Are you actually following Jesus, or are you following something else in his name?

Absolutely. The phrase What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) has been widely used in American Christianity, but in many ways, it has become detached from its original intent. Instead of a genuine call to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and actions, it has often been reduced to a slogan that justifies pre-existing beliefs—sometimes even in direct contradiction to what Jesus actually stood for.


What’s Being Sold in Jesus’ Name?


A quick comparison between what Jesus taught and what is often promoted under his name in America today reveals deep contradictions:


Jesus’ Teachings What’s Being Promoted in His Name Today

Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31) Fear and demonization of “outsiders”

Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) Aggressive nationalism and militarism

Serve the poor and vulnerable (Matthew 25:35-40) Prosperity gospel & policies that harm the marginalized

Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) Retaliation, power-seeking, and “owning the opposition”

Humility and rejecting wealth (Luke 18:22-25) Wealth, power, and Christian dominionism

Let your yes be yes and no be no (Matthew 5:37) Political deception, propaganda, and conspiracy-driven faith

The first shall be last, and the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16) Hierarchies of privilege, oppression, and exclusion

Beware of false prophets (Matthew 7:15) Charismatic leaders who distort scripture for power and profit


Would Jesus Recognize What’s Being Done in His Name?


If Jesus walked into an American megachurch, a political rally draped in Christian symbolism, or a movement preaching fear, division, and conquest in his name—would he see himself in it? Would he recognize his message?


The answer should be deeply unsettling for anyone who claims to follow him.


Revisiting WWJD: A Call to Discernment


Instead of using What Would Jesus Do? as a justification for ideology, Christians might consider:

1. Does this align with the Sermon on the Mount? (Jesus’ clearest teaching on how to live)

2. Is this rooted in love or fear?

3. Is this about serving others or consolidating power?

4. Does this elevate the least among us or trample them?

5. Would Jesus prioritize this over compassion, justice, and mercy?


The Challenge for American Christians


The question is no longer just WWJD? but:

• Will we recognize when Jesus’ name is being used for things he would have condemned?

• Will we have the courage to call it out, even if it means challenging our own political, cultural, or religious institutions?

• Will we follow Jesus’ teachings, even when they challenge our comfort, wealth, or power?


If not, then we must ask: Are we actually following Jesus, or are we following something else in his name?


Space-deLimited Hashtags


#WhatWouldJesusReallyDo #JesusNotNationalism #FaithNotFear #LoveThyNeighbor #RejectFalseProphets #ChristianityOrEmpire #WWJDRevisited


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