“Precious Puritans,” a song written and performed by rap artist Propaganda, is drawing both criticism and praise from Christian leaders.  While I am not a fan of the genre or in agreement with some of the language employed, I can appreciate his attempt to discuss the lack of confrontation regarding one’s allegience to race through an uncritical use of Puritan theology or at least an honest examination of it by pastors, whom he speaks to directly.  Propaganda addresses socially colored white evangelicals specifically but I would raise the question of all Christians who choose not to acknowledge, discuss and challenge race both in its historical and present use in our practice of faith.  In the blog post provided below, Dr. Bradley, an Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics in Public Service at the King’s College in New York City, reminds us to “confess the sins of our fathers” (I would add our mothers.), employing Nehemiah 9.2 and I would agree.  No one is “above reproach” not even our “Precious Puritans” (Second Timothy 3.2).

Additional Reading

Anthony Bradley, “Puritans and Propaganda”, www.urbanfaith.com, October 2, 2012.