Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Podcast Index | RSS

I am convinced that the church should be leading on the issue of racial unity and justice because all people are created in the image of God and are, therefore, worthy of equal dignity and respect (Genesis 1:26-27). This week, I have observed a lot of push back on the statement “Black Lives Matter” (the statement as distinguished from the movement) and Christian involvement in peaceful protests, etc. And, much of the pushback is related to concerns over some of the positions of the Black Lives Matters Movement (BLMM) and critical race theory. If you have not studied the positions of the BLMM, which includes support for the sexual revolution and the disruption of the nuclear family, you can read those beliefs here.

It seems there are two camps on this: (1) Christians can’t engage beyond preaching about racism and eternal salvation because of concerns about the above or (2) Christians should simply join the social justice movement without critiquing unbiblical ideas. I reject this as a false choice and am absolutely convinced there is a way to engage the issue of racial unity and justice without jeopardizing the gospel.

So, how can Christians engage the issue of racial unity and justice without jeopardizing the gospel? I admit I do not have all the answers, so I discussed this question with Courtney Montgomery, a former beltway insider, follower of Jesus, and founder of The Cerebral Conservative (an online platform dedicated to faithfully thinking through these “third-rail” topics), and Pastor Matt Hodge, who has studied these issues in depth over the last several years.

Key Takeaways/Discussions. Note that my responses focus on discerning what is true, finding space to have meaningful conversations and developing a way forward. Others can provide in-depth political, theological and philosophical analysis of these issues. My hope is to provide practical responses with a focus on the church’s public witness.

1. Should Christians use the phrase “Black Lives Matter”? My Response: My opinion is yes, Christians should use this phrase. It is supported by Scripture; and, why allow a Biblical principle to be trumpeted by broader culture without stating it ourselves? That said, we should also clarify our position on the BLM movement, which includes unbiblical proposals like a rejection of orthodox Christian sexual morality and the “disruption” of the nuclear family.
2. Most Christian thought leaders have made a distinction between protests and riots. But, some have made the statement that a riot against an unjust system is part of American history and a plea for justice. What should Christians think about this issue? Response: I am a proponent of Kingian civil disobedience (and not destructive riots) as the most effective way to produce change. Progress on this issue will come through a coalition of Americans, and violent and destructive riots cloud the moral clarity surrounding George Floyd’s death and will probably blunt efforts at meaningful reform. In this, I am speaking primarily as a student of history but also as someone who wants to see actual, meaningful progress on racial unity and justice.
3. What should Christians know and think about critical race theory ? My response: Critical race theory argues that racism is inherent in the American system (politics, law, etc.) and in American broader culture. In response, Christians can and should acknowledge the inequities found in America’s founding documents (for example, the 3/5th compromise), the horrors of slavery and the long history of discrimination. But, we should also point to the aspirational concepts in The Declaration of Independence (“When the architects of our great republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.” -MLK); the strides made during the Civil Rights Movement and in recent years; and the need for particular, actionable reforms. I am convinced that many Americans and especially American Christians stand ready to address any system or cultural practice that does not uphold the equal dignity of all people.
4. What should Christians think about the concept of systemic injustice or systemic racism? My response: Because the United States is a very individualistic society, we put a heavy emphasis on personal guilt (the entire criminal code is built on this premise) and personal responsibility. And, we should. Scripture does the same (Exodus 20; Romans 6:23; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). But, as Biblical Christians, we should also recognize that sin corrupts and permeates human institutions. So, we should not be surprised to find sinful pride and “respect of persons” hard-wired into institutions or cultures. James warned the church about socio-economic bias (James 2:3), and Paul withstood Peter to the face because he encouraged the Jews to withdraw from fellowship with the gentiles (Galatians 2). Further, God judged entire cities based on collective or defining sins (for example, Ezekiel 16:49). In sum, we should acknowledge that America’s original sin affected and continues to affect our institutions while also promoting individual responsibility and pursuing specific reforms.
5. What should Christians think about calls to defund the police? One of the state’s Biblical roles is to punish evil and maintain order, so calls for a wholesale abolition of police departments is not in line with Scripture (Romans 13; I Peter 2). That said, the state is also tasked with promoting good and should not itself (through its agents) perpetrate acts of injustice or evil (the death of George Floyd comes to mind). So, specific, evidence-supported reforms are something we should support.
6. We have discussed a number of concepts/frameworks for interpreting racism and injustice in the United States. What is the best framework for Christians? My response: I think creation, sin and salvation is the best framework. God created all people in his image. Humans have focused on racial differences and even enslaved other humans; and, this is America’s original sin. But, God sent his Son to die for us all, and we are all one in Christ (Gal. 3:28). Now, we need to work toward forgiveness and reconciliation; and, we need to diligently apply these principle in our own hearts, homes and churches and then the nation.
7. What is Biblical roadmap for engaging racial injustice? Response: 1. Grieve the death of George Floyd and lament America’s sinful past (and, to some degree, present). If you have not done so recently, I encourage you to read the prayers of Daniel in Daniel 1 and Nehemiah in Nehemiah 1. #2 Study this topic and discern what is Biblical, and 3. Engage this issue with a goal of producing a just, equal and prosperous society.

I went first and shared my thoughts. What are yours? I know that this is a divisive issue in the United States (and always has been). Your respectful comments welcome below.