A Christians' Look at Racial Tension in the United States

     One does not have to look long and hard at our country, as well as the world at large, to see the mass racial tension that holds us in its vise-like grip. Even though this tension is by no means new, there has been a drastic shift in how it is expressed; and it is not a good one. Especially after the election of President Trump, the riots have not only increased in volume, but in violence as well; only further damaging already shattered ties. In a country torn asunder by hate and prejudice, it poses the question, “why?” and begs for an explanation, as well as a solution. What could that solution be? That depends on whom you ask. Ardent supporters of movements such as Black Lives Matter are armed with pointed declarations of injustice, and strive to improve the lives of African Americans; a certainly admirable goal to strive for.

     However, their actions do not always line up with what they say they believe. The ever-growing list of BLM violent protests and riots plaguing the nation tell us a different story; one of unified anger infused with hate, soaked through with blood. Whereas there are others who disagree with such actions, and slogans such as “all lives matter” have arisen in opposition. Contrasting with the often-violent actions of many on both sides, various organizations such as Star Parker’s CURE offer peaceful, Biblical solutions to the very real issues African Americans face. The difficulty with this subject is that the Church remains heavily divided regarding racial issues. Many Christians support groups such as Black Lives Matter, whereas others will adamantly disagree with the movement’s methods of addressing the situation, and propose differing solutions.  

   

     Amidst the confusing turmoil of beliefs and convictions, many are seeking answers not from a politician but the Word of God. What does the Bible say about racial issues? What stance should a Christian concerned about their ethnicity as well as their nation take? The first course of action is to delve into the Word itself. Right from the beginning, God clearly states that He made man in His own image; a special creation with a unique task. (Gen. 1:26) God did not create several races of men on the sixth day, there was only one race, and once race we remain. While there certainly are differences in ethnicity and culture; claiming that there are multiple races simply is not a Biblical position, nor is it supported in Scripture at all. We were all created and seen equally in His eyes, and many scriptures show God’s command to care for one another, including those that we might be tempted to see as lesser then ourselves. The Bible leaves no room for misinterpretation when we are admonished to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are even told that if we show favor to some, but not all, we are committing a sin. (James 2:8-9) Now, make no mistake, I am not saying that racial issues are invalid and are not a serious concern in our nation, on the contrary; I believe that they are very real and need to be properly addressed. We as Christians are called to do what is good, pursue justice for the oppressed and the fatherless, and take up for the widowed and the poor. (Isaiah 1:17) That doesn’t sound like a call to prejudice and hate, if you ask me.

     I’ll be the first to state that there are indeed issues infecting our nation, and the racial tension we all face isn’t simply an issue of a lack of education or understanding. There are legitimate concerns regarding the quality of life that many African Americans face, as well as many other ethnic groups in our nation. Many of the organizations and movements that have risen in the past few years have very valid reasons to exist, and some pose very truthful and hard-hitting questions that cannot be ignored. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement has shed light into impoverished and unmentioned struggles many African Americans face; struggles that have largely gone unmentioned in the public square, as well as unaddressed. 

     However, I cannot agree with the methods that many of these groups have employed to combat this issue. Christians are called to speak for the unspoken, to fight for the rights of the oppressed, and open our mouths in righteous judgment. (Proverbs 31:8-9) Oh, how we love to act out the ‘judging’ part of that passage. We are so quick to cast our judgments and biases that we fail to walk in love; and we, the Church, wound where we should heal. Almost every day I check the news, I will hear of the newest protest, and in most cases, it involves unjustifiable violence and rage-which points directly to a spiritual issue, not a physical one. It is not simply an ideal, but a disease that spreads like a wildfire and infects us to the very core with vengeful wrath and blind savagery.   

     Christians should not stand with organizations of any kind that promote further division and bloodshed in our country, as well as the Church. Such actions go against Jesus’s command for us to love one another, and to bring true change and healing, it must be through the saving grace of Christ. Many who fight for this cause are lost in the chaotic darkness of the world system, and need salvation to truly see the root of racial division; as well as Biblical ways to solve it. Instead of digging further in our separate trenches of division and strife, we should unite and work together to reach these people, and actually BE the change we wish to see in the world. I don't want to simply write this article and then never do anything other then penning my thoughts and convictions behind closed doors. The only way to change the world is to go out into the world and put your hands to the plow. How is this possible? One way to do so is to walk in love, and to see those around us as fellow human beings; loved by God as much as ourselves. The Bible warns us to avoid all manner of division among believers, and to beware false of doctrine being taught by those who do not truly serve Jesus. (Romans 16:17-18) We must be discerning regarding what and who we choose to listen to, and what we allow ourselves to believe. It is dangerously easy to slip into a strong emotional state and make decisions that do not line up with God’s Word; and this issue is no different. 

     Racial division is an issue that has lasted since the dawn of time, and while we can always combat flawed, incorrect ideology; it will never truly disappear until Christ returns and establishes His perfect reign over all. We must combat division within our ranks, and strive to see the world through God’s eyes, and not our own flawed perceptions. This starts when we make a choice to see our fellow man, as well as the world, differently. Instead of taking from the Bible what we like, and ignoring the parts that don’t line up with our own held beliefs, we must choose to stand on the Word as a whole. We, as the bearers of the message of His salvation, must do all that we can to raise the standard of living justly; treating all men and woman as equally loved creations in God’s eyes.