Redemption of the Institutions I am grateful that I teach at a seminary that seeks to value ethnicity and race, and to celebrate the contributions of non white people and cultures. Hence, I don't think critical race theory is so much as a debate at our seminary, but it is more an unpracticed tool and method that we are seeking to appropriate in different ways, at different levels, in different classes. I make no claim to have mastered the art, nor does our seminary make that claim. But I believe we want to learn. I believe we have much to learn.
There is deep truth here. The reality is from politics to Christian leadership it is led primarily by old white guys (I’m quickly approaching this in my own life and age!). We need fresh blood at leadership levels. Until their is - we’re talking the talk and not walking the walk. Sad really.
I think you mean "piqued my interest." But more importantly, I wonder if the 50 years behind includes Christian publishing companies as well as church and educational institutions.
To all you've written today, Scot, I say Amen Amen Amen. Yet there is an issue behind the issue that is usually untouched. Many years ago as a white woman I attended a Black church in Denver C0. As
I sang with the congregation, I was aware of very clear differences in the kinds of music that feed the soul. Our "white" music would be dead in a Black church and vice versa. Across the board our churches reflect our personal culture, and what feeds the soul in one culture does not necessarily "translate" for folks in a different culture. We'd like to think that as Christ-followers we could easily "celebrate the contributions of non-white people and cultures." Celebrate, yes. But recognize that celebration may call for more than celebration; it may call for engagement with the other for needed national change on many levels, including the redemption of oppressive institutions.
As Steve touched on, even in many churches that advocate for ethnic diversity, the leadership is still almost exclusively white (and male). Much of it dependent on relationship and referrals, rather than really looking at a broader base. How can that all to present wall be broken?
This book is an excellent book with information that church leaders and “Christians “ should know or at least know. I agree that the seminaries and churches are 50 years behind or even 250 years behind here in America.
Very good. But what allows one to conclude that it was the Hellenist followers who chose the seven in Acts 6? It reads (in English translation) like it was the entire community.
Interesting that you see USA culture as a white supremacy culture formed by excluding others. Is that true for England and Canada as well? What about nonwhite cultures? We’re they formed based on exclusion? I suggest we consider that the United States formed from the English speaking world rather than assume it is race based. Much of what makes the USA distinct can be traced to the English speaking world long before the first colonies were established. It is a messy subject to try to understand. So many variables to consider.
So much to discuss here. Wouldn’t we all love the opportunity to talk over coffee and really engage this subject! In this limited space, please allow me to pose a question (or two) implied in the post. The post states “The question we have to ask ourselves is whether or not our local church reflects the diversity of the United States, or is it protecting a culture that is fading? (And it is fading.)” Does God permit a culture to preserve itself? It seems God’s people were encouraged to maintain a certain lifestyle/culture and resist forces that attempted to change it. It seems that God has always expected his people to be distinct. Is it possible that what people are interpreting as push back based on race, is more cultural than racial? That’s the reason I pose the question “Does God permit a culture to preserve itself?” When I lived in Canada, I was very conscious that I was a guest in their country and had no permission to challenge, question or change their culture. Is it inappropriate for American citizens to expect that same respect from people who live in this culture? If this tension we are identifying as racial is really mostly cultural, it changes much and we need to have a different conversation.
There is deep truth here. The reality is from politics to Christian leadership it is led primarily by old white guys (I’m quickly approaching this in my own life and age!). We need fresh blood at leadership levels. Until their is - we’re talking the talk and not walking the walk. Sad really.
I think you mean "piqued my interest." But more importantly, I wonder if the 50 years behind includes Christian publishing companies as well as church and educational institutions.
To all you've written today, Scot, I say Amen Amen Amen. Yet there is an issue behind the issue that is usually untouched. Many years ago as a white woman I attended a Black church in Denver C0. As
I sang with the congregation, I was aware of very clear differences in the kinds of music that feed the soul. Our "white" music would be dead in a Black church and vice versa. Across the board our churches reflect our personal culture, and what feeds the soul in one culture does not necessarily "translate" for folks in a different culture. We'd like to think that as Christ-followers we could easily "celebrate the contributions of non-white people and cultures." Celebrate, yes. But recognize that celebration may call for more than celebration; it may call for engagement with the other for needed national change on many levels, including the redemption of oppressive institutions.
racial inclusiveness ad diversity
Excellent!
As Steve touched on, even in many churches that advocate for ethnic diversity, the leadership is still almost exclusively white (and male). Much of it dependent on relationship and referrals, rather than really looking at a broader base. How can that all to present wall be broken?
This book is an excellent book with information that church leaders and “Christians “ should know or at least know. I agree that the seminaries and churches are 50 years behind or even 250 years behind here in America.
Very good. But what allows one to conclude that it was the Hellenist followers who chose the seven in Acts 6? It reads (in English translation) like it was the entire community.
Interesting that you see USA culture as a white supremacy culture formed by excluding others. Is that true for England and Canada as well? What about nonwhite cultures? We’re they formed based on exclusion? I suggest we consider that the United States formed from the English speaking world rather than assume it is race based. Much of what makes the USA distinct can be traced to the English speaking world long before the first colonies were established. It is a messy subject to try to understand. So many variables to consider.
So much to discuss here. Wouldn’t we all love the opportunity to talk over coffee and really engage this subject! In this limited space, please allow me to pose a question (or two) implied in the post. The post states “The question we have to ask ourselves is whether or not our local church reflects the diversity of the United States, or is it protecting a culture that is fading? (And it is fading.)” Does God permit a culture to preserve itself? It seems God’s people were encouraged to maintain a certain lifestyle/culture and resist forces that attempted to change it. It seems that God has always expected his people to be distinct. Is it possible that what people are interpreting as push back based on race, is more cultural than racial? That’s the reason I pose the question “Does God permit a culture to preserve itself?” When I lived in Canada, I was very conscious that I was a guest in their country and had no permission to challenge, question or change their culture. Is it inappropriate for American citizens to expect that same respect from people who live in this culture? If this tension we are identifying as racial is really mostly cultural, it changes much and we need to have a different conversation.