The Racialist Lens Distorts True Christian Unity (by Dr. James White)

Photo Credit: TGC ERCL MLK50

Irrespective of "the content of your character" if you question the biblical legitimacy of critical race theory as advocated by the Gospel Coalition you will likely be branded a racist.  As Dr. James White pointed out today, Ironically, the Racialist Lens Distorts True Christian Unity. 

Case and Point:  A black pastor in Illinois (who filled my pulpit on two occasions) publicly labeled me a "racist" when I dared to disagree with him over the BLM narrative- Ferguson race riots (post Michael Brown).  Now evangelical Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile (who once suggested that Bernie Sanders was the best candidate for African American voters), has called out John MacArthur's Assistant Pastor (Phil Johnson); while renown Christian evangelist/apologist James White is under fire from MLK50 speaker Kyle J. Howard on similar charges.  United Christian congregations will increasingly become divided if this social justice gospel trend continues.  Faithful churchmen need to stand up and warn the flock of Christ (even if means enduring slanderous charges).  The world already believes the Holy Bible is homophobic and sexist so what's one more unfair pejorative?

When evangelicals today talk about "racial reconciliation" (from a progressive point of view) and "social justice" causes you need to understand exactly what it is they are calling for and where this ideology/terminology comes from.  Sadly, many church leaders are jumping on this bandwagon having done very little research.  More importantly God's Word is often set aside and/or is routinely misapplied in effort to promote what are now en vogue political/social science theories.

Not All Black Christians Agree with TGC's MLK50 Narrative

Photo Credit: Baptistmessage.com

Though I do not agree with every little point Mrs. Spratt makes her perspective needs to be heard.  It's not just conservative "white" evangelicals who believe that certain well-intentioned believers are needlessly dividing the Christian Church.  Before you swallow the social justice gospel search the Scriptures, read a few articles from the other side, and pray!  Here is an article posted at baptistmessage.com just today. 

Russell Moore does not represent me, a Black Christian.  From the desk of Lorine Spratt (posted by Will Hall). QUOTE

"From the desk of Lorine Spratt

To SBC Pastors & Dr. Russell Moore:

I am a born-again Christian, Conservative, Black attender of a White, Southern Baptist, Evangelical Church in Louisiana. In fact, I not only attend, I also work there and I am very concerned about the narrative that I’m hearing from our ERLC leadership. I am absolutely appalled by the comments made by Dr. Russell Moore concerning racism within the White Evangelical churches.

I, and many other Black congregants, attend a predominately White, Southern Baptist Evangelical Church. We attend there because we are free to do so, we’ve been welcomed, and we’re seen and treated as brothers and sisters in Christ. I truly believe that I could attend any White Evangelical church and be welcomed. However, there are born again Black believers who choose to attend Black evangelical churches and worship within their culture and they are free to do so. We are exercising our freedom to choose. We are not commodities to be bargained with or exploited or used to promote an agenda or boost quotas.

White churches are not advocating racism but Dr. Moore is. He is fueling racial tensions. I view his comments as divisive and antagonistic. His words do not promote unity!

Mack and Carr: A Better Way Fwd

photo credit: Pro Sports Daily

A better way forward.  NFL superstars Derek Carr and Khalil Mack showed the nation a better way forward while the National Anthem was played, and after the game, during their respective locker room press conferences.  Rather then enter the arena of racial politics Carr and Mack demonstrated the power of genuine friendship through a symbolic gesture of solidarity.  Hand on shoulder, side by side.

Their was no anti-police rhetoric.  No "black power" fists raised.  No Colin Kaepernick/Marshawn Lynch sit down(s) while the country's anthem was played.  Their was no politically charged (vulgar) press-conferences following the game.  Their was no pot shots taken at Democrats or Republicans.  It was just two close friends, one white and one black, demonstrating that Americans must come together as "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all."

Our nation does not need more protests.  We simply need to flesh out the practical implications of the Biblical worldview of "one blood, one race."  Jesus put it this way, "Love God (supremely)....and love your neighbor as yourself."  Christians should model what 'brotherly love' looks like.  I cannot speak for the entire country, but in my circle of Christians friends (which stretches from coast to coast), I can testify that this very thing is taking place.