A Brief Review
In Part One of this series, we discussed racial diversity in the composition of the membership. In Part Two, we addressed diversity in the leadership (including ministry staff). In this third segment, we will cover some important aspects of diversity in the membership from the standpoint of our worship service approach, as well as what takes place outside the building in personal interracial relationships generally. Actually, we will broaden the term “worship service” to include our gatherings more generally, including social fellowship before and after services.
Birds of a Feather?
Let’s begin with a few observations about that social fellowship when we gather for services. We all know the common saying that birds of a feather flock together. We humans (strange birds and odd ducks!) are by nature quite the same in that we are more comfortable with those like ourselves. We usually choose as friends those near the same age with similar backgrounds and interests. Certainly this approach is not only understandable; it has many positive features to commend it. That being said, if it leads to any form of cliquishness or division, it is negative ─ period.
A few months back, we had a family visiting our church group as a result of my wife having invited the woman of the family while both were eating in a fast food restaurant. Theresa went around to teens and adults, asking them to fellowship with this family after services were over. She was shocked at how few actually came over to meet them (and thankful for the few who did). The family was a very normal family with absolutely nothing about them that would be seen as unattractive to others. Quite the contrary, in fact.
In the old days, they would have been swarmed by members wanting to meet them and ask them to study the Bible (when the visitors usually didn’t even know what that meant and why they were being asked). Now after the last song is sung or the last prayer is prayed (our traditional ways of ending the service), we all too often just start talking to those in our closest circle of friends.
Appearances and Impressions
Need I say that our closest circle is usually of our own race or ethnicity? I honestly don’t think in this case that the issue is one of prejudice, but rather one of comfortability, thoughtlessness and just plain selfishness. The first people we should talk to are the ones we don’t know or hardly know. This approach insures that visitors are met and new members are welcomed. It also blurs the lines of other distinctions and thereby suggests that we really are a family – a diverse family.
I was sharing this with a group in another city, and afterwards, a sister shared with me that whether our meeting place has chairs or pews, many members have their “seat” or “pew” reserved (at least in their minds). In other words, they sit with the same people every week (and we are not speaking of a youth group who has been asked to sit in the same section) and fellowship with the same people every week. The sister said that she sometimes decided to sit on opposite side of the auditorium from her usual place and received texts or calls later asking if she were okay, since she had “missed” church (according to their mistaken assumptions)!
It makes me wonder how many of our newer members and more bashful members feel awkward and hurt by such actions. If they are a part of a racial minority in the church, would we wonder why they might suspect prejudice as the cause? It hurts me to even think about this possibility (probability?).
If You Want to be Blessed…
Are we drawn to folks like ourselves? Normally, yes. (I use the word “normally” here because I am more drawn to non-whites in the fellowship.) But what comes naturally doesn’t mean it’s right. I think back to a time years ago in a certain ministry setting when I really didn’t enjoy our all-too-predictable midweek services. My worldly nature begged me to figure out an excuse to skip. Thankfully, my spiritual nature begged me to deny self and follow Jesus. I came up with a solution for my perceived problem.
I decided that whether I “got” anything out of the assembly or not, the real issue was what I gave. So, I thought of a plan to find three people who looked lonely or like they were hurting and have a meaningful talk with them during the fellowship periods before and after services. That simple (and spiritual) decision changed everything, especially me. I was amazed at how God led me to talk to people who needed some loving, and how good I felt after providing it.
When Jesus said that it was more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35), he was spot on. Interestingly, this saying of Jesus is not found in the Gospel accounts, but for Paul it was worth remembering and I’m grateful that he recorded it for us selfish humans! Please, let’s have diverse fellowship and not allow comfortability and selfishness to lead us into segregated fellowship (of any type, racial or otherwise).
The Services Themselves
What are your services like? Do they “fit” the makeup of your ministry group or church? Do your members like them? How do you know? In one sense, every person present will have their own opinion about what they like or don’t particularly enjoy, regardless of race or ethnicity. I’m pretty flexible for an old guy, or at least I think so. Maybe that’s why I like variety so much and get bored easily. I tire quickly of service styles that are easily predictable. Others get disturbed when too much variety comes along. As I say, we all have our opinions and preferences.
Other options in services, the way that we “do” church, do relate more closely to culture. I majored in music in college, and tended to enjoy all types of music. I taught in the public school system as a band director, but played professionally as well. I played in a symphony and loved classical music. I also played in dance bands, Dixieland groups, jazz groups, and summer “pops” band concerts in a local college amphitheater. I loved it all, the varied settings and the varied music. In church, I’m much the same way.
Church Music
Church music in most of our groups fall into three broad categories: traditional hymns, contemporary popular style (Michael W. Smith and Chris Tomlin being examples of this style) and gospel choir. Solos or small group special songs vary quite a bit as well, with the African American style having more “soul” in it. The latter, plus the gospel choir type, are characteristic of many predominately black churches. We have all of these styles in our local church, and I’m good with all of them, although I favor the contemporary style personally.
In one of my earlier drafts of this article, I made the following statement about my own preference in reference to music provided during the communion service. “Perhaps my one pet peeve is having one of the more ‘soul’ type solos sung during communion. They typically invite audible responses from the audience (comments and cheers) that detract from contemplating what communion should be all about, thus taking the emphasis off of Jesus and placing it on a performance.” If you are inclined to say “Amen!” to that, don’t do it. Keep reading.
Thank God for Honest Input!
In reviewing this article, one of my main advisers, Michael Burns, had this to say: “Does communion have to be contemplative and quiet or is that a cultural preference? The picture I get of first century communion meals was that they were a bit more family-focused and celebratory, like Passover meals.” Wow! What a great reminder! I have often thought that communion was too focused on the death of Christ rather than his resurrection. A focus on the resurrection makes communion a victory celebration rather than something akin to a funeral service.
My appreciation for input and dialogue was increased my Michael’s willingness to give me another way to think about the music styles used during communion. By the way, you are going to continue to see Michael Burn’s name in this blog, because I cannot say enough about his new book, Crossing the Line: Culture, Race and Kingdom. It is a spectacular book and a must read for everyone in our movement of churches, my primary target audience. Some people so strongly favor one style over another that they develop other pet peeves regarding the type music we have in our services. All of us, including moi, need to guard against such reactions.
God’s Sense of Humor!
God has a sense of humor, a fact that he has often shown me. After thinking about Michael’s observations regarding what I had written, guess what happened at our Easter service this past Sunday? A young sister of color (Black and Asian) sang one of those “soul” songs during communion that I had just written about. She’s a great singer, whom I have known since she was a teen, and is like a daughter to me. As she sang, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the timing and of God’s little surprises to help me get the point! I think God and I both enjoy these little experiences, and that we both laugh.
I would like to see our worship leaders (and leaders in general) find out what the majority of the membership in any given group enjoys most. Of course, it is not just a matter of enjoying, but having our hearts and minds ministered to spiritually. Although, as I’ve already said, opinions vary, but what is the majority preference? That’s not a difficult thing to determine, if we provide a forum for the expression of those preferences. It shouldn’t be a matter of “white church” music or “black church” music, but a matter of what ministers most to the majority of our members. Even then, variety should be a part of the mix since we have a variety of tastes within the membership.
The Preaching
We could do the same thing with the preaching, in providing a way for members to give input about what helps them most spiritually. As a preacher, I have the responsibility of knowing the flock as well as possible and meeting the needs that I see. Of course, we have perceived needs and needs of which we are unaware (one good reason to have more expository preaching straight from the biblical text).
Our hearers have different needs for different reasons. Some may be lukewarm and want to have their ears tickled. Some may be really hurting spiritually or emotionally and need to hear some lessons that are strong on comfort and encouragement. In this case, both types want the same type of content, one for good reasons and one for dangerous reasons. Some love really strong preaching, the type that we hear less and less of because too many of our preachers seem to be trying to imitate popular megachurch preachers (my opinion, of course). I understand that this is a complicated subject in some ways, but those of us who speak regularly could benefit just from determining what the members think helps them most to grow.
They are Listening ─ Are You Listening?
Years ago, I asked to get with the teens in a church that was going through quite a crisis. I promised that whatever was said in the room would stay in the room, at least on my part. I wanted to hear honest feelings coming straight from their hearts. What I heard that night was disturbing, to put it mildly, but encouraging in two ways. One, the young people present decided to trust me enough to be honest. Two, they responded to my honesty with them as I told them that they were old enough to be judged as adults and needed to be ready to meet their Maker. At the end of the night, one of the strongest personalities in the group who was obviously in a bad place spiritually said something to this effect: “We are tired of being treated like children and want the adults to just lay it out and be honest with us. This is serious business.”
My opinion is that more of our members feel about the same than most leaders realize. That opinion may be colored by my own preaching style, but the response to it is a part of how my opinion and preaching style developed in the first place. Life has plenty of challenges, death and Judgment are real, and I am not hesitant to share biblical truths in a straightforward and strong way. But my point here is that we need to hear the input of our members. It won’t determine what and how we preach, but it should influence both. I do see differences in how Blacks, Whites, Asians and Hispanics as a whole respond to preaching. But my assumptions here could be wrong or at least partly wrong. Hence the need for input.
Insecurity: a Block to Input!
Some insecure speakers are afraid of trying to ascertain what members really think about our services, and about their speaking specifically. I have talked to some leaders who have the idea that if you ask for the opinions of others, they will at that point develop opinions and that they are likely to be negative. This is one of the most laughable mistaken assumptions possible. We all have our opinions, whether we are asked to share them or not. I would rather know what they are than wonder about it.
Constructive criticism is a friend to us all, an aspect of this thing we used to call “discipling.” Will some be destructively critical? Perhaps, but only a very few. I listen to lessons almost exclusively in a non-critical matter, just trying to let God use the speaker to communicate what I most need to hear. Occasionally, if something is obviously in need of change, I will talk with the speaker about it, but for the most part, I just want to know what I need to change. I trust that the large majority of our members feel much the same as I do. They are not negatively critical, and if asked for input, it would be of the constructive type.
Our services overall typically consist of fellowship before and after the “official” part of the service; the music; the preaching; other short presentations for communion and giving; and finally, the announcements. How we do all of that will vary, but it should take into account the composition of the audience, as well as preferences (as long as they are spiritually based).
What Happens When We Leave?
What does happen when we leave the building where our church meetings take place? Bottom line, how much racial diversity follows in our normal life relationships? Do we have friends on a social level of different races and cultures? I am hearing from quite a number of black members that we don’t. That could be the fault of those on either side of that coin. Two questions will help you figure it out. One, are you being initiated with socially by those of different races or cultures from yourself? Two, are you initiating with those of a different race or culture than yourself?
Your Voice Can Be Heard
I am asking for your observations about the specific contents of this blog post. What are your preferences? What are your experiences? My email address is at the top of the page. Write me and I will have a blog in the near future comprised of what you as the readers contribute. I will use no names unless I think a given input would be enhanced by doing so – and I will not do it then without first getting your permission.
Further, I will copy and paste what you say into a separate document and then delete your email. I just want honest input here, so if you have strong feelings about anything I’ve written here, please respond. If you have strong feelings about anything in Parts 1 and 2 (or any other blog posts), please respond. I am consistently having discussions with those of other races and ethnicities in person, and certainly welcome them in writing. Your voice can be heard ─ so speak to me and help me and help me help others!
As I began reading Michael’s manuscript of this recently printed book, I knew that I was going to devote considerable attention to encouraging its reading. Michael is a humble man, and I suspect he will be hesitant to promote his book as intensely as others will, not wanting to be seen as a self-promoter. However, the subject is too important and the book too outstanding not to have it promoted broadly.
One idea I had early on was the need to have a short summary of each chapter to help potential readers decide to purchase and read it. I asked Michael to do that in order to post what he wrote in these summaries on my blogsite, and thankfully, he was willing to grant my request. Please read his following summations carefully. I believe that you will become anxious to read the book and will understand why I and others are so excited about it. Thanking you in advance…
Introduction: The Introduction explains why it is so necessary for a diverse family of churches like our own to have an honest and in-depth look at topics such as culture and race. Ignoring the need for such work is like refusing to talk about or work on your marriage with your spouse simply because you’re already married.
Chapter 1 – Losing Race – The concept of race is a secular idea, not a biblical one. It was rooted in faulty science that caused a great deal of damage throughout recent world history. In fact, the Bible’s teaching that all humans were made in the image of God and come from a common ancestor has now been confirmed to have been right all along.
Chapter 2 – Two Sides of a Coin – We all have different perspectives and experiences when it comes to how we perceive history and view how we got to where we are as a nation. As disciples, we must understand that process and the differing perspectives of others so that we can begin to more fully understand the times in which we live.
Chapter 3 – The Chaos Creature – The racial and cultural divisions that are so prevalent in our world today are nothing new. Humanity has been finding ways to rebel against God and divide among themselves since the Garden of Eden. We must know this reality, however, so that we can properly identify what lies beneath the things that divide us.
Chapter 4 – Dual Wisdom – An even bigger threat to the church today than division itself is thinking that worldly wisdom offers solutions to the problems that ail our world. It is vital that we understand the difference between secular and biblical wisdom so that we can reject the former and embrace the latter.
Chapter 5 – Jesus and Phinehas – The Bible has often been used as a tool to further racial and ethnic division and oppression over the last several hundred years. We need to know what the Bible really says and what it doesn’t say as a way to help unseat hundreds of years of abuse and misteaching.
Chapter 6 – The Beautiful Revolution – The kingdom of God is revolutionary when we really understand what it is all about. To grasp the earth-shattering truths of God’s kingdom is to recognize that an entirely new reality and way of living burst forth into the world when Jesus stepped out of his grave.
Chapter 7 – The Promised Family – God gave Abraham one of the craziest promises in all history: that he would one day have a family of descendants that would consist of all nations. In Christ, we are the fulfillment of that promise. Within the beautiful truth of being the family of God, though, lies a monumental challenge to our identity.
Chapter 8 – More Disciple than White – When we enter God’s family, it must change everything about our lives and how we view the world, including our identity. Wrestling with our true identity and what that means when it comes to ethnicity and race is one of the most important aspects of being a disciple.
Chapter 9 – Troubled Waters – Yes, we have racial and cultural struggles in the family of God. Cheer up. So did the New Testament church. In fact, race, ethnicity, and culture were the biggest sources of tension and conflict for our first century brothers and sisters, but they never backed away from those issues and neither should we.
Chapter 10 – Choose from Among You: Validation – In the earliest days of the church, it was nearly brought to a halt by ethnic strife and infighting between different cultures. The lessons that they learned and the manner in which they applied the gospel to their situations is inspiring and informative.
Chapter 11 – I Opposed Him to His Face: Confrontation – The churches in Galatia faced some of the fiercest challenges to their unity in the first century. Ethnic and cultural tension threatened to rip the church in half. Paul’s bold and courageous stand against the forces that would divide can help guide us through the turmoil of our present-day situations.
Chapter 12 – For the Glory of God: Sacrifice – As the gospel spread throughout the world and the family of God expanded into increasingly diverse places, the people of God faced ongoing opportunities to either divide or declare the heart of the gospel message of one family of all nations. Conflicts in Acts and Corinthians provide us a window into how they braved the trials that they faced in the early church.
Chapter 13 – Accept One Another: True Diversity – The church in Rome was yet another place that faced the stiff test of cultural and ethnic skirmishes. Once again, the unity of the church was in peril and Paul wrote his magnum opus to guide the church through those trying times. His words for them are just as relevant for us today as they were for the first-century church in Rome.
Chapter 14 – The Way of the Cross: Self Sacrifice – The way of the kingdom has never been about ease, comfort, or pretending that everything is okay. It has always entailed sacrifice for the benefit of others. A people who embrace that way of life is a community that will deeply challenge and profoundly impact the culture around them, even when it is embroiled in racial and cultural strife.
Chapter 15 – Culture Clash – What really has the potential to divide the church in the modern context is cultural clashes, poor cross-cultural skills, cultural dominance, and lack of true cultural inclusion. These are the things that we must become proficient in if we are to be who God desires for us to be as his family of all nations.
Chapter 16 – Pliable Culture – Paul taught the early church how to bend and adapt their cultures so that the kingdom could be constantly advanced. At the same time, he taught them to deeply appreciate and respect the cultural expressions of all people, and guided the church in how to include everyone’s cultural backgrounds and expressions into the life of a unified church.
Chapter 17 – Forging Ahead – Where do we go? What do we do with the information in this book? We examine how we can stand out among the nations as something unique and beautiful: A church that is inclusive, diverse racially and culturally, and that thrives on reflecting the truth of the gospel to the whole world.
Introduction:
The following article was published in the church bulletin of a congregation in Athens, Georgia recently – a church within the ICOC fellowship. It illustrates a number of important lessons regarding racial issues viewed from a biblical perspective. Perhaps most importantly as it relates to the purpose of my blog, it shows how biblical convictions can overthrow even deeply entrenched perspectives that violate God’s truth. The end result of the power of God to re-program us leads to friendships and fearless discussions among all of his children, regardless of race or widely differing backgrounds.
Although this article is brief, I have gained something new each time I have read back through it. With that in mind, I suggest you read it several times over a period of several days. As a writer, nothing makes me happier than to see the principles I am advocating being put into practice (even when I have no part in it)! Enjoy!
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14)
I am a seventy-six-year-old white woman who grew up in the segregated state of Mississippi. From my childhood I remember too well how inhumanely black people were treated. I knew in my head these actions were wrong, but felt so powerless to do anything to help. Years later, I lived in Rhodesia for almost three years in the mid-70s under the rule of apartheid. I saw much which was reminiscent of my earlier years. Fortunately, I did have the conviction to reject such injustices at that time. Today, I am super thankful to be a part of an ethnically/culturally integrated fellowship. I have visited or lived in thirty-eight different countries and have never experienced such acceptance of one another anywhere outside the church. This kind of love and fellowship can only be accomplished by obeying God’s commands. I am so very blessed to be a part of this fellowship.
Today, I am privileged to say that one of my dearest friends is an African American sister whose background is the very opposite of mine. But because of our relationships with God, we love each other from the heart. We can have open dialogue about many things, including racial issues, and I find my heart often hurting when I hear her talk of the suffering she has experienced. Because we are disciples of Jesus, we love each other unconditionally—a love only God has made possible! (Ephesians 6:11)
~Mollie
I am a forty-six-year-old black woman who grew up on the opposite end of the country. I was born a black Muslim. I grew up in Harlem in the seventies with the refrain of the black power movement reverberating as the theme of my childhood. My great grandfather was a follower of Marcus Garvey, the black national who proposed African Americans returning to Africa. My grandfather refused to visit the South after his brother was lynched. Eventually, I was converted in a predominantly African American ministry in Harlem. As I was studying the Bible and counting the cost of following Christ, I discovered that the church was predominantly Caucasian. That realization almost led me to walk away from God. I had to develop a conviction that, in Christ, the old self must pass away (2 Corinthians 5:17).
As I have softened my heart to God’s word, He has provided me with a rich tapestry of diverse relationships. God only sees good and evil, and that is how I now see things as well. I still feel a very personal pain at the injustices minorities face in this country. But I also realize that, if I had not experienced the upbringing I have, perhaps I would not even notice such social ills. My perspective is to now fight against injustice as sin because it is another tool Satan uses to attempt to separate us from God and one another. I am so grateful that only in God’s Kingdom could I overcome past attitudes and have a relationship with a seventy-six-year- old white woman from Mississippi (Philippians 3:13-14).
~Jermiah
I could have written an article with this title a year ago, but it would not have been quite as jarring as this one is. In the past year, I have expanded my knowledge considerably of my black friends’ worldview, and have altered mine in the process. This has been a very rewarding and very disturbing adventure for me. Let me give you some advance warning regarding this article, especially if you are white. I am about to not just disturb a sacred cow, I’m going to kick it in the gut. Buckle your seat belt and hold on tight ─ but please keep reading!
Nationalism and Patriotism
You may well be thinking, what does Nationalism have to do with racism? More than you think. Nationalism is defined thusly by Merriam Webster: “loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations.” The same dictionary defines a related word, patriotism, as “love for or devotion to one’s country.” You can have a love for your nation without the pride of viewing it as superior to all other nations. You can be patriotic without being a nationalist.
I have traveled to many different nations and asked citizens of those nations what they thought of the United States. The answers are often not complimentary. Of course, our citizens are quick to say, “They are just jealous.” Although there is some truth to that in many cases, it is not the whole story.
I remember asking a young, successful businessman in Holland what he thought of the US. He said a bit hesitantly, “Do you really want to know?” to which I replied, “Of course.” He answered something to this effect: “I don’t think your country actually has a culture, but the closest thing to it is money.” To his amazement, I agreed with him. As a nation, we are materialistic to the core. We worship money and the materialism which it buys, irrespective of how much of it we actually have.
A common answer to my question is that our country is seen as a war mongering country. What about that one? Look at our history and tell me that there is no truth to this! We have our ways of justifying it, because after all, we’re the good guys, right? My impression from the answers I receive from those in other nations is that they are mainly turned off by our nationalistic pride, our sense of superiority as a nation. If God resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5), you can bet that humans will also. Pride is the disease that makes everyone sick except the one who has it!
Ugly Americans
I recall one of the first times I traveled to another country. Because of airline scheduling problems, I had to spend a short night in Thailand en route to Singapore. A hotel van picked up a number of us at the airport, and it quickly became evident why many in other countries call us “Ugly Americans.” Although the van occupants were from many countries, it didn’t take long to figure out that the obnoxious loudmouth was American. He showed a sense of entitlement and arrogance that embarrassed me. I’m surprised that I didn’t say anything to him (which could have led to something bad ─ like me getting punched in the mouth!).
Yes, I know that most of us travelers from the US are not like him, but enough are to give us a poor reputation. The sin of nationalism shows up in many ways, in and out of the US. Our political system reeks of it. Perhaps you are asking what this has to do with racism. At this point of my article, it’s a fair question, but keep reading. I want to explain both secular nationalism and religious nationalism, which I hope will help you understand the direct tie-in to racism.
Secular Nationalism
This type is not tied to religion at all, or if it is by some, it is so very loosely. Those Americans in this camp just believe that we are a nation superior to all other nations, past and present. We are the special ones. We have democracy and capitalism in combination, and our richness financially shows that this combination is the best combination possible.
Those guilty of this sin (with its pride and self-righteousness) look at our founding documents as being nearly divinely inspired. For example, the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence are music to many ears. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Oh yes, we have gloried in that lofty statement ─ if we are white! When Thomas Jefferson wrote this document, he was a slave owner ─ and you ask what nationalism has to do with racism?
Liberty and Justice for All?
A close friend of mine, a black disciple in his late 50s, told me that when he was in high school (and an exceptionally good student academically), he refused to stand, put his hand over his heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance each morning in his first class. Although this was before he became a disciple, can you understand why he would refuse, especially back in the days of his youth? The last words of the pledge state: “with liberty and justice for all.” He wasn’t seeing much justice toward his race and his liberty was far more limited than for whites.
Like most black men, as an adult he has been pulled over by the police for no other reason than DWB (driving while black). Some white folks ask, “Are you saying that such racial profiling still takes place?” If you are asking that question, you thereby just admitted that you are not taking my advice and talking to black people about racial issues. Yes, it still takes place!
Just to be clear, I am grateful to be an American citizen. I enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that have come my way as a white man. I am blessed with what is in my case a unique country in many ways. But isn’t it obvious that the percentage of whites that feel this way is much larger than the percentage of blacks sharing that sentiment? And, I must admit that even when I use the term “American citizen,” I wonder what those living north and south of our borders are thinking, since they live in North and South America, respectively. The fact that we residents of the United States claim the term American exclusively for ourselves shows us something about the presence of our undergirding of nationalism. To insert a bit of humor, it is understandable to me why the Canadians refer to us as “The Crazy States of America.”
Religious Nationalism
This type of nationalism is characterized by those often referred to as the “religious right.” This became a politically focused group a number of years ago, although it is dying out as the Old Guard that brought it into being is dying out. Its early beginnings can be traced back to the 1940s, although it became much more popular in the 1970s, when it began exercising a fair amount of political clout.
The group is united through its focus on conservative views of morality, especially in the sexual realm, plus a desire for more open acceptance of Christian values. On those points, I cannot disagree, but morality is broader than the sexual arena and some things that morality should encompass are glossed over by the religious right (the sins of materialism and racism often being two of those). Strongly focused on “American exceptionalism,” these folk often add to that a belief that America is God’s “chosen nation” in our day. This leads to, in the minds of some, a divinely endorsed nationalism.
Nationalism and False Doctrine
My concern is how this brand of nationalism is accepted in biblically doctrinal areas. For starters, the old-timers in this group describe our country as a “Christian nation.” Since our nation’s founding documents reflect more Judeo-Christian values than those of most nations, it is assumed that we are a Christian nation. Don’t get me wrong, for I am appreciative that biblical values were thus reflected, but that didn’t make us a Christian nation. Accepting the teachings of Christ as individuals (and obeying them) makes us Christians, so the question is whether the majority of our nation was ever Christian. Based on my understanding of the Bible, I would have to say no. But even if that were to happen, God’s only “nation” would still be that “royal priesthood” and “holy nation” Peter describes when he speaks of those who have been born anew and called out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). And this holy nation is made of men and women from all nations, races, tribes and tongues.
However, since most of our early inhabitants viewed themselves as Christian, they saw God as being supportive of the paths they took in the development of the nation. The term Manifest Destiny is an important one in looking at our early expansion. Manifest Destiny was a phrase based on the concept of divine sanction for the territorial expansion of the United States. It first appeared in print in 1845, proclaiming “our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our multiplying millions.”
It was first used to justify the annexation of Texas and then other territories won through the Mexican-American War. The idea was also used to justify the slaughter of Native Americans and the placement of those who survived into reservations, often in areas that were isolated and considered of little value to the general population. (If you have not seen it, the cable TV show and Netflix hit, Longmire, will help you better understand how many Native Americans feel toward white people and why.)
Money, and Might Makes Right
I could go much further with some of the ungodly concepts upon which our nation was founded and expanded, but you get the idea. Like the Jews, who in the Old Testament were promised financial blessings for righteous living, citizens of the US have likewise often mistaken all financial gain as proof of righteousness, regardless of how it has been obtained. Hopefully you can see how the idea of being a Christian nation permeated the thinking of most of the populace to the extent that it pretty much reached the point for many of “might makes right.” If you accept the premise that most of what you are able to do is because God thus enabled you to do it, you don’t need much imagination to understand how slavery was justified. Scary stuff indeed!
Back to the present. With the understanding of how religious people have viewed God as being supportive of so much of what we have done as a “Christian” nation, including our wars, it should not come as a surprise that the military is viewed almost as an extension or arm of the church. I have an evangelical friend who prays often, but even in prayers for meals, prays for the military in hallowed tones.
He and most of those in Christian oriented nationalism circles never stop to think about what Jesus said about loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44). After all, aren’t we a Christian nation, led and supported by God, even in our wars? I know this is a complex issue and that disciples have different views on it, but my point is that those who are guilty of religious nationalism haven’t even stopped to consider it, much less study it out for themselves. The movie “Hacksaw Ridge” shows that we can be patriotic while refusing to violate our conscience spiritually. Again, I understand that this is an extremely sensitive topic, since systemic nationalism and systemic racism are kissing cousins.
Of course, millions of black people went overseas to fight those wars, only to return to a nation that denied them the very rights that their comrades died for in those wars. Yes, yes, I know it is much better now and black folks are being given more opportunities, but “freedom and justice for all” remains more of an elusive goal than most whites imagine. We are very uncomfortable even considering these issues, which is why a number of articles on “White Fragility” are written, many by those who are white themselves. I will add an article on this myself at some point, because it is hindering what I am trying to help us with.
History Matters
I am not guilty of making anyone a slave. But as a white person, should I feel any responsibility in any way for what my white ancestors did? Jesus took responsibility for our sins, and died for them. Surely there is something in his example that should be found in my life.
Maybe a family example will help us understand better. My dad was a bar room brawler when he was young. Suppose I met someone whose dad was severely and permanently damaged by my dad in a fight. Would I not express some sorrow over what my father did, even though I didn’t do it and am in no way guilty for it? What if my great-great grandfather, John Ferguson, a constable in Union Parish of Louisiana, had mistakenly prosecuted someone for a crime of which he was innocent, and I met a relative of that unjustly charged man? Would I not feel compelled to apologize and express my sorrow for what happened, even though it was in the latter part of the 1800s? (By the way, John was himself ambushed and murdered on December 16, 1887. That part is fact.) Wouldn’t it be appropriate to apologize for something a relative of mine did – precisely because he was a relative and we were in that way connected? I have some connection to my race in this country, for we who are of European descent are white Americans.
A Bible Example
Nehemiah was a Jew living in Persia and cupbearer to the king. Although he was living the good life, he had concern for the exiles still living in his homeland. When he found out about how they were faring (“in great trouble and disgrace” ─ Nehemiah 1:3), he was heart-broken. Read the following segment of his prayer carefully: “let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses” (Nehemiah 1:6-7).
This man had nothing to do directly with the sins of the Israelites that led to their deportation. He was evidently raised in Persia by parents who taught him about his people and their religion. But he included himself as a part of the Israelites who had sinned and brought on the deportation. They were his people, and he wanted to bear the burdens of their plight and even feel a share of their guilt.
Tears Are Good
I posted a video on Facebook a while back that my black friend Walter Parrish sent me, a video that made me cry. (See it at https://www.facebook.com/victoryatl/videos/10154573990894370/). I cried because of realizing all over again how much Jesus did for me and for us all, regardless of our race or culture. I also cried because of what my friend has endured through the years because of the color of his skin.
Here is what I wrote to Walter with tears in my eyes (the tears just returned): “Thank you, Walter. It did me good to start this early Saturday morning off by crying. This was better than good stuff ─ it was WONDERFUL stuff and absolutely spot on accurate. Thank you. I love you. I’m sorry for all that you and others like you have had to endure just because the color of your skin. I’m ashamed of my race in this country and the carnage we have introduced to a number of minority groups, and then dare to call ourselves as a nation, great. We have committed as a race and as a nationality damnable sins ─ and most of us are absolutely blind to it. I’m sorry. Thank you for providing me something to pass on to help others like me who need to learn and need to understand. It will be put to good use, trust me.”
I have never treated Walter badly. He was a valued original member of my BBB (Big Black Brothers) Club in Boston (read the article on my website about this club ─ gordonferguson.org). But he has shared with me the stories about how he has been treated as a black man in a pretty racist city, and I hurt for him. I want to bear some of the responsibility for what members of my race have done to him and apologize. I want to be a representative of the white race in the US and say, “I’m sorry.” Can you understand that? If not, just know I am praying for you to someday, somehow start understanding.
Blind No Longer
Nationalism has played a significant part in the racism that we have allowed in our nation. Our pride caused us to be blind to it, and we cannot remain blind any longer. As I will keep repeating, the sins in the world are not going to disappear, for hatred and prejudice are always going to be a part of it. But we in the church, who claim to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, must be different. We must feel for one another and with one another (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), for “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” (2 Corinthians 11:29). “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
I have had a couple of the readers of my blog articles write to accuse me of being on a guilt trip and writing what I write as a result. No, I am not on a guilt trip, but I am on a love trip. I’m trying to walk in the shoes of my brothers and sisters of color as much as I can in order to understand, feel and help carry their pain. I’ve read articles about “White Fragility” regarding our reluctance to discuss race with those of a different race. If we are Christians, we cannot be fragile.
Jesus’ Pain Was More Than a Cross
God emptied himself into the form of a man named Jesus, not just to die for our sins, but to face and feel what we face and feel. You can’t say it better than the writer of Hebrews did in Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Not only did he learn to feel as we feel, even though he was God in the flesh, he had to learn through suffering how to do that very thing. “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:8-10).
Will We Imitate Jesus’ Heart?
If Jesus was willing to suffer to the point of death to fully understand us, in order to keep helping us through all of our days on this earth, I must be willing to suffer by getting out of my white person’s cocoon enough to understand as much as I can in order to help my brothers and sisters. Does Jesus not make it plain that his charge to “deny self, take up our cross and follow him” cannot make us exempt from the same kinds of pain that he endured for all people, those of every tribe, tongue and nation? Honestly, we are talking about Christianity 101 here, folks, not some advanced graduate course. Stop with the excuses, hesitation and postponement. Get with our people of color, black and brown, talk and listen with open ears and an open heart.
Nationalism has helped pave the way into the mess we are in; Jesus will help pave the way out of it. Get on the right path and let’s be family, all on equal ground at the foot of the cross as forgiven sinners.
Image used Courtesy of the Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music, The Sheridan Libraries, The Johns Hopkins University.
My last post did prompt a number of responses directed to my email account, as I had requested. We have in our movement of churches (the ICOC) sort of an official “Diversity Group.” Most of them took the time to respond to my article, and all were very encouraged by it, agreeing with the content as stated. All of their responses were heart-felt and very encouraging to me. I have never claimed to be an expert in this field, but do claim to be seriously invested in it as a learner and intended people helper.
One brother in the group wrote (in bold font) that what I have been writing comes across as really understanding his world. This is what he claimed to have heard me saying: “I get you; I hear you; I see you; and I believe you!” Those comments so warmed my heart, because I am trying hard to communicate exactly those sentiments to my brothers and sisters of color.
I also heard from a number of others, two of which I asked for permission to include slightly edited excerpts from what they wrote. Both of these were females, sisters in Christ, one white and one black. What they said struck home in my heart, and I wanted to share their hearts with you in this blog. I have removed some things that would easily identify them, for their identity is not important for our purposes here, but only their message. As is the case with each of us as individuals, we all have unique experiences and unique perspectives as a result.
I’m sure that their words will resound in the minds and hearts of many others, and thus they are representative of those others. They do not attempt to speak for others, and yet I believe that they do. One of these responses is found below and the other will be included in the next blog post. Please read carefully with open hearts.
Gordon, I am so grateful for you! I just cried when I read this latest blog. Thank you so much for your courage to educate. I have believed what you wrote about for years now. I have been a disciple for almost 30 years and am a white women with a black husband. I grew up in a city in the South and knew of racism, which still exists there today. I have always been a disciple who loves holding to what God says and will always seek truth. I have always loved your teaching because of your desire to speak truth even if it ruffled feathers. But that is what Jesus did and I love that boldness and courage.
I feel hurt though because the leaders of our church are hesitant to talk about these issues. It has been uncomfortable at times for me when trying to express some of these ideas to others who had nationalistic views, which included disciples in the church. It has been very uncomfortable for them to hear or have dialogue about this subject. You are almost viewed as a hater of your nation or that you must bow down to the flag of our nation. I have almost felt like it was a man-made god that I refused to bow down to. I have been doing what you encouraged by trying to start dialogue and I hope it will make a difference. I read that paper on White Fragility and it enlightened me in understanding why so many people have issues with talking about race and it also helped me to reflect on my own perceptions. I share your posts on Facebook.
Nationalism is very prominent in our church. I have said on several occasions that our nation is not a “Christian Nation” as defined by God’s Word. Materialism and this Nationalism go hand in hand. I believe God is exposing what the USA mentality really is. He always exposes sin. He hates materialism and greed, which are false idols. It is so deep within the American fibers. It will have to be washed out through the Holy Spirit in the church so that we can show the world the truth. God is using you to start the process and I am so encouraged by you! Out of the heart the mouth speaks and I see your heart! May God strengthen you for your task.
Love, your sister in the Lord
As promised, the letter written by a black sister in response to my post on “Nationalism and Racism” is here for your reading and consideration. After you finish reading what this sister wrote, I will have some concluding observations about what she has shared with us all. Please read carefully and prayerfully.
Hi Gordon!
I just read your article this morning, and I have to tell you, it was so spot on! It also came at the most appropriate time as well. I had just attended a session in another church group called “Conversations on Race.” It was put on by a group of women from a predominantly white church, who are making an effort to embrace the black race with education and understanding, through empathically listening to stories of privilege, racism, and discrimination from women of all walks of life. It has been amazing to see God work and move in the hearts of many, who have been willing to have uncomfortable conversations, cry, hug, and even apologize for what others have endured.
I am a black woman in my 40s who grew up in the projects of a Southern city. All of the schools that I have attended were about 60/40 white to black. We were never taught to isolate ourselves or to fear or stay away from any groups of people because of their color. I truly cannot remember any incidences of racism other than a few occasions of people asking me, “What are you?” They were confused about my face or ethnicity because I am light skinned. Some have said, “You don’t look black.” Most of the racism that I have experienced has been from my own people. I was picked on, bullied, and even recently told that the only reason I have my job in management was because I “look like them.” One young girl said that she didn’t think I was black, because I don’t talk or act black. In my case, I have been treated as if I am not black enough.
Although I agree with, as you stated in your article, the correlation between nationalism and racism, I also believe the other major issue is the victimized slave mentality that a lot of black people have. Yes, many blacks have been victims of racism and discrimination time and time again, and that is truly disheartening. However, these isolated incidences have formed a collective thought process so that any unfavorable thing that happens to them, when involving a white person, is because they are black. If they don’t get the job, and the white person does, it’s because they are black, not because they are not as qualified. If a guy chooses a light skinned girl over a dark skinned girl, it’s because she was black, not because he just wasn’t into her. When a black person is pulled over by an officer, it is often because they have a tail light out, were speeding or swerving, and not just because they are black. This mentality paralyzes people from embracing other races, and it evokes hatred, dissension, and factions, even within the church.
And yes, this same thought process is true for other cultures and races. After 911, many middle easterners have been discriminated against simply because of their race. I saw a video the other day of a black woman in tears because she was pulled over by a white police officer. The officer explained to her that he pulled her over because she was driving slowly on the interstate and usually people are either sleepy or intoxicated when that happens, and he just wanted to make sure she was OK. She broke down in tears in front of the officer because she was so scared, based on recent events of white officers pulling over black people.
My point is, as hard as it may be, we have to stop taking these individual incidences as an excuse to isolate ourselves from others. Not every black person is a ghetto criminal, not every white person is racist, not every cop is a blood thirsty supremacist, and not every person from the Middle East is a terrorist. Now we do have to use judgement and be discerning, however as Christians, we must die to the sin of hatred, discord, and dissension and put on love, forgive, and extend grace.
I have been a disciple for two decades and God’s Word has taught me to be intentional about reaching out to different people, having different people in my home, and loving without boundaries. Having open, humble conversations about race is a great way to be empathetic and understanding in order to embrace other cultures and make disciples of all nations. I have always been so proud of that reality within our family of churches. And I pray that it continues.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in your article. I have shared it with some of my friends, as it may be a good aid in our next “Conversation on Race” meeting. I have always enjoyed your books and your deep convictions about applying God’s Word to every aspect of our lives. To God be the glory!
My Response to Her Response
A number of things in her well-stated response caught my attention. Although I was happy that some church group was openly discussing racial issues from a spiritual perspective, I was a bit saddened that it was not a church within our movement practicing what I have been preaching. Hopefully, we can be encouraged by their example and start engaging in what I believe is so sorely needed in our group.
Next, I found myself wondering what other black folks might be thinking about this sister’s experience in being on the receiving end of black-on-black prejudice. In a previous post entitled, “Why Think That White Is Right?” I describe a couple of related situations where a person with darker skin was looked down on with those of the same race with lighter skin. I also pointed out that this was not confined to the black population, but was found within all races of color. In the case of this sister with lighter skin tone, being looked down on by others of her race was a result of envy. Why people keep thinking that white is superior is beyond me. The Bible offers no support for such a humanistic conclusion.
I do hope that none of the readers of this blog have that sort of reaction, but I had to raise the question. The truth is that prejudices come in a wide variety of areas and none of us are prejudice free. We are works in progress, hopefully, but we must be committed to making progress. Prejudice and discrimination is ugly stuff in all of its forms.
Then, I found myself appreciating the fact that the sister pointed out both the tendency and the dangers of stereotyping others of any race or ethnicity. She summed up her thoughts in this regard very well in this one sentence: “Not every black person is a ghetto criminal, not every white person is racist, not every cop is a blood thirsty supremacist, and not every person from the Middle East is a terrorist.” We all need these kinds of reminders. I don’t like being stereotyped as a white person, a Southerner, a male, an older guy, a Christian or a preacher – to name a few possibilities that might invite stereotypical responses. And if I don’t like to be on the receiving end of such, I had better take care not to be on the giving end of it. Right?
Finally, I appreciated her positive view of our churches regarding our racial diversity and acceptance of one another. I am a “fixer” by nature, which means that I see the things needing to be fixed (in my opinion) more easily than first seeing those things that don’t need to be fixed, and appreciating them. I’m sure some are feeling that about my writing in this blog just about now! I will certainly let this sister’s attitudes in this regard stay in my heart. I do love our movement of churches, and in spite of our weaknesses and areas that need improvement (racial relations being one of those), we are the best thing I’ve ever found in a fellowship of churches. I love our racial diversity in our membership composition, and out of that love, want to help us keep improving in deepening our interracial relationships.
Many thanks to the two sisters who let me publish their heart-felt writings. Their examples and their hearts have helped me, and I pray that you feel the same. God is good!
