Shifting Culture Ep. 340 Drew Hart - The Disentangling of Christianity from Empire: Why We Need Anabaptism and the Black Church
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Sep 9, 2025 Drew G. I. Hart, an influential theologian and activist, dives into the entangled history of Christianity and empire. He discusses the rise of Christendom and its impact on contemporary issues like white nationalism and systemic racism. Drew introduces the concept of Anabactivism, merging Anabaptist discipleship with the prophetic voice of the Black church for social justice. He emphasizes embracing discomfort for mutual healing and transforming faith towards communal shalom. This enlightening conversation offers fresh hope for faith rooted in justice and solidarity.
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Pastoral Lineage Shaped Early Faith
- Drew grew up in a multigenerational lineage of Black pastors which shaped his love for Jesus and Scripture.
- He intentionally left his hometown for college to discover his own beliefs outside family expectations.
From Margin To Imperial Christianity
- Early Christianity was a marginal, costly movement centered on discipleship to Jesus rather than political power.
- Over centuries, especially after Constantine, the church moved from the margins to enmesh with empire and coercive power.
Anabaptism's Radical Discipleship
- Anabaptism arose as a radical break from Christendom emphasizing communal Bible reading, mutual aid, and nonviolence.
- Its refusal to baptize as a civic act made it subversive and led to severe persecution.
