Be "WOKE" Like Jesus

Betty Brandt • May 10, 2025

Jesus Was Woke.

You probably know the origin of the word “woke,” but just in case you don’t, it emerged from the struggles of Black Americans in the early 20th century. In 1938, Black blues singer Huddie Ledbetter used the term “staying woke” in his song about the Scottsboro Boys, referring to the forces that kept power unequally distributed in society, disproportionately disadvantaging the poor and people of color.

In today’s hyper-politicized culture, “woke” has been hijacked and turned into a term used to criticize progressive and liberal initiatives. Shockingly, some churches in the South have been reported to discourage preachers from teaching Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount because it is deemed too “woke.” But Jesus himself was “woke!”

The Sermon on the Mount is the most famous of all Jesus’ teachings. Even if someone is unfamiliar with the Bible, they likely know the Beatitudes and Matthew 25:36–40—a passage that serves as a foundation for mercy and justice throughout the Christian world:

"I needed clothes, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you looked after me. I was in prison, and you visited me."

Then the righteous will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

And the King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

So, what are we—as Progressive Christians—to do? Can we take inspiration from our Black siblings and reclaim “woke” as a declaration of resistance against White Christian Nationalism and the injustices of the Trump administration? Can it become our word of empowerment? Can we announce our solidarity with Jesus as we fight against today’s injustices?

Imagine wearing a T-shirt that says, “WOKE just means you give a damn about other people.” Or a yard sign proclaiming, “WOKE: it’s not the insult you think it is.” You can even buy “Stay Woke” buttons in a variety of colors, or find “Jesus Was Woke” buttons on Etsy.

Now is the time to stand tall and declare our commitment to all of God’s children who are targeted because of the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, their gender identity, their religion, or their immigration status. And in doing so, we are in the company of Woke Jesus.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Important Announcements

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • September 24, 2025

Dear Friends, Please read these two important announcements: First: We’re excited to share that The Garden has now officially moved into our new home at 7171 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. This is a joyful new chapter for our community, and we’re so grateful for the ways you’ve helped us grow into it. If you give to The Garden through your bank, IRA, or BillPay service, please take a moment to update our new address with your financial institution so your gifts continue to reach us smoothly. Second: We hope you will be with us for our Annual All‑Church Meeting on Sunday, October 5, immediately following the 9 a.m. service at the church. As a United Methodist congregation, this is one of those “official business” gatherings we hold each year. It’s short and simple—we’ll share financial updates, answer questions, and take care of the necessary business of being a church family. Even in our untraditional way of doing things, this meeting is a reminder that we’re in this together—tending The Garden with love, transparency, and care. With gratitude and joy, Carolyn and The Garden Leadership Team P.S. Please reply to this email if you have any questions we can answer!

Write for the Farm Bill

September 24, 2025

Your Voice Matters

Bridging and Bonding

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • September 24, 2025

Twenty‑five years ago, sociologist Robert Putnam released his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, in which he shed light on a troubling cultural shift from a society knit together by shared experiences to one increasingly dominated by individualism. In the decades since, isolating walls have grown taller, separating neighbors, friends, and often families. This Sunday at The Garden, we invite you to step into an informative exploration of how our faith may help us dismantle those walls and return to the heart of community. Together, we can engage with the incredible power of unity and how it nurtures love, encourages us, and draws us closer to Divine Spirit and to each other. As you may know, we chose the name "Together to Gather" as a nod to the strength and beauty of gathering with intention, with purpose. People joining together maintain their individuality while simultaneously creating something new and stronger than the sum of its parts: community. Let's explore what it means to belong deeply within a chosen family like The Garden. We’ll celebrate the joy of living in harmony, not as isolated individuals, but as a vibrant, interwoven community of faith and our shared desire to bring more love to the world. Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and renewed. We'll hear a couple of scripture passages and stories, reflect, and consider why gathering matters. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your connections, embrace the beauty of fellowship, and step boldly into the life God calls us to live—together.