In recent months, the phrase “Christ is King” has stirred up quite the conversation among Christians and Evangelicals alike, following some controversial remarks from figures at the conservative media outlet, The Daily Wire. Almost a year after those initial comments sparked debate, a new report has emerged, warning that this cherished phrase has been co-opted by extremist groups to promote exclusionary ideologies. This development raises important questions about the intersection of faith, language, and online discourse.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, a well-known columnist and podcaster for The Daily Wire, along with Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, recently released a comprehensive 21-page report titled “Thy Name in Vain: How Online Extremists Hijacked ‘Christ is King’.” This report, produced by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) at Rutgers University, highlights alarming trends in how the phrase, which has deep theological roots in Christianity, is being manipulated online.
The report points to a significant increase in mentions of “Christ is King” on social media platforms, particularly on Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter). Researchers noted a five-fold spike in the use of the phrase from 2021 to early 2024, coinciding with a surge of antisemitic rhetoric. In fact, nearly half of all posts using this phrase were found to be associated with figures promoting hateful narratives, particularly targeting Jewish communities. This alarming trend was particularly pronounced around Easter 2024, when engagement with posts containing the phrase peaked.
The report underscores a critical point: while “Christ is King” is a phrase that embodies core Christian beliefs, its adoption by individuals with extremist views has led to a distortion of its meaning. By weaponizing this phrase, these actors aim to sow discord and promote hatred. Rev. Moore expressed his concern about the implications of this trend, emphasizing the need for the Christian community to reclaim the phrase and its rightful meaning.
Moore, who has been vocal about religious freedom issues, stated that the partnership with Rutgers and NCRI was born out of a desire to alert the Christian community to these troubling developments. He noted that the researchers employed advanced AI technology to distinguish between authentic and inauthentic speech online, revealing a concerning pattern of bot activity that skews public discourse.
As the report highlights, the phrase “Christ is King” has been used by various social media influencers, some of whom have been linked to antisemitic content. This has led to a backlash against the report, with some questioning the credibility of its authors based on their backgrounds. Moore addressed these concerns head-on, asserting that the validity of the research does not hinge on the faith of its authors.
In a call to action, Moore encouraged Christians to boldly proclaim the phrase “Christ is King,” especially as Easter approaches. He believes that by doing so, believers can reclaim the phrase from those who seek to use it for malicious purposes. “My hope is that millions of Christians will say ‘Christ is King’ more than ever, as a means of taking back the phrase from a small group that wants to use it against others,” he stated.
As we approach this significant season in the Christian calendar, it is crucial for believers to unite in their faith and ensure that the message of love and redemption at the heart of Christianity prevails over any attempts to twist it for hate. The challenge lies not in the phrase itself, but in how it is used and by whom. Let’s strive to ensure that “Christ is King” remains a declaration of faith, hope, and love in a world that desperately needs it.
For more insights on the intersection of faith and contemporary issues, consider checking out resources from Christianity Today or The Gospel Coalition. These platforms offer a wealth of information and perspectives that can help deepen your understanding of current events within the Christian community.