Welcome to December: “I Want to Wish You an Eschatological Christmas.”
Tracing the Arc of Christianity: From Bethlehem to Project 2025 and the Work of Liberation
Dear Community,
As we enter the final month of the year, I want to welcome you into a series that invites deep reflection on the intersection of history, faith, power, and liberation.
"I Want to Wish You an Eschatological Christmas" is not just about the holiday season; it’s about examining the systems and stories that have shaped our world—and imagining what comes next.
Eschatology, the study of endings and ultimate things, serves as a lens through which we’ll explore the arc of Christianity: from its humble origins in Bethlehem to its institutional birth under Constantine, through its use in colonization, and finally to its modern embodiment in faith-based governance like Project 2025. This series is an invitation to unpack how these narratives have been used to justify systems of control—and how we can reclaim them to build something revolutionary.
What to Expect in This Series
The Historical Arc of Christianity
We’ll trace the story of Christianity, from its birth as a movement of faith and hope to its institutionalization as a tool of empire. Together, we’ll examine how its sacred narratives—like the star of Bethlehem—have been wielded to legitimize colonization and systemic oppression.
Faith as Power
How has Christianity been used as a justification for supremacy culture, from the Doctrine of Discovery to Manifest Destiny to the faith-driven policies of today? How does Project 2025 fit into this continuum, and what does it mean for those committed to liberation?
A Call to Liberation
Through reflection and action, we’ll explore how to dismantle the systems Christianity has been used to uphold while reclaiming its radical potential for justice and equity.
Why This Matters Now
As we face the challenges of today—climate crises, systemic inequities, and the growing influence of Christian nationalism—we find ourselves at a critical turning point. Movements like Project 2025 aim to align governance with a narrow interpretation of Christianity, further entrenching oppressive systems. By understanding the historical and eschatological underpinnings of these efforts, we can better dismantle them and envision something new.
How to Engage
Subscribe and Share
Ensure you’re subscribed to receive each piece of this series and share it with others who are grappling with these questions.
Join the Conversation: Make Shi(f)t Happen FB group
Each article will include reflection prompts and actionable steps. Your voice is essential as we work collectively toward liberation.
Explore Additional Resources
To deepen your understanding, join my Intersectionality of Liberation workshop on December 14th or explore my ebook, Dismantling Supremacy Culture: Understanding and Overcoming Its 15 Pillars.
An Invitation to Reflect and Reclaim
This series is about more than history; it’s about transformation. It’s about using the lens of eschatology to see endings as opportunities for liberation, dismantling the systems that no longer serve us, and building a future rooted in justice and equity.
As we explore the arc of Christianity—from Bethlehem to Constantine to Project 2025—I invite you to approach this season with curiosity, courage, and hope. Together, let’s commit to unearthing the truth, confronting the systems of power, and co-creating something beautiful and free.
In solidarity and anticipation,
Desireé B Stephens
Educator | Counselor | Community Builder
Founder of Make Shi(f)t Happen
This topic sounds exciting and timely. I can’t wait to read.
This is a little bit more of a humorous approach to the topic, but you might enjoy this post I wrote on The Snowmen of Costa Rica. It is weird how far we've come from the original meaning of Christmas. I really saw it when I lived in the tropics. https://thepoetrysalonstack.substack.com/p/christmas-recipes-from-costa-rica