I am still surprised when I attend conferences with other Christians and the gathering is multicultural that the social construct of race still dictates our behavior, that believers of the God who “so loved the world” self- segregate though we have come together for a common purpose and goal for the same Lord in service to the same faith (John 3.16). I confess that it makes me angry but more so, it disappoints me. And it is this disappointment that motivates me, that drives me to read and write about race.
We are to be known by our Love not our hatred. We are called to be “in the world but not of it” (Romans 12.2). We, as believers, can not hold two emotions, practice two ways, serve two masters (Matthew 6.24). We must choose if we will serve God or race.
So, I thought after witnessing this, we cannot be prejudiced and be a Christian. Our God has no favorites (Romans 2.11). We cannot hate and be a Christian. Our God is love. We cannot stereotype and be a Christian. We have all been made new (Second Corinthians 5.17). We cannot keep silent and be a Christian. Our God is the Word (John 1.1). Clear your throat and speak up. Thank you.
The Raceless Gospel 
I recently heard Michael O. Emerson (white man) talking about the subject of his book, “Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America.” He talks about how the “white church” is responsible and willingly complicit in helping perpetuate the problem of racism in the Church and rest society.
Yes, this is true. His writings are certainly a much- needed part of the dialogue. But, we all have a part to play in bringing reconciliation to the Body of Christ.
Yes, we all have a part to play. However, nobody gets off the hook. White people were/are the primary force segregating the Body of Christ. Are they not? Many of them are just practicing the religion of racism, under the guise of whatever label they claim (and they tailor it accordingly to fit the practice of racism).
Thanks for your comment, Rashnu. I don’t assign percentages of blame and I do not speak in terms of “letting people off the hook.” That’s not my role here. This kind of confrontational speech is not my aim; there are plenty of others who feel that this is their calling. I trust the Holy Spirit to work in all believers; it is simply my job to ask the questions and to deliver the message. I’m not taking anyone on a guilt trip; I am moving us toward reconciliation.
Guilt trip? Too many people don’t feel enough guilt, don’t feel any guilt and are too comfortable maintaing injustice, thus continuing to resist moving toward reconciliation. Isn’t that a big part of the problem? Would you call how Michael O. Emerson addresses these issues, “confrontational speech?”
Anyway, despite the looks of that “confrontational speech” I like your site and message. I’ll be sharing it.
No, Brother Rashnu. I disagree with you. People do feel guilty, often times about things, horrible things concerning race crimes that they had nothing to do with. Persons have come to me crying and asking for forgiveness because they lived in the city where a race- driven murder happened before they were born or while they were a child, too young to have done anything about it. Guilt produces shame and many have been shamed into silence. And they will not speak because they are afraid or shouted down by the cries for justice. Many are still trying to understand what happened and how they should feel about it.
People are in agony, crying out for justice, but those “persons” feelings are more important? Those who are crying out for justice are the ones who need help, not those “persons” feelings. Are those the same “persons” who have long turned a blind eye to violations, remained silent as long as they could benefit and directly/indirectly contribute to the factors that perpetuate the injustice? I will disagree with you there. They *can* do something about it. Those “persons” are crying, asking for forgiveness, and ashamed because their own conscience has convicted them of their willing complicity in a system of injustice. They are not still trying to understand; they are *not* ignorant. What kind of person doesn’t know how they should fell about “it”? That someone is one whom is still too comfortable, complicit, and willing to let cries for justice fall on deaf ears. It is very selfish of those “persons” who have come to you and valued their feelings above the pain of the afflicted. You can disagree, I just want get in my thoughts on that.
I think that your speech is quite confrontational, presumptuous and stereotypes persons unknown to you. My brother, this is not the forum for that. I think that you have a limited understanding of justice because it does include reconciliation. That is my ministry, my contribution to the conversation on race and its progeny. I make no apologies for it and it is not an excuse. It is real work and it is a sacred work.
And you won’t. I don’t respond to antagonistic speech or persons demanding a response. Ask questions respectfully and “speak the truth in love” here, my brother (Ephesians 4.15). Please refer to the comment policy on the blog. Thanks.
Great post. It was heartfelt and surprising. Keep up the good work. Stay faithful.
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Yes, sir. Thank you.