Race

Resources for Racial Reconciliation

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

Since February is designated as Black History Month in the USA, I wanted to take the opportunity to post something that might be helpful in the ongoing discussions about Racial Divides and Racial Reconciliation.

Racial tension and racial division are major issues in our culture – and, sadly, still issues in the American Church. This is not a new problem. Racism was also a problem in the Early Church. But since it is still an issue, Paul’s words to the church in Ephesus are relevant for us today:

“Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:12-14)

Whether one sees racial division as a “gospel issue” or not, racism and racial division are inarguably Kingdom issues. And these are issues that the Gospel – and only the Gospel – can resolve. Only the Gospel has the power to make us one in Christ, regardless of race or culture. 

Therefore, as tensions linger, and even at times intensify, the Church has the ability – and therefore the responsibility – to show that only Jesus has the power to break down the dividing walls of hostility and bring Shalom – true and lasting peace. In a culture that often, and increasingly, views faith in Jesus to be irrelevant and unhelpful, we have an opportunity to be “Salt & Light” by actively pursuing peace and friendship between all races and cultures in our communities. (Matthew 5.9; Matthew 5.13-16)

“Racial reconciliation is not the goal of a gospel-centered church and life, but it is clear from Scripture that it is a beautiful fruit of it.“ ~ Jarvis Williams

A Biblical worldview responds to every circumstance with love, empathy, and understanding even of those different from us, instead of letting popular culture and news soundbites define our attitudes and beliefs. When we listen to more voices, sometimes especially some that sound different from our own, God often reveals to us some of the blind spots in our own hearts.

What does this mean for God’s People, living in our present time and culture? As those who are part of God’s “Royal Priesthood” (1 Peter 2.9) we must be committed to mercy and justice. (see Micah 6.8) As those who have been the recipients of God’s mercy and grace, we are to those who now demonstrate and extend the grace and mercy we have received. (1 Peter 2.10; 1 Timothy 1.16) And grace changes everything! The gospel frees us, compels us, and empowers us to seek justice and reconciliation in the midst of brokenness. This is gospel work – work that, as Christians, we must be committed to doing together, even as we learn, lament, repent, and – by faith – move forward. But “to do justice” and “to do mercy” requires both humility and understanding.

With the hope of moving forward toward better understanding, I have compiled a list of Racial Reconciliation resources. This is in no way an exhaustive list, but these resources are among those I have found helpful. Some are from my own denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, others from the broader Evangelical church. Some of these resources may resonate more than others; and some even express viewpoints that I cannot entirely endorse. Nevertheless, there is benefit from listening to a broad range of voices and seeing from a variety of perspectives.

Listen & Watch

Articles

Books

Voices

NOTE: Over time I will add to these lists. So I hope you will bookmark this page, and make use of it both now and in the future.

Racial Justice & The Church: Navigating the Minefield

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

Trying to hold an ongoing conversation about race and justice feels like trying to navigate a rhetorical minefield. Watch out. You never know if that next step is going to explode. But it is a conversation that needs to continue. I believe it is a conversation that especially needs to continue in the Church. The question is: “How”?

Here are four principles that recently came to me via an email:

First, you clarify what the Scriptures teach about justice and how God intends for people of different ethnic backgrounds to treat one another. 

Second, you highlight the aspects of your theological tradition that illuminate what the Scriptures teach about “race” and justice. 

Third, you examine the unvarnished history of how your religious tradition has contributed to or resisted racial injustice in the part of the world you live in. 

Finally, you sit with the sociological impact of your religious tradition’s actions to pursue or deny racial injustice.

Race & Racism from a White Guy’s Perspective

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

A few days ago I posted the video of an interview done with Bryan Stevenson, of Just Mercy fame, and Timothy Keller, discussing grace, race, and justice. As a follow up, I thought I’d post this message by Keller.

In this video Tim Keller tackles the tough subjects of Race and systemic racism.  While these terms can be loaded, I hope you will take the time to listen to the perspective that Keller lays out.

Race & the Church RVA: Walking the Path of Love

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

The sixth and final gathering of Race and the Church took place in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday November 19. The first of two sessions that morning featured Dr. George Robertson, Senior Pastor of the historic First Presbyterian Church of August, Georgia, and Moderator for the 44th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America.  Dr. Robertson’s message was Walking the Path of Love.