By Humberto de la Calle
In a society increasingly fragmented by ideological polarization, the role of religion in the public sphere has once again become a flashpoint for national debate. The recent resurgence of "Christ the King" rhetoric, often wielded as a political cudgel, poses a fundamental question: Can faith truly be coerced, or does the imposition of religious dogma strip the message of Jesus of its original, humble essence?
The Evolution of Belief: From Militant Atheism to Agnostic Reflection
My personal journey with faith has been far from linear. Years ago, under the mentorship of the late Tito Livio Caldas, I participated in the collaborative creation of the Manual de ateología (Atheology Manual). It was a profound intellectual exercise, bringing together diverse voices to grapple with the enigma of the divine. During that period, I gravitated toward agnosticism—not out of a lack of wonder, but out of a recognition that the existence of God is a question that defies empirical validation.
I often look at the cosmos, the intricate harmony of the natural world, and the microscopic dance of cells, and I am struck by a sense of awe that borders on the miraculous. It is reminiscent of Spinoza’s sublime pantheism—a sense that while I cannot definitively claim God exists, the sheer order of existence suggests a presence. This is a far cry from my youth, where I was a militant "priest-hater," a phase defined by the hormonal urgency of rebellion and the desire to break away from the structures of my upbringing.
The Essential Jesus vs. The Institutional Church
There is a vital distinction to be made between the message of Jesus and the institution of religion. Many of us have found ourselves drawn closer to the core teachings of the Nazarene through the papacy of Francis, who consistently points toward a Jesus stripped of Vatican opulence and cardinal purple.
This is the antithesis of the "official Christianity" that was institutionalized by Emperor Constantine, which many argue perverted the original inspiration of the Galilean fishermen. That historical shift transformed a movement of radical love into a machinery of imperial power. If one truly identifies as a Christian, the most counterproductive act imaginable is to force the image of a "Christ the King" upon the public. This version of Christ—armed with a figurative pistol, obsessed with power, and imposing laws through state apparatuses—is the most distorted version of the faith.
Chronology of a Conflict: From Colonial Dogma to Modern Secularism
To understand the current tension in Colombian society, one must look back at the historical arc of the relationship between the Church and the State:
- The Era of Dogmatic Influence: For decades, religious figures such as Monsignor Builes held significant sway over the national discourse, often threatening "freethinkers" with exclusion and spiritual exile.
- The Secular Shift: Following the constitutional advancements of the late 20th century, Colombia began to move toward a more pluralistic society. The recognition of reproductive rights, including the decriminalization of abortion, marked a transition toward a state that respects individual agency over theological decree.
- The Current Backlash: We are currently witnessing an attempt to backtrack from these gains. The political elevation of figures like Alejandro Ordóñez to the Ministry of the Interior highlights the friction between secular governance and fundamentalist theology.
- The Clash of Values: The emergence of diverse family structures, such as same-sex marriage, has acted as a catalyst for renewed calls to return to traditional religious hegemony, sparking deep social friction.
Supporting Data and the Case for a Neutral State
The argument for an aconfessional state is not an argument against belief; it is a guarantee for the coexistence of all. When the state adopts a religious identity, it inherently disenfranchises the atheist, the agnostic, the member of a minority faith, and even the "casual" believer who approaches religion only in times of crisis.
- The Pluralistic Reality: Data from sociological surveys in Latin America suggest that while religious affiliation remains high, the practice of religion is becoming increasingly individualized. A state that enforces one set of values ignores the reality of its citizens’ lived experiences.
- The Cost of "Winning" the Culture War: As history shows, when religious leaders align with state power, the "victory" is hollow. Whether through the Crusades or the inquisitorial bureaucracy of the past, the imposition of faith through legal intimidation results in a loss of moral authority. As the saying goes, "a commander-Christ has the worst of battles before him, because it is a battle where the poisoned result is winning it."
Official Responses and Political Implications
The recent appointment of figures associated with hardline, traditionalist movements—such as the Society of Saint Pius X (Lefebvre)—has sent ripples of concern through the corridors of power. When a public official confuses disciplinary norms with theology, the message to the public is clear: the state is no longer a neutral arbiter, but a proponent of a specific, exclusionary worldview.
This is a dangerous trajectory for any nation, particularly one like Colombia, which is struggling to find a path toward lasting peace. Peace requires the inclusion of diverse worldviews, not the enforcement of a singular dogma.
The Path Forward: Rediscovering the Humble Nazarene
If we are to move forward, we must rescue the Jesus who triumphed through the "gentle bowels of loving subjection." This is the Jesus who cared for Mary Magdalene, who identified with the suffering of the impoverished, and who shunned the honors and military trappings of his time.
- Respecting Personal Autonomy: The state must remain agnostic in its legislative function. It is not the government’s place to dictate morality based on scripture, but to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their metaphysical leanings.
- Rejecting Political Co-option: We must resist the temptation to use religious symbols as political flags. When Christ is used to justify the use of force, the state, the church, and the individual all lose.
- The Guarantee of the Aconfessional State: An aconfessional state is the greatest shield for the devout, the indifferent, and the skeptic alike. It creates a space where one can face the "harshness of the world" without the state forcing a specific vision of the afterlife upon them.
Conclusion: Why the Current Agenda Matters
The current political agenda in Colombia is one of the most challenging in our history. The temptation to "kick the anthill" by reviving outdated theological battles is immense, yet it is a strategic error. We do not need a return to the days of religious persecution or the confusion of the pulpit with the ministry.
We need a government that understands the weight of its responsibility to all its people. We need to leave the "Christ the King" of the battlefield in the past and embrace a society that finds its strength in the humility and compassion of the original Galilean message. Anything less is not only a failure of governance but a fundamental betrayal of the very faith some claim to defend.
In the end, the Jesus who has truly "lost" is the one who seeks to reign through laws, bureaucracy, money, and imperial intimidation. The Jesus who triumphs—the one who truly resonates with the human experience—is the one who stands alongside the vulnerable, stripped of the ornaments of power. It is time we stop trying to rule for him, and start learning from his silence.
