How to Talk About Racism in the Church Without Becoming Bitter
The American church has a problem with racism.
The issue is not new.
It includes support in the past for appalling acts such as lynching and racial terrorism and ongoing, inexcusable apathy. Although much has changed, the path toward deep diversity, authentic inclusion and radical repair remains long. Much of my time is spent telling Christians about the past and present concerning racism in the nation and the congregation.
Christians engaged in anti-racism work risk becoming bitter toward the church. In my speaking and travels, people often ask me, “How do you talk about racism without becoming bitter?”
Or they ask a similar question from a different angle: “How do you maintain hope in the midst of so much evil?”
There’s no easy answer.
Read the full article at RNS.
Lisa
I read this article. It’s insightful and well written. And informative.
I agree with it because I see the same things happening where I live and fellowship.
Thomas W.
I don’t think you realize how you come across to many white evangelicals. As it’s important to understand how you take things through your worldview, you should do so for them too.
What I mean is, is that if you continually can be quoted as calling white evangelicals, racist and xenophobic, surely you realize how insulting and degrading that is to them? Especially when you do so largely on the grounds of who they voted for. Because you express such, their walls are easily erected, and many either won’t have much to do with you or unfortunately worse (and unacceptably) treat you poorly in response.
This is normal. Most people, regardless of topic or demographic will not listen to you if you begin with insult and judgment. And so you continue to be poorly received, because you’ve made your position well known. And it’s a position that is constantly demeaning.
I would still love to sit down and have a conversation about all this with you sometime. Or a phone call. I’m not gifted in leadership, pacing, or many of the good things you are, but I do have a small gift in the capacity to see multiple worldviews at once. And I honestly think that would be helpful to you and to your cause.