Under God, Quite Divisible: Rhetoric, Race, and Multicultural Belonging in Non-Denominational Christian Churches

Abstract

This dissertation examines the rhetoric of multicultural belonging in non-denominational Christian churches, analyzing how race, faith, and institutional discourse intersect to shape inclusion and exclusion within these spaces. While many churches position themselves as racially diverse and welcoming, their rhetorical and structural frameworks often center Whiteness, reinforcing systemic barriers to full inclusion. Through qualitative interviews and rhetorical analysis, this study interrogates how congregants—particularly people of color and their marital allies—experience, navigate, and contest these dynamics within faith communities. Drawing on Critical Race Theory, Biblical Critical Theory, religious rhetorical studies, and scholarship on multiculturalism, this research explores how language, power, and ideology operate in shaping churchgoers' sense of belonging. It highlights the tensions between performative diversity and substantive inclusion, illustrating how multicultural rhetoric can simultaneously invite and marginalize. This study also considers the ways congregants work to create spaces of belonging through counter storytelling, advocacy, and community-building efforts, pushing churches toward deeper racial and cultural inclusivity. Ultimately, this dissertation argues that true multicultural belonging requires more than racial representation; it necessitates a fundamental reimagining of leadership structures, theological interpretations, and institutional practices. By bridging scholarship on race, rhetoric, and religion, this work contributes to broader conversations about faith-based racial reconciliation and the ongoing struggle for equity within Christian communities