Jeremy L. Berg

In the coming days, Christians’ true loyalties and affiliation will once again be tested and revealed. For nearly a decade now I have been teaching and preaching and writing about a Jesus-shaped Christianity and ethic rooted in the Scriptures and actual words of Jesus. Sadly, far too many people filter news, media and social-political perspectives through the lenses of partisan tribalism and political ideologies, NOT the lenses of what the Bible teaches and Jesus of Nazareth exemplifies.

In this culture of Biblical illiteracy and amped up political tribalism, people often hear a sermon, listen to a podcast, read one of my articles, and if it doesn’t align with the talking points and buzz words of certain right-wing media outlets, or, if anything I say hits any of the buzz words of the Left (e.g., justice, racial equality, etc.), I am labelled “Woke” and quickly dismissed. Even if I’m quoting the very words of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount.

The election of the first American pope, Leo XIV, and getting to hear the pope speak into our politically idolatrous Christian landscape in plain English, is going to be revealing. I dare say “apocalyptic” in the literal sense of revealing hidden idolatries. This man of God, steeped in the Scriptures and committed to the teachings of Jesus, is going to make statements and offer commentary that challenges both sides of the political spectrum.

He’s not going to line up on Team Blue or Team Red. He will speak for Team Jesus, and be labelled Woke for following the historic social teachings of the Catholic church. He will be called liberal for quoting Jesus’ teachings on justice for the poor; he will be condemned by the left for upholding traditional views on marriage, sexuality and abortion.

When I read the following words by Pope Leo, I started wondering if he’s been reading my blog and eaves dropping on my classroom lectures! This has been my drumbeat for the past decade:

“To be called “woke” in a world that sleeps through suffering is not insult – it is Gospel. Work means awakened by compassion. Guided by truth. Humbled by grace. Committed to justice–not just for some, but for all. So let them mock. Let them sneer. We will still build the Kingdom–not with walls, but with love. Be awake. Be loving. Be woke.” -POPE LEO XIV

When he speaks out, and shatters all the neat little political boxes we try to fit issues into, our response will reveal our true colors and highest loyalty. Will we hold fast to a political identity and dismiss the pope’s teaching as “woke”? Or will we test the pope’s words in light of Scripture, and stand with him and the teachings of Jesus, as he confronts the corruption on both sides of the political spectrum.

Finally, a confrontation between Trump and Pope Leo is inevitable, if it hasn’t already happened. Trump’s ego can’t stomach another person exercising influence over millions of Americans, and billions globally. In the coming days, Trump is going to lash out with a long, all-caps Truth or Tweet. Some basic Christian teaching is going to conflict with Trump’s agenda and deeply offend him. Trump will call the pope a crazy left-wing radical liberal if he hasn’t already.

When that moment comes, Trump loyalists and all of MAGA world will find their true faith and ultimate allegiance being tested. Will they stand with Scripture, the teachings of Jesus, and 2,000 years of Christian social teaching? Or will they blindly stand with Trump and MAGA politics? “You cannot serve two masters,” Jesus said.

Remember: The entire world, including millions of unbelievers the church is supposed to be reaching with the teachings of Jesus, will be watching to see if Jesus really is the King we follow and worship.