This is such an awkward topic. I feel self-conscious when the topic of race comes up. I'd rather talk about culture and ethnicity than race. I felt very defensive when the whole "anti-racism" thing emerged. I have lived in four different countries outside of the US and traveled to many more. For someone to tell me that I am a racist, that I am "privileged" without knowing me or my life experiences is offensive. Certainly we should show love to all people regardless of their background, gender, etc. I don't think any group should self-flagellate or bow down to people of another group. I also don't think we should apologize for something people did in the distant past. I do think we should apologize for our own bad behavior and leave it at that. In the case of repenting for the sins of one's own people, I think of Daniel's prayer in chapter 9 where he confessed the sins of his people *to God* and repented for sinning against him. But I don't see Jesus asking his followers to apologize to surrounding nations (even the Samaritans!) for their ancestors' behavior towards them. I see a more one-on-one call to repentance and forgiveness rather than this racial stuff. So many of these social justice things sound righteous, but they are only virtue signaling, not that different from the Pharisee in the parable thanking God that he was so much better than the tax collector. I don't think God is impressed by false piety.
It doesn't seem right not to call down blatant anti-white behavior when it is completely unacceptable to ignore anti-black (or anti- any other group) behavior. It's all appalling. How can we heal the divisions in this country, though, if we continue our one-sided approach to racial differences? Even more so, can we just not continue to contribute to the taking of sides, of dividing along lines of skin color, national heritage, male or female? Jesus always operated outside the box. How can we change the conversation in a better direction?
As you pointed out, the one-sided CRT approach isn't going to work, and it seems unlikely the colorblind society approach will, either. We're going to have to find a way to acknowledge differences in manner that's fair for everyone, but that's going to be an uncomfortable process.
I don’t disagree, but it has not been addressed well or honestly. We humans all deal with racist, classist, sexist, groupist feelings; and to pretend one group has a monopoly on those sorts of sin is not honest or helpful and ends up causing more harm than good.
I’m just now getting a chance to read this, and I couldn’t agree more. Much of what you’ve written echoes things I’ve said—and continue to say—myself.
Alongside the problems you’ve highlighted within churches and among believers, I’d add this: a spirit of meekness and timidity has gripped many Christian communities. We saw it clearly in 2020, and it hasn’t loosened its hold. Far too many Christians have become so afraid of offending others—both within the Church and outside it—that they’ve stopped speaking the truth altogether. This fear silences the gospel and stifles bold proclamation of God’s Word.
I commend you for taking a stand and writing this. It’s needed. I hope I’m wrong, but I suspect this may cost you some followers or subscribers. Even so, it’s worth it. Truth must be spoken.
Though I disagree with some, you make a lot of very good points in this article. I hope you don’t mind if I link an op-ed I’ve written about the case here, but I understand if you do - and if you subsequently delete it:
This is such an awkward topic. I feel self-conscious when the topic of race comes up. I'd rather talk about culture and ethnicity than race. I felt very defensive when the whole "anti-racism" thing emerged. I have lived in four different countries outside of the US and traveled to many more. For someone to tell me that I am a racist, that I am "privileged" without knowing me or my life experiences is offensive. Certainly we should show love to all people regardless of their background, gender, etc. I don't think any group should self-flagellate or bow down to people of another group. I also don't think we should apologize for something people did in the distant past. I do think we should apologize for our own bad behavior and leave it at that. In the case of repenting for the sins of one's own people, I think of Daniel's prayer in chapter 9 where he confessed the sins of his people *to God* and repented for sinning against him. But I don't see Jesus asking his followers to apologize to surrounding nations (even the Samaritans!) for their ancestors' behavior towards them. I see a more one-on-one call to repentance and forgiveness rather than this racial stuff. So many of these social justice things sound righteous, but they are only virtue signaling, not that different from the Pharisee in the parable thanking God that he was so much better than the tax collector. I don't think God is impressed by false piety.
It doesn't seem right not to call down blatant anti-white behavior when it is completely unacceptable to ignore anti-black (or anti- any other group) behavior. It's all appalling. How can we heal the divisions in this country, though, if we continue our one-sided approach to racial differences? Even more so, can we just not continue to contribute to the taking of sides, of dividing along lines of skin color, national heritage, male or female? Jesus always operated outside the box. How can we change the conversation in a better direction?
As you pointed out, the one-sided CRT approach isn't going to work, and it seems unlikely the colorblind society approach will, either. We're going to have to find a way to acknowledge differences in manner that's fair for everyone, but that's going to be an uncomfortable process.
We can't look away or pretend it doesn't exist. It continues if it isn't addressed, the wound festers.
I don’t disagree, but it has not been addressed well or honestly. We humans all deal with racist, classist, sexist, groupist feelings; and to pretend one group has a monopoly on those sorts of sin is not honest or helpful and ends up causing more harm than good.
I’m just now getting a chance to read this, and I couldn’t agree more. Much of what you’ve written echoes things I’ve said—and continue to say—myself.
Alongside the problems you’ve highlighted within churches and among believers, I’d add this: a spirit of meekness and timidity has gripped many Christian communities. We saw it clearly in 2020, and it hasn’t loosened its hold. Far too many Christians have become so afraid of offending others—both within the Church and outside it—that they’ve stopped speaking the truth altogether. This fear silences the gospel and stifles bold proclamation of God’s Word.
I commend you for taking a stand and writing this. It’s needed. I hope I’m wrong, but I suspect this may cost you some followers or subscribers. Even so, it’s worth it. Truth must be spoken.
Do stop by.
https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/p/person-of-color-are-just-three-words
I couldn't predict where it was going, which I mean as a high compliment. Interesting thoughts.
Though I disagree with some, you make a lot of very good points in this article. I hope you don’t mind if I link an op-ed I’ve written about the case here, but I understand if you do - and if you subsequently delete it:
https://thequillandmusket.substack.com/p/the-karmelo-anthony-case?r=4xypjp
Good thoughts, and an important distinction between what is and is not self-defense
Thank you for the feedback! I welcome it all, even negative feedback; but obviously it is nice when the intent behind my writing hits home.