Is there a need for racial/ethnic loyalty and pride among Christians in the new era of reconciliation? And what do we do with the old patterns, systems, and institutions that were created to accommodate our racist history?
Of course we dont stop being red, brown, yellow, black, or white when we become Christians. But if I understand the scriptures correctly, the new reality in Christ means that our identity as Christians is now more important than our racial/ethnic identity. Therefore all of us "new creatures," regardless of racial or ethnic identity, should band together to, for instance, right injustices.
Idealistic? Sure. But shouldnt we be idealistic about where we are going and practical about how to get there? We should be heading for a time and place where our racial/ethnic identity is only important because it helps to identify how and why we are what we are. Our lifes experiences and cultures bring a wealth of diversity to this new "creaturehood" that should be celebrated, not assimilated.
This issue becomes practical when we think about minorities who are a part of a majority group. The thought of whites insisting on white-only groups in order to worship in their own style and for cultural expression raises all kinds of red flags. Not nearly as many red flags go up when blacks and Asians make this same claim. Does this play into our old selves and not our new creaturehood? Are we adjusting ourselves to what is instead of pushing for what could be?
Read the Full Article
