We Can Breathe: The Election, Kamala Harris, and Evangelicals

Published: Nov. 9, 2020, 7:52 p.m.

Intersections with Phil Allen, Jr.\n \nEpisode: \xa0006; We Can Breathe: The Election, Kamala Harris, and Evangelicals\nAirdate: \xa0\xa0Monday, November 9, 2020\nLength: \xa0\xa0\xa035:55\nGuest(s): \xa0Phil Allen, Jr.\nDescription: In a thoughtful, reflective solo episode this week, Phil Allen, Jr. discusses the meaning behind the long-in-coming triumph of President-Elect Joseph Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris following an arduous election season and suspenseful four day long voting tally.\xa0 In We Can Breathe: The Election, Kamala Harris, and Evangelicals, Allen discusses why there was exaltation and exhalation this week at the intersection of race, culture and theology.\nAlthough he does not view Biden as a \u201csavior,\u201d Allen points to the fact that a new presidency is to begin, replacing one that harnessed fear, divisiveness and racism for political ends. And where theology is concerned, Allen \u2013 who is a pastor himself \u2013 calls into question the resolute embrace of Donald Trump by evangelical Christians. This faction of Trump\u2019s base engages in what Allen calls \u201ctheological gymnastics\u201d to justify their allegiance to a politician whose actions belie their beliefs.\nWith this election, the culture has moved forward as America has seated the first woman \u2013 and first woman of color \u2013 in the world\u2019s second-most hallowed place of power.\xa0 Where a positive development such as this leads we have yet to know. But for now, young black girls \u2013 and all children of color for that matter \u2013 can again now see themselves reflected in a place where opportunity is limitless.\nPlease join us for this week\u2019s episode of Intersections with Phil Allen, Jr.\n____________\nPhil Allen, Jr. is a Los Angeles-based pastor, social justice activist, filmmaker and author. His book \u201cOpen Wounds: A Story of Racial Tragedy, Trauma and Redemption\u201d explores the murder of Nate Allen\u2014Phil Allen\u2019s grandfather\u2014in the Jim Crow era of South Carolina and how that traumatic event resonated through generations of his family. \u201cOpen Wounds\u201d \u2013 which is based on the Allen-produced documentary of the same name \u2013 will be published in February 2021 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.com. Allen is a Ph.D. student studying Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA.