Carla correctly quotes me saying, "Critical Race Theory has nothing to do with Christianity."
But the pastor of Oklahoma City's 5th Street Baptist Church, Byron Coleman III, is then quoted in response to my statement, "Jesus was concerned with the lost, the least and the oppressed. How does it not fit in that? Because it doesn't fit in the narrative of white impunity."
I am accustomed to Baptist pastors disagreeing with me. For example, I believe the Bible teaches that both men and women are qualified for leadership in the church and society because of the Spirit's giftings, and not a specific gender. In addition, I have long taught that "to forbid" the speaking in tongues is a direct violation of the command, "Forbid not the speaking in tongues" (I Corinthians 14:39), even though I've never had the "gift of tongues." These and other issues have caused some Baptists to see me as a "liberal." But now, with Critical Race Theory at the forefront of our churches and our society, some (wrongly) think that I am a political right-wing conspiracist.
In reality, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of Christ is more important to me than any denomination or creed of man. I believe in what Christ teaches, just like Pastor Byron Coleman. We mutually agree that Christians should have a concern for the least, the littlest, and the lost. But Pastor Colemen and I disagree on the means by which Christians should relieve this oppression. I state clearly:
Critical Race Theory is incompatible with true Christianity
FACT #1: CRT PROMOTES RACISM, CHRIST REMOVES RACISM
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A Christian who follows Christ must be blind to the color of one's skin. The Good News of Jesus Christ drives the Christian to no longer "see color". Galatians 3:28 states: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
However, a proponent of Critical Race Theory calls on you to SEE color. Integration as a result of the Christian principle of "the brotherhood of all mankind" is anathema to proponents of CRT. To believe in a meritocracy based on achievement, regardless of the color of one's skin, is not possible if one promotes CRT.
CRT proponents ask you to see WHITE skin and then harbor animosity toward WHITES because they have inherent power in America. In other words, the only way to be ANTI-RACIST is to see WHITE people and to know them to be racists. Therefore, anything constructed by WHITES (the American Republic, the legal system, the police, and military, etc.) must be DECONSTRUCTED because they were built on shameful WHITE supremacy values, culture, and habits. For black people who oppose CRT (e.g. Candice Owens), they are racists as well because they have INTEGRATED their thinking with that of the WHITE racists.
Fact #2: CRT DESTROYS; CHRIST TRANSFORMS
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Fact #3: CRT is MARXIST; Christ Is KING.
44 comments:
It is possible for many good people, when asked to identify their race, to write in 'human'. So a lot of thoughtful people did, thereby confounding those social scientists collecting sociological data used to assist in making public policy. Having been thwarted, the response was then to ask people to identify their race/ethnicity, hopeful that folks would write down something about their 'ethnicity' that revealed more than just the word 'human'. :)
I suspect that the whole controversy that has arisen is some kind of reaction to departing from examining faith, philosophy, and the usual humanities; and instead,
taking a really good look at how peoples' diversity affected the formation of actual laws and public policies over time, including just how far the laws and policies either affirmed OR steered clear of affirming 'what is the worth of a single human person?'
NOW, when people got down to specifics which philosophers and theologians did not grapple with,
specifics such as economic impact on diverse peoples, the effects of power structures of diverse peoples which 'sorted' humans into 'categories' that then allowed for 'less than' equal treatment backed up by the laws and the power structures in place........
that's when people got shook up by even the idea that this way (of looking at how a whole society evolved to come to terms with diversity) was based on more than thoughtful analyses by responsible theologians, philosophers, and let's face it - most people of good will. (In short, we tried.)
Even now, in the confusion and attacking of of one another, we still are asking and perhaps we will always ask
'what is the value of a single human life, a single human person?'
but now people are asking HOW and IN WHAT WAYS have we as a nation affirmed or failed to affirm respect for persons over time, in our laws and public policies,
and it's these specifics which are painful indeed when examined in this way.
No wonder there is controversy and lack of understanding. No wonder.
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So what can we do to stop this.
Keep spreading the word. Keep speaking up and out. Take individual liberty seriously and refuse government Big Brotherism.
"I have borne children and seen most of them sold into slavery, and when I cried out with a mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me."
(Sojourner Truth)
There are those who will always say
'some things are best left forgotten'
There are others who have always said
'never forget'
There is some thought that we have citizens in our country who 'share' multiple reasons for experiencing more than one kind of injustice. Sojourner Truth had known the lash on her back and she also stood up for the rights of women of all races, so for me, she models one kind of American hero whose life was not vanquished totally by the compounded sins of racism and misogyny. I don't see her as something who 'threatened' what was right about our nation. I see her as someone who saw its promise, and was a witness that in America, people could survive the hate and contempt leveled at them and stand up for the coming of right to be done.
The laws of our land have a history. It's complex and fascinating, some not pretty, but the ways in which our laws came to be and to change are part of our national story.
In the history of the laws of our land, is also a story of hope for change for better to come. It's an American story we shouldn't 'look away'from or 'forget'
about, but examine for those insights into 'who we are as a nation'.
Those 'insights' are of value to us. We ignore the past at our peril.
The meaning of the word 'martyr' in the Church is 'WITNESS'
"Where Bonhoeffer had caught a glimpse of the living church in the United States in 1931 was in the historically black churches. He participated in Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church during his first visit and was captivated by the lively worship, the immediacy of Christ in the midst of suffering, the active and prophetic resistance to racism and its powerful expressions of faith in the music of the spirituals.
In the later essay, he remains troubled by the legacy of slavery: segregated worship, the white church’s guilt, and the racialized construction of Christ. Racial reconciliation within the church as well as society, he predicted, must be a primary task for the future of American Protestantism."
“Bonhoeffer’s time at Abyssinian “marked the beginning of something,” she said.
He was arrested in April 1943 and imprisoned by the Nazis until 1945, when he was hanged just few days before the end of World War II. Bonhoeffer is one of six Christian martyrs remembered with busts in the sanctuary of Beeson Divinity School’s Hodges Chapel."
https://www.samford.edu/news/2017/01/Bonhoeffer-Saw-American-Racism-During-Year-of-Study-at-Union-Seminary
Most theologians worth their salt are troubled by human slavery. They've just never been able in the history of the world and mankind to eradicate it. Slavery is not a legacy exclusive to blacks alone.
1943 was a long long time ago.
I wonder why it is helpful to identify one's gender, ethnicity, or religion, on secular employment, education, and government forms? Age? I can understand. But not the other classifications.
What if there was no consideration to a person's gender, color, origins, or ideology when hiring or delegating government support/subsistence?
I'm trying to think of advantages in doing that and am open to altering my knee-jerk impression about it, so maybe you can enlighten me as to why it is necessary.
One additional thought on requiring those classifications: doesn't the use of such measures intensify all sorts of tendencies toward prejudice, injustice, partiality, or discrimination?
Hello Mr. Kuter,
good questions
I think what gets 'intensified' is when a person lives with multiple issues which double, triple, or more, their chances of being victimized.
Example: you perhaps have a woman addicted to pain medications who is a single mother, who is also African American, homeless, unemployed, lesbian, and mentally challenged. I call it a 'compounded' woundedness where the human person may encounter many types of discrimination, injustice, prejudice, and so forth DEPENDING on which category(categories) the world decides to inflict discrimination upon.
Some people involved with sociology have a term for it also: intersectional discrimination. Apparently, this is a universal phenomenon which is being studied all over the world for what can be gleaned from it that may be of value, especially since so many refugees have sought asylum in lands far different in culture from their own. An example: this study from Finland:
https://www.abo.fi/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2002-Makkonen-Multiple-compound-and-intersectional-discrimination.pdf
Specifically, I can imagine MANY concerns people might have about the issues of those who 'fit certain categories', sure. That's why it is SO important for Christian people to respect that the dignity of the human person resides in the fact that they were created in the image of God, and that this dignity cannot, must not, be taken away from them regardless of their circumstances.
You, yourself, seem to understand, with great respect, the value of a single human life.
Understanding the "value of a human life" does not necessarily mean tailoring laws,life and religious precepts in catering to the various issues of "compounded woundedness". That's where the rub comes.
Wade,
Last night at our men’s Bible study, I asked our Fannin County Association missionary, Darrel Hathcock, (we’re good friends) when were we going to ask you to come lead us in a revival. He said, he was going to get with our pastor about that.
Our Bible study is the Book of Acts (my favorite). Last night was:
“But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message…” (Acts 9:15 NLT)
That reminds me of ‘many are called, but few are chosen’.
Paul knew ‘God’s heart’ better than Peter:
“But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.” (Galatians 2:11-12 NLT)
Paul understood God’s plan:
“…The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.” (Galatians 3:24-25 NLT)
James had a different view of the law than Paul:
“…you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” (James 2:12-13 NLT)
"7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
(from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 5)
Rex:
Loved your lazer-like comparison of perspectives between Paul and James on the role of "the law".
Raises several questions in my mind posed by the obvious deconstructive agendas within organized Christianity being offered by some Me Too activists as well as the racism and marxism constituting the basis for CRT.
RB:
Your impression on that issue is not knee jerk IMO. The less data we provide on employment apps these days, the less stats being used to legitimize equitability at the expense of both equality and productivity in America.
Never sought or found employment through standard "conventional" apps or 3rd parties. Locate and interact with decision makers personally and apart from the internet and third parties.
We've got computer algorithms of social engineering deciding "the worth of individual human souls".
Would love to hear Christianne's take on that.
"...But to him who has no sword, let him sell his cloak and buy one."
Jesus from the Holy Gospel of St Luke, chapter 22, verse 36.
Wade, I read this blog and then consulted the Encyclopedia Britania. Seems to be quite a bit of difference between the two. Any comment?
Wade,
Today’s Herald Democrat newspaper:
“The Rev. Wade Burleson knew some might criticize him if he publicly condemned the critical race theory. Nevertheless, the outspoken past from Enid made it clear that he would vote to approve a resolution denouncing the controversial academic concept if it was introduced at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting.
For Burleson, the issue of critical race theory was simple:
“It has nothing to do with Christianity,” he said during an interview…Burleson said every Southern Baptist would say racism is sin, it is ungodly and has nothing to do with real Christianity.”
Scott Shaver,
Thanks. All Scripture not reference is from Acts written from NLT.
It’s important that Paul heard Steven’s prayer before he was killed: “…Lord don’t charge them with this sin…” (7:60) because Paul will repeat the same prayer before he died.
“…Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world! For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.” (John 7:3-5)
Since James missed the teachings of Jesus, why was he selected to be the pastor of the Jerusalem church? Politics! (He was the brother of Jesus!)
JAMES WARNS PAUL HIS LIFE IS IN DANGER
“The next day Paul went with us to meet with James and the elders of the Jerusalem church…You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all follow the law of Moses very seriously. But the Jewish believers in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They’ve heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. What should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.” (21:18-22)
Scott, I believe the thousands of Jews James referred to was his church. Paul was the hero of the Gentile churches. If his church killed Paul, James would lose control of the Gentile churches. Paul was in Jerusalem 3 days before he met James and the elders. This gave them time to come up with a ‘plan’ because in the same breath they asked “What should we do?”, they had the answer.
“Here’s what we want you to do. We have four men who have completed their vow. Go with them to the Temple and join them in the purification ceremony, paying for them to have their heads ritually shaved. Then everyone will know that the rumors are all false and that you yourself observe the Jewish laws.” (21:23-24)
Scott, James wants Paul to go to the Temple where the Jewish Leaders are! “Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me the thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned…” (Second Corinthians 11:24-25)
Scott, Paul goes to the Temple 7 days to complete his vow. Maybe because his head was shaved, no one recognized him. There’s no proof of what I believe that James told a cohort to identify Paul to someone that wouldn’t recognize him.
“The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul in the Temple and roused a mob against him…” (21:27)
“As they were trying to kill him, word reached the commander of the Roman regiment…He immediately called out his soldiers and officers and ran down among the crowd. When the mob saw the commander and troops coming, they stopped beating Paul.” (31-32)
Scott, at Paul’s first trial before Felix only his accusers were present. James and the elders were absent in capture 24. (Paul will refer to their absence in 2 Timothy.)
Book of Second Timothy Overview - Insight for Living Ministries
“Paul wrote 2 Timothy from a dark and damp Roman prison cell, just before his death in AD 67.”
“…The time of my death is near.” (2 Timothy 4:6)
Scott, remember the prayer Paul heard Steven pray?
“The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. MAY IT NOT BE COUNTED AGAINST THEM.” (2 Timothy 4:16)
I believe he was referring to the ones that called him “…dear brother…” (Acts 21:20)
Very intriguing Rex. Thanks for sharing.
An interesting confrontation about CRT and the military:
https://youtu.be/h535TzrcjUE
Political 'talking points' are repeated and taken up by 'sides' but frequently slanted one way or another. The idea for some is to denigrate or 'label' what is opposed or to praise what is promoted.
But occasionally, people will actually have an opportunity to examine issues in ways that offer more of substance than what talking points can provide. I do think it is better for the healing of divisions for there to be discussions which are more of dialogue than anything a 'talking point' can bring to the table.
When 'dialogue' opens the door to substantial discourse on an issue, people can begin to see WHY something is meaningful to others. It is at that point that real understanding can take place. When people accuse without evidence and refuse to at least debate an issue, I want to know 'why'. What causes that refusal? Are these people afraid or is there some other reason(s) we all need to know about?
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Sorry Christianne: The days of fruitless dialogue are over. Time to fight.
This soldier should stick to what he knows rather than fumbling with what he doesn't IMO.
It is interesting because the military is now attempting to root out extremism by promoting racist and queer ideaology.
With military oversight like this, what nation needs enemies?
Scott Shaver,
Precisely.
Rex,
Very interesting take on an event in the New Testament that I've never thought through.
Thank you.
Christiane,
We may not always agree, but I must say, your spirit and love for me and those who disagree with you is why I consider you to be a wonderful example of what it means to follow Christ. Please don't be discouraged if I do not respond to all of your comments. I read them, I think about them, and even if I do not agree, I always respect the person from whom they come.
Don't CARE WHY racism and marxism are "meaningful" to others. Not in the least interested in WHY.
Interested in fighting and resisting it at every turn from EVERY quarter.
Thanks, WADE.
We may sometimes disagree, but I also respect you as a person who is unafraid to stand up for innocent people who are being persecuted. That, to me, is a stellar mark of character. It doesn't get much better.
I do hope the Good Lord watches over you and keeps you safe from all harm. Maybe REX RAY can spare some of those power-house guardian angels who watch over the Ray family? In any case, may you live and be well. God Bless!
Wade and Scott,
Someone told about his friend, “He didn’t live right, but he died good.”
I believe it was the same with James. There are other accounts, but they’re pretty much the same as the one below.
Death of James, Jesus' Brother (christian-history.org)
“He was the only one allowed to enter the temple alone, and he prayed and asked forgiveness for the Jews so much that his knees became hard like a camel's. He was known as “The Just”.
The Pharisees thought they could get James to discourage the people from believing in Jesus. They asked him to stand at the pinnacle of the temple on Passover and speak. They shouted to him from below: Oh, righteous one, in whom we are able to place great confidence; the people are led astray after Jesus, the crucified one. So, declare to us, what is this way, Jesus?”
James replied: “Why do you ask me about Jesus, the Son of Man? He sits in heaven at the right hand of God, and will come in the clouds of heaven!
The Pharisees were horrified, but the people began shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The Pharisees, began crying out, “Oh, the righteous one is also in error!”
They climbed the temple and threw James down, but it didn’t kill him. He rose to his knees and prayed, “Lord forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.”
The Pharisees began to stone him, but one of the priests shouted, “Stop! The righteous one is praying for you.”
When they stopped, another killed him with a club.
May her tribe increase.
Convince me of the purity of motive and absence of "human" bias in MOST of these "social scientists".
Wade, I think that the opposition to CRT comes from old white men in the GOP right.
Sorry, the abbreviated post above was rudely interrupted by a 12-hour power outage in Portland, OR. This was what I wanted to say: Galatians 3:28-29 New International Version
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise; Romans 3:23 New International Version 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; and Romans 16:17 New International Version 17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
The opposition to CRT is a construct of old white men, mostly republicans who are afraid of losing their positions to non-white people.
Sorry Gerry:
All you've done with your last comment is demonstrate your ability to cut and paste scripture passages while spewing unsubstantiated vitriol against "old white men".
Your three whole enchiladas short of a combination plate, hombre.
Scott, your reply shows that there is at least one churl in Conroe, Tx
Yes, we tend to be churlish in this part of Texas as needed. Thank you sir.
the old spirituals ask for healing
https://youtu.be/BUcmXTbZUqk
CHRISTIANE,
A really beautiful looking choir, too bad I couldn’t understand a word they said.
And they sounded wonderful.
In the 8th grade, the choir director kept moving my brother, Hez, around trying to get him beside someone that sang loud enough, Hez couldn’t be heard.
Hez asked me why I was never moved because I couldn’t sing any better than him. I told him I ‘mouthed the words’ but never made a sound.
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