Thread by @bobstevenson

So I’m working out an idea on race from a theological perspective.

I‘d love to interact with some of you on this. Especially if you disagree.

Here we go.

I’m beginning to suspect the “just preach the gospel“/anti-CRT crowd has a more optimistic view of fallen human nature than those who argue that racism still needs to be actively addressed.

Here’s why.

(1a) Many argue that viewing racism through systemic or structural lenses is to rely on Marxist or postmodern analysis, and tend to object to the idea one can unwittingly participate in a racist system. If I understand correctly, the objection has to do with removing agency.

(1b) And yet wouldn’t this same group argue that the doctrine of original sin permeates and corrupts all lives? It seems to me that there is a functional similarity.

(1c) After all, the better formulations of the doctrine of original sin don’t teach sin is transmitted crudely thru genetics or biology. Rather, sinful patterns germinate from a fallen heart, blossom thru fallen desires, but are reinforced through formative systems and culture.

(1d) Isn’t it reasonable to assume that racism = sin, and racism is woven into those same formative systems and culture?

Why be defensive on this point? I’m much more pessimistic about the goodness of inherited culture and the righteousness of our systems.

(2a) Second, it’s interesting that many evangelicals want to start from a place of neutrality when talking about race. I think it stems from a respect for the individual, and a reticence to unjustly accuse. This is good.

(2b) At the same time, this makes an assumption similar to pelagian theology: we all begin neutral and choose to be racist, or not racist.

Yet like pelagian theology, it ignores the powerful shaping influences of sin.

(2c) If I and the society I inhabit are truly and deeply marred by sin, and sanctification requires me to undergo much redemptive transformation, shouldn’t we be equally realistic about the shaping influence of growing up in a society deeply marked by a racist thought?

(2d) Or to put it differently, doesn’t Romans 12:2 require us to start with the assumption that we have been powerfully formed by our culture? And therefore to do the hard work of being transformed out of the imprint of our fallen culture and *into* the image of Christ?

(3a) Third, someone may argue that it’s not so much an overly-optimistic view of human nature as much as a conviction that the gospel is the only true solution to racism. And I agree.

(3b) But if the gospel is the solution, then why did American racism persist in such gruesome forms for so long? Surely, the work of the gospel in the United States should have countered human enslavement, Jim Crowe, lynchings, etc.

(3c) And yet, it persisted and would have continued had not a Civil War, constitutional amendments, and civil rights legislation been passed by the US government. Why didn’t the gospel change society? It certainly wasn’t because the gospel lacks power.

(3d) And it wasn’t due to a lack of gospel presence—racism prevailed in theologically sound churches / denominations throughout the country.

I propose it was because the gospel was not *applied* properly. The solution needs to be lived into and applied.

(3e) This is important: I think those who argue “just preach the gospel” assume a level of automatic transformation. Get saved and you’ll powerfully address racism at an organic level.

(3f) But consider Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Why did they still look so much like Corinth? Why not automatically transformed? Not because they didn’t know the gospel—it was because they didn’t apply it to critically challenge their assumptions about their culture.

(3g) I see a strong parallel to American racism. So many churches persisted in racist thought and action b/c they didn’t apply the gospel to the culture they assumed.

It seems that this should lead us to use tools (e.g. sociological inquiry) to better understand the fallen world we inhabit to see where we need to *apply* the gospel more faithfully. To understand/challenge cultural realities which have shaped and cont. to shape us ( ie racism).

I’d love to hear from y’all. Poke holes and argue with me!