Conversations about race can be wearisome, but recent tragic events in our community have made national headlines and remind us that though we’ve come a long way, we have a long way to go. I believe this work is worth doing for the sake of the gospel.
Let’s start with something that we can all agree on: disparity exists.
Disparity Exists
The disparity between white and black households in terms of net worth, income, education, health care, and incarceration rates is blatant and significant. We can quibble on some details of the national studies, but just drive around our community and ask yourself in which neighborhoods you would prefer to live and which church buildings have the most amenities. Disparity exists. That’s the easy part.
But Why Do These Disparities Exist?
The explanations generally fall along racial and political lines, but most of them have something in common: blame. It’s “their” fault. On the progressive side, we are told that disparities exist because of systemic racism by those in power, intergenerational poverty stemming from centuries of systemic racism, social injustice, a corrupt justice system, white privilege, and materialistic apathy. On the conservative side, we are told that disparities exist because of moral irresponsibility, fatherlessness, Gangsta culture, black on black crime, a sense of entitlement, and failed progressive policies that create dependence and de-incentivize work and marriage.
I’ve been studying these issues for many years now and I’ll be honest: there are valid points on each side. There are some who see racism everywhere and some who see it nowhere, but neither position reflects reality. If we don’t listen and learn from each other, we won’t make much progress in racial reconciliation. But since everyone is weary of being blamed, it’s easier to retreat and surround ourselves with people who agree with us. In other words, it’s easier to not have the hard conversations.
What Is a Peacemaker?
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said, “for they shall be called sons of God” (Mt. 5:9). He didn’t mean that we earn our way into God’s family by being peacemakers. The only way to become a part of God’s family is to trust in Christ alone (Jn. 1:12). But once we’re in the family, we will be about our father’s business, promoting love for him and for our neighbors, through the gospel.
Jesus didn’t say “peacelovers.” Everyone loves peace if it doesn’t cost them anything. We all enjoy peace purchased by others. But a peacemaker makes the sacrifices required to reconcile two parties in dispute. On the cross, Jesus paid for our peace with God by shedding his own blood. Likewise, if you and I want to be agents of peace in our own community, it will cost us something.
So, What Do We Do?
Like most noble efforts, the process begins with earnestly seeking knowledge and wisdom. Become educated and conversant with terms and concepts involved in discussing ethnocentric pride. Venture outside of your information silo to hear other Christians bring Scripture to bear on these issues in a way you’ve never heard before.
A good example is Isaac Adams’ book, Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations. Isaac is the Lead Pastor of Iron City Church in Birmingham and is the Founder of United? We Pray, a ministry devoted to praying about racial strife.
I know Isaac personally and a few months ago we both spoke at a pastor’s conference. What a joyful, wise, engaging, theologically precise, God-loving brother he is! Fortunately, you will be able to meet him at First Bible Church, Decatur Campus, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 6:00. Isaac and his colleague, Austin Suter will be here to lead us in an evening of United? We Pray.
I hope to see you there!
Thank you, Steve! After having lived "among the nations" all my life, I am astonished by the animosity here in the USA between citizens simply because of racial or social differences. And it is SO easy to buy into the commentaries we hear on both kinds of news.. May the Lord transform our hearts and minds to see each other as simply brothers and sisters, "co-terraneos" as we say in Spanish.