We are living in an unprecedented moment in Christian history. The rise of alt-right Christian nationalism, including factions within the Catholic Church like “Catholics for Catholics” and Radical Traditionalists, has fueled xenophobic ideologies that influence public policy and threaten the moral fabric of our society. At the heart of this crisis lies deep misinformation about Jesus, particularly when Jesus’ name is invoked to justify hatred and violence against the marginalized.
This project seeks to counter that distortion by reintroducing Catholic parishioners to the historical Jesus, who was an oppressed, prophetic teacher who lived and taught under the occupation of the Roman Empire. Drawing from liberation theology, pastoral experience, and historical Jesus scholarship, I will develop resources and lead study sessions in several parish settings. I will document participants’ theological reflections, shifts in understanding, and engagement with justice work. My goal is to understand whether, and how, reintroducing Jesus as a political and liberating figure inspires greater involvement in social justice, mutual aid, or advocacy.
This project is rooted in my own pastoral formation and burning desire for Catholics to embody the prophetic lineage that Jesus modeled for us to enact grassroots change rooted in love. I believe that reclaiming the radical edge of the Gospel through this critical historical context can enliven Catholic imaginations and help reorient parish life toward justice, especially in a time of political polarization and institutional fatigue. Through this study, I hope to offer practical insights and pastoral practices that support justice-centered theological formation in the Catholic Church. Ultimately, I hope to produce shareable resources any parish can use to reimagine catechesis through the lens of justice and the radical Gospel.