FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RACE: PART 2

What do you think about the riots, vandalism and looting?

It should go without saying that I hate this as much as anyone else. I will focus my answer on how I think we should respond to it.

I can’t stand when my chihuahua barks, but that’s what they do. It’s my fault for getting a chihuahua.

To be honest, it has always been odd to me that we as Christians are shocked when the world responds in a worldly way.

Why do we get so upset and talk evil of people who react in a way that is not self-controlled? Do we hate the sin of rioting, vandalism, looting, and the violence that often comes from these things? We better! Should we as Christians be involved in such heinous acts or even support those who do? We better not! But should we be surprised when a broken world acts in a broken way? Not at all!

Don’t be shocked when out of anger, people start yelling and destroying things. Don’t be shocked when politicians make divisive statements that add fuel to the fire causing even greater division. Don’t be shocked when people on all sides look to take justice into their own hands, sometimes resulting in murder.

However, we grieve, and we grieve deeply. We mourn, and we mourn deeply at the evil that is so pervasive in our society. And we hate any evil action, especially when someone decides to take the life of another. But don’t be too shocked when this happens. All broken people attempt fixes that are ultimately temporary apart from Christ.

And when we are tempted to look at someone who clearly doesn’t know Jesus, and bash them for how they are choosing to respond, let me encourage you to stop and say, “But for the grace of God, there go I”. All of us are guilty of destroying things in anger. All of us are guilty of saying things that cause division. It is only by God’s grace and by the power of His Spirit that we are now able to resist those tendencies.

Let’s be willing to acknowledge that, and to respond better.

What about the peaceful protests and sports boycotts?

The sad truth is that racism will always be a struggle until Christ returns. Thinking about that can lead to a fatalism that is extremely crippling. What’s the point of fighting a battle that will only be truly be won when He comes? Put simply, when Jesus was here He pushed against sin, and so should we. It was His mission to push against the sin He saw in humanity even though He knew that sin would one day kill Him.

The question is, how? How do we properly push against the specific sin of racism?

Regarding peaceful protests, it would be good to know that not all protesters are rioting. Actually, it is a very small percentage of protesters who turn to disturbing the peace, violence, and destruction. Many Christians are even deciding to join in these protests as a way to call for change. And this isn’t the first time.

Those marching with Martin Luther King Jr. saw injustice and chose to push against it. They did not know the impact their voices would have on future generations; however, they had hope. A hope of seeing all people created in the image of God treated equally. And we should all be thankful their hope led to unquestionable changes in our nation.

However, one thing is different between protests in MLK’s day and today’s protests. The difference is the foundational argument. Then, the argument was: should black people have equal value, access and opportunity? Today, the argument is: is that still a problem in today’s society, and who is responsible for it? This makes calling for change today all the more difficult.

It is hard to know for sure what kind of impact today’s protests will have, especially given the mixed motives of those involved. Some want political powers to shift in a certain direction. Some want to use these times to push other agendas forward that we as followers of Christ should not align with. Others just love another opportunity to yell something out in public while holding a sign.

Christian, if you choose to protest, make sure you think deeply about why you are doing it and what you hope to accomplish. If it is simply because you aren’t sure what else to do, maybe you shouldn’t. However, if you feel this is the most effective way to bring about change, go for it. Either way, we should all think deeply about how to most effectively push against this specific sin.

I don’t expect these blogs to change the hearts of thousands (especially since the realistic number of those who read this will be at least two zeros shy of that) but at the same time, I know the Lord has called me to push back in this way.

Side Note…

It makes me extremely sad when I hear how people often talk about athletes who decide to boycott and wear specially designed jerseys out of a desire to create awareness and to stand in solidarity. For many, it’s as if their sole purpose is to entertain. As if their opinions, thoughts, and experiences aren’t as important as their physical abilities. Friend, if you disagree with how they are choosing to protest, that’s fine. If you disagree with their political stances and calls for reform, that’s fine. Even if you think they are disrespecting the flag, that’s fine. But isn’t it possible to disagree without demeaning? Without hatred? Isn’t it possible to disagree with respect and love? Not only do I think it’s possible, I know it is what love requires of us. Let’s do better.

How, if at all, do you see racism or prejudice at Life Pointe?

This is often a hard thing to pinpoint, especially in the church. Let’s first start with a thought about tribalism.

Tribalism is the tendency to organize in tribes and to show loyalty to that particular social group. In and of itself tribalism is not a bad thing when that tribe doesn’t elevate itself above others. It makes sense for us to be naturally drawn to those who look, think, act, and talk like us. The issue we run into is when tribalism leads to favoritism or a lack of acceptance.

Friend, tribalism has crossed over into prejudice when we have a hard time welcoming people who aren’t like us, or when we are accepting of someone who is different from us only because they act more like us than what we think is “typical” for their group. Please read that again.

This is something I have heard and felt regularly with statements like, “but you’re not really black,” “you don’t talk or dress like them,” and “you are basically white on the inside.” I was, and still am, the exception for many. The good, proper, acceptable black man. But truth be told, the heart behind those statements and thoughts is, “You are easy to accept because you fit in well with our tribe.” And the implication is that “real” black people are supposed to act and talk a very specific way, and because I don’t, it is easier to accept me. Christian, this is beyond simple tribalism. It is prejudice. It is sin. And if it is in any of us, we must repent and do better.

And truth be told, maybe I’ve been easier to accept because I have done the work to connect to you, to meet you where you are at, and to bridge the man-made gap between us. If you don’t already, would you be willing to do the same with others? We all have much work to do in this area.

As far as the specifics of where racism and prejudice exists in our church, it would be unwise for me to try giving too many specific thoughts here. I will only say two things:

Firstly, Woodland has a very small population of black people so most do not face this in their immediate contexts. However, I believe it would be wise to consider how you have been conditioned to view black people by the type of exposure you’ve had. From your parents. Watching sports or certain celebrities. R&B and rap culture. When something happens on the news involving blacks. Whatever your exposure, and about whatever race or type of people, do everything you can to filter it through the lens of the Gospel. If you don’t, media and culture will tell you exactly what to think and things like prejudice and elitism might just creep into your heart.

Secondly, though the black population is small in Woodland, there is a large Hispanic population. I think if we are willing to examine ourselves honestly, we might notice some apathy when it comes to reaching them and welcoming them into our community.

What should I be doing right now, if anything?

What are the next steps for Life Pointe Church moving forward?

Pray that the Lord would give you boldness, wisdom, and gentleness.

Don’t shy away from the necessary conversations about race.

Pray that the Lord would reveal and root out any tribalism turned prejudice that’s in your heart.

Don’t assume racial prejudice is beyond you. It’s not. We all sin, so none of us are immune.

Pray that the Lord would guard you from sinning with your words (spoken or typed).

Don’t let your political affiliation get in the way of your obligation to love others.

Pray that the Lord would graciously lead our church in being an empathizing and welcoming community.

Don’t be disingenuous. If you are having a hard time taking this in, talk about it.

Pray for your church, city, state, country, and governing officials.

Don’t trust in them, trust in the Lord.

Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.”

Amen.

Church, let’s keep talking…