"Cuba, your hope bears a name: Jesus Christ!" This bold declaration comes from a group of young Christians, including influencers Anna Bensi (Anna Sofía Benítez) and Iván Daniel Calás, in a video recently shared across social media platforms.
Addressing the dire shortages, violence, and uncertainty plaguing the island—such as the lack of fuel and medicine—these content creators rhetorically ask if God has forsaken Cuba, only to immediately answer that it is the Cuban people who have "forgotten God."
The video has ignited a wave of mixed reactions online, even among those who previously stood in solidarity with these young individuals against the repression they have faced from Cuban authorities for advocating freedom and prosperity.
Comments like "Admirable... God is with you," "Only God can save Cuba," "Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life," "Great job, guys, don't give up, this change is yours," and "Such valuable young people, God bless you," flooded the FB wall of Anna Bensi, where the short reel was posted.
Nevertheless, the video also drew criticism, ranging from inappropriate remarks to more thoughtful, analytical reflections. Journalist Mónica Baró expressed in Laura Vargas's shared reel that the issue is not their religion, but advocating for a Cuba molded in the image of their beliefs. She argued that true freedom lies in establishing a secular state that respects everyone's religious liberties.
Anthropologist and activist Jenny Pantoja Torres suggests that while Cuba needs a spiritual transformation to counteract the current chaos and mismanagement, it shouldn't be tied to any specific religion but should instead focus on the civic strength, belonging, and responsibility of each citizen.
Historian Alina Bárbara López, not directly referencing the young Christians' message, wrote on her FB profile in her typically measured tone that "if faith is a deeply spiritual act, inherent to subjectivity, then it is futile to attempt to create a common faith, much less aspire for an entire nation to share a single God deemed 'true' by a particular group."
She argued that when a political message of freedom becomes wrapped in proselytizing and discriminatory intent, it no longer defends the ultimate notion of freedom: the ability to choose. Therefore, the message falters.
Other commentators emphasized that during Cuba's critical juncture, differing views, beliefs, and methods should not further divide the population or distract from the shared goals of freedom, democracy, and prosperity—objectives these young Christians, along with many other activists, artists, and intellectuals, have bravely championed.
Faith and Freedom in Cuba: Key Questions and Insights
What message did the young Christians convey in their video?
The young Christians declared that "Cuba, your hope bears a name: Jesus Christ!" They discussed the island's struggles and suggested that the Cuban people have forgotten God.
How did social media react to the video?
The video sparked mixed reactions, with many offering support and admiration, while others criticized the message for its religious implications and potential divisiveness.
What are the broader implications of the video for Cuban society?
The video highlights the ongoing debate in Cuban society about the role of faith in public life and the importance of maintaining a diverse, inclusive approach to freedom and democracy.