Thread by @theochick

Sketching out a few thoughts here from my observations on how the church is handling issues of race and justice on social media and in reaction to blogs, books, book reviews and sermon/speeches. A thread. /1

I could be wrong, but we seem to be at an impasse because of the disparate viewpoints of what makes the course right in this area, particularly as it relates to the church & her witness to the world. /2

Taking off the table those who foolishly believe race no longer plays a factor and/or may actually harbor prejudices against black and brown people, let’s divide this into 2 groups (yes I know there are nuances). /3

Group A believes racism is real but the way to combat it is through individual interaction because it is the individual who needs to change. Group A sees the prevailing narrative on systemic racism & injustice an intrusion on fruitful reconciliation efforts… /4

… because it pretty much just imposes a weight of burden on those who aren’t even guilty by virtue of their skin color. Group A may or may not believe that systemic racism exists but definitely thinks it’s not to the level pronounced in the prevailing narrative. /5

And that the way to combat it is through equal valuation of the individual. Group A is cautious and even suspicious of efforts to address these issues in the church, largely because of what is going on with Group B. /6

Group B believes that unless you are addressing racism as a systemic issue & working to take down white supremacy, then you’re really not caring about racism & are actually complicit in it. Group B sees any opposition to utilizing “tools” like CRT… /7

… and challenging how we are even defining white supremacy as devaluing black and brown people (as if our dignity should come from these not the Creator himself). /8

Group B may be so invested in taking down white supremacy that they become suspicious of any efforts that don’t directly address it even when such efforts are being guided by Scripture. /9

And each group is claiming a Christian lens. Group A charges Group B with deviating from the gospel. Group B charges Group A with not fully caring about it. Sighs. /10

My biggest concern in all of this is how we are allowing these perspectives and “fights” to impact our local fellowship as suspicion is cast on those who show favorable signs towards one side or the other. /11

Yes, some are being short-sighted and some are deviating from a scripturally informed response to these issues & allowing the broader voice of our culture to dictate terms. /12

But, are we allowing the nationalized conversation to determine how we are going to view & value our brothers and sisters in Christ that we have to look in the eye on Sundays? At the end of the day, for the church that is what matters most. /13