfish ambition where it exists.
As Christians, everything we do, including sharing the gospel online, should be done with love (1 Corinthians 16:14). We need to examine our hearts when proclaiming the Lordship of Christ on social media.
- Are we seeking God's glory or temporary internet fame?
- Are we speaking out of love, wanting a lost world to know His kindness, or are we speaking “Christ is King” to gain public approval? Is it casting? Or worse, to hurt others?
Just as God loved the world by sending His Son (John 3:16), so we can do the same by spreading the good news without “selfish ambition or vain conceit” (Philippians 2:3). You should do that.
We should always put the interests of others ahead of our own, especially when something as important as salvation is at stake. Follow Jesus' example and do all things in love as you spread the good news on social media.
