Depart from Me

A Theological Assessment of American Christianity

This book is a theological assessment of American Christianity and why it is difficult to transform the socioeconomic political system due to its entanglement in the system. American Christianity has been and still is the guarantor and justifier of the power structure of the nation which continues to perpetuate social injustice. Alignment with the oppressive system has generated alienation, exploitation, falsification, theological justification, and the manifestation of evil and injustice against the poor and the oppressed. Unless American Christianity gets untangled from the unjust system, many will hear the dreadful words of Jesus Christ saying, "Depart From Me!" This eschatological condemnation (end-time judgment) doesn't have to occur if American Christianity repents and aligns with the Christianity of Christ which constantly advocates for the Kingdom of God. Using the parables of Jesus and other biblical narratives, I show how American Christianity is still tied to the ideology and practice of white supremacy. Due to the present political and economic climate today, American Christianity must examine itself to see if it's of the Faith. Christian Nationalism, steeped in white supremacy, is a prime example of the ongoing problem with American Christianity. Hopefully, this work is an eye-opener to those who think they are doing the Will of God but may be doing the opposite of it. The urgency of the moment is to break free from systems, ideologies, and practices that oppress and hurt the children of God before it is too late. 1 Peter 4:17 says, “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

Reginald F Davis is a pastor, scholar, and author of several books in the field of theology and religion. He preaches, teaches, and lectures at churches, colleges, and universities across the nation. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts from Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, Texas; a Masters of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Rochester, New York; and a Ph.D. from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. He has served as dean of students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois. He is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention, the American Baptist Churches of the South, the National and Progressive Baptist Conventions, the Hampton Ministers Conference, and the local Tri-County Pastor's Council in Williamsburg, Virginia. Dr. Davis believes the Word of God is the best education of all because it is the power of God unto salvation. At the end of his life's journey, he wants to be able to say as the Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith." He lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, with his wife and family.