In this month lecture series Titled “Jesus verus Cancel Culture” Pastor Diran Adeleke explained that cancel culture involves withdrawing support or dismissing people after they’ve said or done something objectionable often resulting in people losing their reputation, platforms, or even employment. This practice has become widespread in modern society, affecting politicians, pastors, celebrities, and everyday people alike. The message typically explains how cancel culture operates through social media, where past mistakes are scrutinized and permanent judgments are rendered based on wrong opinions, tweets, or decisions.

Unlike cancel culture which cancels people for their terrible actions, Jesus cancels the terrible things that people are cancelled for. The sermon emphasizes how Jesus befriended those whom society rejected—including tax collectors, prostitutes, thieves, and betrayers. Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus washed Judas’ feet and allowed him to participate in the Last Supper. Jesus moved toward the outcast and refused to dismiss those whom society had already rejected, demonstrating a radically different approach to dealing with human failure.

Cancel culture stems from profound amnesia about our own sinfulness —we forget that we all do things worthy of being canceled, yet we want grace for ourselves while quickly dismissing others. Cancel culture also operates from a worldview that people cannot change  which contradicts the Christian belief that Christ died so people can be transformed. This mentality reveals a deep human hunger for justice and purity but pursued through flawed means.