Race- less, Adj.
1. Used to describe persons who choose not to identify with or by a socioculturally constructed race, here being black/ white/ red/ yellow/ brown/ beige; used to describe a person not willing to be defined by the social coloring of skin, biased beliefs regarding physical attributes or stereotypes associated with a cultural group based on the sociocultural construct of race; used to describe the life that persons lead who choose not to employ the lens of race when looking at themselves, others and God and practice the traditions of racism with themselves, others and God 2. not of or pertaining to a post- racial society but pointing back to the first and true image of humanity: God’s (Gen. 1.26-27). God is pre, post and supra- racial;
Noun
3. the belief that human beings are not physically but socially colored black/ white/ red/ yellow/ brown/ beige and thereby categorized for the self- preservation and elevation, economic advancement and geographic rule of the socially favored group, here being white; and,
4. a definitive attribute of the message of Jesus Christ, the identity of His disciples and a liberating truth of the ministry of reconciliation: The gospel of Jesus Christ is race-less (Galatians 3.28; Colossians 3.11).
race- less gospel, race- less Christ, race- less God, race- less Christianity, race- less spirituality, race- less image, race- less living, race- less sports, race- less identity, race- less truth, race-less faith
As I’m researching this concept of students who tend to choose “race-lessness” because of a lack of coherence in school knowledge and personal/cultural knowledge, I wonder the need for recognition of race. I say because to be “race-less” is to deny one’s cultural identity. When we do not acknowledge race, we begin to disregard the individual’s identity. I understand a Christian’s identity isn’t summed up by their race/ethnicity, rather, by God’s declaration upon His people through Christ.
I just came across this article and appreciate your writing. Maybe to accept “race-less” ideology is to deny someone’s individuality.
Certainly interesting thoughts to consider!
Thanks for your post!
Thank you for your comment and your support, Andre. To your question, race and culture/ ethnicity are not the same. Race centers on the physical appearance of human beings, primarily that of the social coloring of skin and assigns value accordingly. Culture speaks to traditions associated with music, dress, food and the like. Race does not have a country but if I identify myself as an African American then you might be able to discern my social interests and familial inclinations.