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‘Joseph Didn’t Make It’—Chicago-Area Church Updates Already Controversial Nativity Scene

Michie

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A Chicago-area church has updated its already controversial nativity scene following damage from vandalism and inclement weather, removing Joseph, the father of Jesus, and replacing him with a memorial to those who have been affected by raids and arrests conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Lake Street Church of Evanston, Illinois, made headlines earlier this holiday season with a nativity scene that depicts baby Jesus as lying in a manger with his hands zip-tied together. The infant is wrapped in what appears to be an emergency blanket. Mary and Joseph are standing near the manger wearing gas masks. And the young couple is flanked by three Roman soldiers who are wearing sunglasses and vests emblazoned with “ICE.”

Continued below.
 
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RamiC

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So are political messages the norm in USA churches?

I looked at the web site for the church, it is clearly openly progressive and only citing a nominal link to Christianity. I cannot see any indication of denomination, only that the history page says that they started as a Baptist Church.
 
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The Barbarian

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PloverWing

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So are political messages the norm in USA churches?

No, but sometimes issues of ethics intersect with issues of faith, and issues of public policy can in turn intersect with issues of ethics. The church shouldn't be saying "elect Joe Smith for Senate", but the church might be called to say "this government policy is unjust". It's not always an easy line to draw.
 
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The Barbarian

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Wannabee dictators know how to deal with violence. But unless they have complete control of the society, they are helpless before ridicule. The collapse of Trump's attempt to take over Portland lies not in mobs answering violence with violence, but with giant frogs doing the hokey pokey.

Jesus would approve.
 
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