donnellwrites
Donnell
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Writer. Theologian. Husband. Teacher. Story Teller. For Love & Liberation! ⬇️⬇️
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On Religious Trauma
4 posts
Patriarchy & Society
32 posts
Tithing and the Church
16 posts
Social Commentary
170 posts
Hillsong, Deconstructed.
9 posts
A Love Story 🖤♾
33 posts
Hip-Hop Talk/Theology 🎙️
49 posts
shorts.
27 posts
Q&A
7 posts
My Story 📖
67 posts
Decolonize & Deconstruct
111 posts
Encouragement 🖤
47 posts
Reflections on Love ❤️🔥
12 posts
Book Recommendations 📚
13 posts
The Black Church ⛪️
31 posts
[D]econstructed Series
25 posts
Women and the Bible
6 posts
Hip-Hop Duets 🎤
9 posts
Seminary Experience 🎓
17 posts
Videos
People often ask, “What do you believe now?”
Here I discuss where I’m landing these days, and how I got here. Let’s talk religious pluralism and religion as language.
Share your story, leave a comment 🎙️💬
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I’m a spiritual syncretist in practice. It’s an ancestral practice. It involves the incorporation of different practices, beliefs, and rituals from various religions and spiritual practices. The ultimate goal being to combine these elements in a way that is meaningful and personally relevant, that help me to achieve spiritual growth.
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I’m a religious pluralist in orientation.
I recognize and value the diversity of religious traditions and beliefs. I believe that there are many different valid paths to the divine/Source, and that each individual has the right to explore and choose their own spiritual path. I reject approaches to religion that views one’s own faith as the only true path to “salvation” or enlightenment.
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Love is my North Star. Liberation, ascension, and alignment are my aims. 🤎✊🏾
#blacktiktok #spirituality #decolonize #deconstruction #blackdeconstructiontiktok
Here I discuss where I’m landing these days, and how I got here. Let’s talk religious pluralism and religion as language.
Share your story, leave a comment 🎙️💬
—
I’m a spiritual syncretist in practice. It’s an ancestral practice. It involves the incorporation of different practices, beliefs, and rituals from various religions and spiritual practices. The ultimate goal being to combine these elements in a way that is meaningful and personally relevant, that help me to achieve spiritual growth.
—
I’m a religious pluralist in orientation.
I recognize and value the diversity of religious traditions and beliefs. I believe that there are many different valid paths to the divine/Source, and that each individual has the right to explore and choose their own spiritual path. I reject approaches to religion that views one’s own faith as the only true path to “salvation” or enlightenment.
—
Love is my North Star. Liberation, ascension, and alignment are my aims. 🤎✊🏾
#blacktiktok #spirituality #decolonize #deconstruction #blackdeconstructiontiktok
#stitch with @Ryan Ken
Some reflections on Black spiritual displacement, African Traditional Religions, and the spiritual magic of Black folk.
On the idea of spiritual revolution, I realize now more than ever that everything that was meant to serve us and aid in our liberation has been systematically demonized.
It is how we can unequivocally champion the faith that has been a weaponized for the oppression of the marginalized all over the world, and demonize traditions that cultivated and sustained African cultures for millennia.
This is a reflection on my journey as well, and how I came to the conclusion that “while I’m fluent in the religious language that is Christianity, I recognize that it is not my native tongue.”
Share your thoughts, leave a comment 🎙️💬
#b#blacktiktok b#blackchurch c#christianity d#deconstruction d#decolonize s#spirituality
Some reflections on Black spiritual displacement, African Traditional Religions, and the spiritual magic of Black folk.
On the idea of spiritual revolution, I realize now more than ever that everything that was meant to serve us and aid in our liberation has been systematically demonized.
It is how we can unequivocally champion the faith that has been a weaponized for the oppression of the marginalized all over the world, and demonize traditions that cultivated and sustained African cultures for millennia.
This is a reflection on my journey as well, and how I came to the conclusion that “while I’m fluent in the religious language that is Christianity, I recognize that it is not my native tongue.”
Share your thoughts, leave a comment 🎙️💬
#b#blacktiktok b#blackchurch c#christianity d#deconstruction d#decolonize s#spirituality
In light of the destruction of the central archive buildling in Gaza, let’s talk about the history of cultural gēnōcīdē and the burning of books.
There is no end to the depth of this evil. This is a historical loop, and if we don’t know our history we are doomed to repeat it.
Book referenced: “Burning the Books: A History of the Destruction of Knowledge” by Dr. Richard Ovenden.
#israel #palestine #history #freepalestine #blacktiktok
There is no end to the depth of this evil. This is a historical loop, and if we don’t know our history we are doomed to repeat it.
Book referenced: “Burning the Books: A History of the Destruction of Knowledge” by Dr. Richard Ovenden.
#israel #palestine #history #freepalestine #blacktiktok
Israel has one of the top military and intelligence forces on the planet, funded and backed by the U.S. Government.
They knew about the planned attack for over a year.
Why did no one stop it, despite stern warnings from Israeli analysists?
Reflections on this, as well as the now infamous map held up by Benjamin Netanyahu in front of the UN General Assembly the month before the attack.
#israel #palestine #freepalestine #blacktiktok #gaza #politics
Are you seeing the parallels? Are you seeing the playbook?
No life is sacred to Empire in the way of resources.
Free Palestine. Free Sudan. Free Congo. Free us.
Free. Free. Free.
They knew about the planned attack for over a year.
Why did no one stop it, despite stern warnings from Israeli analysists?
Reflections on this, as well as the now infamous map held up by Benjamin Netanyahu in front of the UN General Assembly the month before the attack.
#israel #palestine #freepalestine #blacktiktok #gaza #politics
Are you seeing the parallels? Are you seeing the playbook?
No life is sacred to Empire in the way of resources.
Free Palestine. Free Sudan. Free Congo. Free us.
Free. Free. Free.
The settler colony Israel has officially begun its (re)expansion into Gaza.
The carpet bombing, the leveling of Gaza, the destruction of Gazan roads and infrastructure with bulldozers has lead up to this moment. There is also infrastructure destruction in the West Bank, as well as continuing IDF violence and settler violence as well.
Netanyahu wants an Israel from the river to the sea and beyond—and this announcement is also a PR move to boost support with Israelis on the right.
Pay attention. Don’t be silenced. Take action in the ways that you can.
I’ll say it a million times over: No one of us can be free until all of us are free.
#israel #palestine #freepalestine #blacktiktok #gaza #politics
The carpet bombing, the leveling of Gaza, the destruction of Gazan roads and infrastructure with bulldozers has lead up to this moment. There is also infrastructure destruction in the West Bank, as well as continuing IDF violence and settler violence as well.
Netanyahu wants an Israel from the river to the sea and beyond—and this announcement is also a PR move to boost support with Israelis on the right.
Pay attention. Don’t be silenced. Take action in the ways that you can.
I’ll say it a million times over: No one of us can be free until all of us are free.
#israel #palestine #freepalestine #blacktiktok #gaza #politics
Let's talk about Scott Lively, American Evangelicals, and the import of hate in Uganda. This bill was passed in May and it’s currently having a devastating impact on Ugandans. They are not safe.
The Western world doesn’t just influence the spread of violence in Africa for material resources, it also spreads ideological violence and discrimination by influencing politics in Africa. This is one of the prime examples of that.
The colonial roots of African homophobia: @Tanaïssa
When I started looking into this story, I saw a common refrain: "At least America isn't like Uganda." American evangelicals influenced Uganda and heavily contributed to an environment of disgust and intolerance. This is what white evangelical conservatives are trying to create here as we face a historic rate of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. in the words of Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr., "This is Us."
Hoping, pushing, educating for the liberation of Black people all across the world from the influences of colonialism and white supremacy, and the fear and hatred that undergird them.
Leave a comment to boost this important message 🎙️💬
#uganda #deconstruction #Igbt #decolonize #blacktiktok #pride #christiantiktok
Trigger Warning: Graphic descriptions of physical and psychological harm, hate speech, homophobia, discrimination, explicit content.
The Western world doesn’t just influence the spread of violence in Africa for material resources, it also spreads ideological violence and discrimination by influencing politics in Africa. This is one of the prime examples of that.
The colonial roots of African homophobia: @Tanaïssa
When I started looking into this story, I saw a common refrain: "At least America isn't like Uganda." American evangelicals influenced Uganda and heavily contributed to an environment of disgust and intolerance. This is what white evangelical conservatives are trying to create here as we face a historic rate of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. in the words of Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr., "This is Us."
Hoping, pushing, educating for the liberation of Black people all across the world from the influences of colonialism and white supremacy, and the fear and hatred that undergird them.
Leave a comment to boost this important message 🎙️💬
#uganda #deconstruction #Igbt #decolonize #blacktiktok #pride #christiantiktok
Trigger Warning: Graphic descriptions of physical and psychological harm, hate speech, homophobia, discrimination, explicit content.
Replying to @Blayze Arrington, Jackie Hill Perry, and Christian Sēxūality Part 2: In this video I discuss the theology of suffering and the harm it causes, and the importance of decolonizing while deconstructing.
Share your thoughts, tell your story, leave a comment 🎙️💬
Books on gender/sexuality:
@Donnell
Questioning Everything:
@Donnell
Decolonizing LGBT + Beliefs:
@Donnell
#Igbt #exvangelical #deconstruction #decolonize #blacktiktok
SN: This video is not Jackie Hill Perry slander.
It's for those who see stories like hers and feel guilt and shame around their sexuality. It’s for people like Arrington.
As a theologian and teacher whose beliefs are rooted in love and liberation for all of us, but first for my people, harm reduction is central to my work. This is me doing that work.
Share your thoughts, tell your story, leave a comment 🎙️💬
Books on gender/sexuality:
@Donnell
Questioning Everything:
@Donnell
Decolonizing LGBT + Beliefs:
@Donnell
#Igbt #exvangelical #deconstruction #decolonize #blacktiktok
SN: This video is not Jackie Hill Perry slander.
It's for those who see stories like hers and feel guilt and shame around their sexuality. It’s for people like Arrington.
As a theologian and teacher whose beliefs are rooted in love and liberation for all of us, but first for my people, harm reduction is central to my work. This is me doing that work.
#stitch with @Arrington In light of the reemerging conversation being sparked about sēxuālity and Christianity, I want to revisit this case study. The idea that one can identify with their queerness and sacrifice it at the alter of Christianity has many flaws and bad roots.
I hope this offering helps turn the wheels of liberation—if not for him, for those who may find themselves where he is.
This is Jackie Hill Perry, Sexuality, and Deconstruction: Part 1.
Share your thoughts, leave a comment, and let me know if you're ready for Part 2 🎙️💬
#deconstruction #blacktiktok #decolonize #Igbt #blackchurch
PSA: This video is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended to slander or attack Jackie Hill Perry. It is education and enlightenment for those who have been harmed by the ideas she has long espoused around gender and sexuality, and an offering of love and liberation to my Igbtqia2s siblings.
I hope this offering helps turn the wheels of liberation—if not for him, for those who may find themselves where he is.
This is Jackie Hill Perry, Sexuality, and Deconstruction: Part 1.
Share your thoughts, leave a comment, and let me know if you're ready for Part 2 🎙️💬
#deconstruction #blacktiktok #decolonize #Igbt #blackchurch
PSA: This video is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended to slander or attack Jackie Hill Perry. It is education and enlightenment for those who have been harmed by the ideas she has long espoused around gender and sexuality, and an offering of love and liberation to my Igbtqia2s siblings.
What have your spiritual leaders/pastors taught you about genocide? What have they been teaching you? This is Pastor Mark Driscoll trying to rationalize genocide...from the pulpit.
Revisiting this video as a reminder of how our interpretations of the Bible impact our dispositions. It’s why I continue to stress the importance of a decolonized spirituality—one that doesn't dismiss or try to explain away a brutal reality as heavy as genocide.
That lack of care and concern, the dehumanization of entire people groups slaughtered en masse, unfortunately often has roots in the church and the stories we tell and learn there. This is why Netanyahu directly referred to Amalek in the Bible recently, of a genocide that took place under the leadership of king Saul.
Free Palestine from the river of the sea does not call for an Israeli genocide. It is a call for justice, it’s a call for the displaced to have their land back.
#blacktiktok #deconstruction
#decolonize #freepalestine #Exvangelical #christiantiktok
Revisiting this video as a reminder of how our interpretations of the Bible impact our dispositions. It’s why I continue to stress the importance of a decolonized spirituality—one that doesn't dismiss or try to explain away a brutal reality as heavy as genocide.
That lack of care and concern, the dehumanization of entire people groups slaughtered en masse, unfortunately often has roots in the church and the stories we tell and learn there. This is why Netanyahu directly referred to Amalek in the Bible recently, of a genocide that took place under the leadership of king Saul.
Free Palestine from the river of the sea does not call for an Israeli genocide. It is a call for justice, it’s a call for the displaced to have their land back.
#blacktiktok #deconstruction
#decolonize #freepalestine #Exvangelical #christiantiktok
It’s Sunday: Let's talk about spiritual liberation as resistance (ft. @Dr. Nicole Truesdell ). Follow her!
It is important that people understand how connected their spiritual beliefs are in terms of their relationship to the Earth and the people they share the Earth with.
It is important to understand that the way that you have been taught spirituality, the ideas you have been taught to love & worship, or hate & demonize, directly contributes to either your liberation or to your bondage. This is why colonial powers made sure to stop on the indigenous traditions of the people they colonized and replace them with spiritual traditions they could use to control the people.
One of the best examples of the use of indigenous African spiritual practice for the cause of liberation is the Haitian Revolution. This happened despite the attempts of the French to suppress African spiritual practice.
Dr. Nicole Truesdell talks about that here, as well as the separation of Black people from their spiritual beliefs, and the demonization of indigenous African spirituality in history.
Sankofa; the past informs the present and the future. May we honor its lessons.
#Haiti #palestine #freepalestine #spirituality #blacktiktok
It is important that people understand how connected their spiritual beliefs are in terms of their relationship to the Earth and the people they share the Earth with.
It is important to understand that the way that you have been taught spirituality, the ideas you have been taught to love & worship, or hate & demonize, directly contributes to either your liberation or to your bondage. This is why colonial powers made sure to stop on the indigenous traditions of the people they colonized and replace them with spiritual traditions they could use to control the people.
One of the best examples of the use of indigenous African spiritual practice for the cause of liberation is the Haitian Revolution. This happened despite the attempts of the French to suppress African spiritual practice.
Dr. Nicole Truesdell talks about that here, as well as the separation of Black people from their spiritual beliefs, and the demonization of indigenous African spirituality in history.
Sankofa; the past informs the present and the future. May we honor its lessons.
#Haiti #palestine #freepalestine #spirituality #blacktiktok
Rage, grief, madnesss and this moment: a reflection.
How are you, really? What have you seen? What keeps you up at night? What world would you like to see? What are you prepared to sacrifice, shift, reimagine or do to forge that world? What is the force that compels that?
Read or listen to @ismatu gwendolyn ’s brilliant and challenging work. I know everyone isn’t prepared for what it posits, but hopefully this essay can be a spark of change in the way that we think about the world that we currently inhabit. A world in which none of us are actually free evidenced by the millions all over the world in bondage, at the mercy of empires.
“We could be free, truly, if we only knew we were slaves to the pains of each other.” - Victor Kwesi Mensah
Original videos:
Palestinian protester: @vanbuuren 🔻
Essay Intro: @ismatu gwendolyn
#freepalestine #palestine #freecongo #freesudan #freetigray #blacktiktok #deconstruction
How are you, really? What have you seen? What keeps you up at night? What world would you like to see? What are you prepared to sacrifice, shift, reimagine or do to forge that world? What is the force that compels that?
Read or listen to @ismatu gwendolyn ’s brilliant and challenging work. I know everyone isn’t prepared for what it posits, but hopefully this essay can be a spark of change in the way that we think about the world that we currently inhabit. A world in which none of us are actually free evidenced by the millions all over the world in bondage, at the mercy of empires.
“We could be free, truly, if we only knew we were slaves to the pains of each other.” - Victor Kwesi Mensah
Original videos:
Palestinian protester: @vanbuuren 🔻
Essay Intro: @ismatu gwendolyn
#freepalestine #palestine #freecongo #freesudan #freetigray #blacktiktok #deconstruction
Joe Biden, Israel, and the Myths of Imperialism.
I saw Joe Biden give the commencement speech at Howard University in May, in which he talked about the importance of standing “for truth over lies — lies told for power and profit.” And here we are.
#israel #freepalestine #politics #joebiden #blacktiktok
I saw Joe Biden give the commencement speech at Howard University in May, in which he talked about the importance of standing “for truth over lies — lies told for power and profit.” And here we are.
#israel #freepalestine #politics #joebiden #blacktiktok
Today is Trans Day of Remembrance; it’s a day to remember those whose lives were taken as a result of transphobia. In this video I address harmful ideas and messages that lead to the spread of violence against trans people. #transdayofrememberance
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This is America. I share as a scholar of religion and spirituality that the hatred/disgust that so many carry as sign of devotion to spirituality or God is a catalyst that perpetuates our collective subjugation. The patterns of systematic violence keep repeating themselves.
The hate gets taught to us right in our face so that we can become complicit in violence against other human beings. We get taught to dehumanize other people, our silence/inaction the clearance empires seek to excuse violence against the bodies that we have been conditioned to believe are disposable.
We are seeing in real time what dehumanization does; how quickly we can shut off to other peoples oppression especially as you navigate your own. But if you understand nothing else about this world we find ourselves in, understand deeply, even spiritually, that our freedoms are tied up in each others, our struggles are connected. That no one of us can be free until we are all free.
#lgbt #pride #deconstruction #decolonize
—
This is America. I share as a scholar of religion and spirituality that the hatred/disgust that so many carry as sign of devotion to spirituality or God is a catalyst that perpetuates our collective subjugation. The patterns of systematic violence keep repeating themselves.
The hate gets taught to us right in our face so that we can become complicit in violence against other human beings. We get taught to dehumanize other people, our silence/inaction the clearance empires seek to excuse violence against the bodies that we have been conditioned to believe are disposable.
We are seeing in real time what dehumanization does; how quickly we can shut off to other peoples oppression especially as you navigate your own. But if you understand nothing else about this world we find ourselves in, understand deeply, even spiritually, that our freedoms are tied up in each others, our struggles are connected. That no one of us can be free until we are all free.
#lgbt #pride #deconstruction #decolonize
30.
I want to first and foremost offer gratitude and deep appreciation for every single act of love that was shown to me for my birthday. I mean it when I say I never dreamed of making it this far. It’s all been a whirlwind, but I know that every person who has ever loved me, every person I’ve encountered on this journey who has lifted me up, supported me, believed in me, or affirmed me in my passion and curiosity has contributed to me being here. Because I know now more than ever that I was not supposed to be here. That my very existence is an act of resistance, a testimony of the power of community to defy odds.
In the spirit of Sankofa, I reflected on the past, my history and the history of my people. I walked the streets that raised me with the woman I met there nearly 20 years ago. I remembered the lessons, brought them close to my chest. I honor what they teach me as I press to contribute to the building a different world, one that we are on the cusp of. A world that I know we must build together.
This milestone feels different. It’s one I can feel in my bones, in my body, in my spirit. The elders used to sing, “I know I been changed.” I am not the same person I was. It has been both riveting and terrifying, a reality I’m still getting used to. I have seen, learned, experienced things that have changed me. My heart is heavy, my soul is on fire. Even still, the work continues.
Tupac said that by the time we turn 30, “it’s like the take the soul out of a man—a black man—in this country.” That we don’t see any loud mouth 30 year olds. I hope to look back at this day 10 years from now and see that this day was just the beginning of me finding my voice, of speaking unflinchingly, and taking action rooted in a radical Love for the people.
Thank you all again for growing with me, for supporting me, and lifting me up. I’m just a kid from Chicago who wanted to leave the world better than he found it. Mama Jean grandson.
Here’s to my 30s 🥂
Here’s to Love, and to Liberation for the oppressed all around the world
🇨🇩🇸🇩🇵🇸🇭🇹🌍
àṣẹ
#spirituality #blacktiktok #birthday #donnellwrites #freepalestine #mystory
I want to first and foremost offer gratitude and deep appreciation for every single act of love that was shown to me for my birthday. I mean it when I say I never dreamed of making it this far. It’s all been a whirlwind, but I know that every person who has ever loved me, every person I’ve encountered on this journey who has lifted me up, supported me, believed in me, or affirmed me in my passion and curiosity has contributed to me being here. Because I know now more than ever that I was not supposed to be here. That my very existence is an act of resistance, a testimony of the power of community to defy odds.
In the spirit of Sankofa, I reflected on the past, my history and the history of my people. I walked the streets that raised me with the woman I met there nearly 20 years ago. I remembered the lessons, brought them close to my chest. I honor what they teach me as I press to contribute to the building a different world, one that we are on the cusp of. A world that I know we must build together.
This milestone feels different. It’s one I can feel in my bones, in my body, in my spirit. The elders used to sing, “I know I been changed.” I am not the same person I was. It has been both riveting and terrifying, a reality I’m still getting used to. I have seen, learned, experienced things that have changed me. My heart is heavy, my soul is on fire. Even still, the work continues.
Tupac said that by the time we turn 30, “it’s like the take the soul out of a man—a black man—in this country.” That we don’t see any loud mouth 30 year olds. I hope to look back at this day 10 years from now and see that this day was just the beginning of me finding my voice, of speaking unflinchingly, and taking action rooted in a radical Love for the people.
Thank you all again for growing with me, for supporting me, and lifting me up. I’m just a kid from Chicago who wanted to leave the world better than he found it. Mama Jean grandson.
Here’s to my 30s 🥂
Here’s to Love, and to Liberation for the oppressed all around the world
🇨🇩🇸🇩🇵🇸🇭🇹🌍
àṣẹ
#spirituality #blacktiktok #birthday #donnellwrites #freepalestine #mystory
Today’s my 30th birthday 🙌🏾
Thank you all so much for your love and support; for every kind word, every message, every share. I’m grateful to have found myself here with you all.
I’m just a kid from Chicago who wants to make a difference. A kid who understands the weight of words and tries to wield them with the weight and responsibility they require. May this year be the best one yet. To Love and Liberation 🥂
#mystory #deconstruction #donnellwrites #blacktiktok #birthday #happybirthday
—-
Community requests:
1. Leave a word of affirmation if this work has positively impacted you.
2. Gift/Donation. Your financial contributions directly impact this work, allowing me to tackle the culturally sensitive issues that reflect our unique lived experiences. Your support means the world. Thank you for joining us on this journey ✊🏾🤎
Gift options for me are at the 🔗 in my bio, or here:
Cash app: $DonnellWrites
PayPal: @donnellwrites
Venmo: @donnellwrites
Thank you all so much for your love and support; for every kind word, every message, every share. I’m grateful to have found myself here with you all.
I’m just a kid from Chicago who wants to make a difference. A kid who understands the weight of words and tries to wield them with the weight and responsibility they require. May this year be the best one yet. To Love and Liberation 🥂
#mystory #deconstruction #donnellwrites #blacktiktok #birthday #happybirthday
—-
Community requests:
1. Leave a word of affirmation if this work has positively impacted you.
2. Gift/Donation. Your financial contributions directly impact this work, allowing me to tackle the culturally sensitive issues that reflect our unique lived experiences. Your support means the world. Thank you for joining us on this journey ✊🏾🤎
Gift options for me are at the 🔗 in my bio, or here:
Cash app: $DonnellWrites
PayPal: @donnellwrites
Venmo: @donnellwrites