Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
You’ve seen it everywhere – social media, bumper stickers, TV commercials – “People learn to hate.” This is most often used as a challenge to racism. But, it’s just not true. The truth is that hate is a consequence of the fallen nature of humanity and is common to all.
Continue reading “The Ubiquity of Hate”
In the last two decades discussions about racial equality have moved to discussions about critical race theory. Critical race theory insists that white people are historically responsible for the oppression of people of color. Therefore, white people are incapable of acting beyond their self-interest and are incapable of understanding the plight of the oppressed.
Continue reading “The Ministry of Racial Reconciliation”
In a recent conversation I was asked, “How do we move forward to settle the issue of women in ministry?” I replied, “You’ve got to call out the issue for what it is – sexism.” I continued, “If the issue is homosexuality we call it out as sin. If the issue is racism, we call it out as sin. And, if the issue is sexism we must call it out as sin.” Many of my colleagues will protest, “It’s not sexism, it’s what the Bible teaches!” So, which is it?
Continue reading “Calling out Sexism as Sin”
I’ve heard it all my life. “The Civil War was not fought over slavery.” I was NOT taught that in grade school in south Georgia. But I’ve heard it from those seeking to honor the memory of the Confederate States of America. Every time racial strife heats up in the USA I hear this refrain over and over again, “The Civil War was not fought over slavery.” Well let’s look at the ugly truth.
Continue reading “The Real Reason for the Civil War”
You’ve seen it everywhere – social media, bumper stickers, TV commercials – “People learn to hate.” This is most often used as a challenge to racism. But, it’s just not true. The truth is that hate is a consequence of the fallen nature of humanity and is common to all.
Continue reading “The Ubiquity of Hate”
When radical leftist cry, “Racism!” it’s often hard for me to take them serious. They see racism in everything. Since the inauguration of Richard Nixon in 1969, leftist have accused Republicans as being racist and fascist. The way the leftist define racism is selective. Racism is a political term that speaks only to those with privilege and power. There is one other element to racism – white. When one reads the literature of the radical left white-ism is a synonym for racism. The original sin of this political narrative is being white. It goes something like this:
Continue reading “Let’s Write a New Story about Race”
Several years ago I wrote the following editorial in favor of changing the Georgia flag.* This letter generated a great deal of hostile response. I offer it in token of an ongoing struggle for justice.
A few years ago I attended an assembly at the elementary school where my children were attending. At the opening of the assembly everyone stood, placed their right hand over their heart and recited the pledge to the American flag. Then, without missing a beat, I watched and listened as the students pledged their allegiance to the Georgia flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands – wisdom, justice, and moderation.” I watched as scores of young black children saluted and pledged their allegiance to a flag which bares the symbol of their ancestor’s oppression, a flag which is supposed to stand for justice.
Continue reading “Symbols are Important”